The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by an anonymous donation, in appreciation of Coach Ron Allice.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
While the Lakewood girls’ team has a stable of returning talent and experience, the boys’ squad is much earlier in its development. The Lancers will have a few key upperclassmen to rely on in 2024, but it will be a young team overall for head coach Mike Wixted.
Sean Lane is one of two senior sprinters for the Lakewood boys, and has a lot of untapped potential after missing time with injury last season. A football player in the fall, Lane has been with the track program since December and is aiming for a spot in the 100m finals in the Moore League.
“I have a whole bunch of ninth grade boys, so I can’t say we’re going to make much noise (this year),” said Wixted of this year’s group. “But I am excited to see what Sean can do. We’re not going to have a competitive relay this year, but we will have a really good frosh-soph team, so the future is bright.”
Senior Jamari Gibson was Lakewood’s top finisher at the Moore League cross country finals in November, and he also has track experience, placing 10th in the 1600 a year ago. He’ll also run the 800 for the Lancers.
Fellow senior Raymond Grier is running track for the first time since 8th grade, choosing the sport over baseball this spring. He could be a factor in the 400, the triple jump, and the long jump, but perhaps more importantly he’s stepped into a leadership role for the young Lakewood squad.
“I don’t know exactly what he’s going to be good at, but one thing’s for sure. He’s our captain. He’s our leader,” Wixted said of Grier. “And so I gotta give him a shout out, because he’s leading the way. If not performance-wise, he’s leading the way for the team. He’s a really important kid.”
Senior Malaki Alexander-Fonfana can contribute in a variety of events, including the 200, 400, and the jumps. Junior Keyvel Sowell has dropped times from last season and will run the 200 and 400 for the Lancers.
More than half of Lakewood’s sprinters are freshmen, including Bryson Smith, Luis Silva, and Kameron Chatman. Fellow ninth grader Jaydenn Moore has performed well in the middle distances, and the Lancers also have a group of throwers led by Julian Velazquez.
