The Lakeland High School Cavs swim team competed in the 3A East regional meet last Friday, and the boys’ 400-yard freestyle relay team qualified for states.

The top eight finishers at the regional meet qualify for the state meet, and Lakeland’s relay team placed seventh.

It is the first time in school history that any Lakeland swimmer will progress to the state meet. The relay team consisted of Cole Matern, Hart Parker, Colton Brown and Corey Hasson. Parker is the only senior on the relay team and is a team captain. Matern and Hasson are both sophomores while Brown is only a freshman and just began competitive swimming back in November. They were seeded in 10th place and dropped 13 seconds off their best time this season to finish with a time of 4:03.25.

Though only the boys’ relay team qualified for states, the majority of the team that attended the meet dropped their times.

“I am incredibly proud of all swimmers on the team with their growth and progress this season,” Lakeland swim coach Beth Brant said. “I can’t wait to see how they will continue to grow next season.”

Brant was back at the head coaching position this season after taking last season off. She admits it was great being back to coach the Cavs swim teams.

“I truly enjoyed watching the swimmers grow in confidence, speed and technique throughout the season,” Brant said.

The state meet will be this Saturday at SwimRVA in Richmond.