The Lakeland High School track and field team competed in the Class 3 state meet over the weekend and had some strong performances.

After coming within a couple of points of winning the state meet last year, the Cavs came back this year with some strong performances. The boys’ team finished in fourth place, and the girls finished in 21st. However, every member of the team that qualified for the state meet and traveled for Lakeland made All-State.

“All 16 we carried up there made All-State, so that’s good for us,” Coach Brian Rountree said. “They went up there, and they did what they had to do.”

On the boys’ side, Teshun Pierre had a strong meet, finishing second in the 110-meter hurdles. He also finished third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump.

Jeshawn Walker, who took home a couple of region titles in long distance, finished fourth and seven in the 800- and 1,600-meter events. Bryce St. Louis finished sixth in the triple jump, with Jerome Benton finishing fifth in the 300 hurdles. Alexican Neilly took sixth in the shot put and discus.

For the girls, Kimari Rountree took sixth in the 300 hurdles. The 4×100 and 4×400 teams finished sixth and seventh, respectively, earning All-State honors.

“I was proud of everyone,” Rountree said. “They went out there and competed. It’s some good competition in Class 3, and I was proud of the way we competed.”

Lakeland will look forward to the summer as the bulk of their talent will return next season. Of the last three years, Lakeland has brought home two region championships, including the indoor season. With more work, they believe they can compete for a state title.