The Lakeland High School track and field team returns some talented athletes and is excited about a productive indoor season.

Coach Brian Rountree returns for his fourth season with the Lakeland track and field team. In each of the last two seasons, Lakeland has been among the top of its region and state in individual events and as a team. Last indoor season, the boys’ team took the Class 3 Region A title for the second consecutive year. A few standouts from that team have returned, and Rountree excited for what he has on both sides.

“We are looking to compete,” Rountree said. “We have some veterans coming back, and we have a big group on both sides, but I am excited for what we have this season.”

On the girls’ side of things, Rountree has his biggest group thus far. It is headlined by Loren Biggs, who will be returning for her senior year. Lakeland also has a group of talented freshmen Rountree is excited to see in meet action.

“I’m excited to see what they are capable of being,” he said. “There is a lot of talent there, but we will have to put it on the track and see how it turns out. The early meets will be good for them as they figure things out and we learn more about them.”

For the boys, Lakeland returns Nate Edghill, Teshun Pierre and Bryce St. Louis. They also return Nicolas Horton and Jeshawn Walker. All of those athletes have state meet experience.

“We have a lot of experience with the boys,” Coach Rountree said. “We have a couple of guys who can step up to add to the veterans that can help us accomplish some good things. We have some guys who have some big goals this year.”

Rountree will have his teams running and resting on a strong program. He wants to be peaking in February when it is championship season. Last outdoor season, Lakeland finished a point short of winning a state title. They are hoping to maintain their momentum and earn the top award this year.

“I am definitely excited about this season,” Rountree said. “We are working hard for what is to come in February. Early on here, we want to have some benchmarks and then just keep progressing as the season goes on.”