Westwood girls claim regional track championship

NORWAY — Westwood High School’s wait for a girls track victory ended in a U.P. Division 2 regional meet Thursday at Ronberg Field in Norway.


Coach Jon Beckman’s Patriots, fueled by junior sprinter Taylor Watters, chalked up 51.5 points to 38 for runner-up L’Anse.


“I’m so proud of these girls,” Beckman said. “What a time to win their first meet of the year.


“I’m really pleased with the effort and how they performed.”


Watters raced to firsts in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, along with helping out on two relays.


WHS freshman Alyssa Chapman won the 1600 and 3200 runs, along with qualifying for two more U.P. events (800, second; high jump, third).


“We had a good meet on the girls’ side,” Beckman said. “We had freshmen and juniors qualify. It was a total team effort.”


Westwood produced seven firsts, including Becca Conery in the shot put.


Carlen Smith of Hancock copped the 100 hurdles and long jump.


Ironwood, with Alan Peterson winning the 1600 and 3200 runs, snared the regional boys trophy with 63 points. Runner-up Westwood (46) showed two victories apiece from Nick Pennell (100, 200) and Nate Isola (shot, discus).


Norway’s Jake Meneghini swept the hurdles and teammate Jordon Thomas took the long jump.


Qualifiers advance to the U.P. Track & Field Finals on Saturday, May 31, at Kingsford,