NEGAUNEE — Kingsford’s girls and Iron Mountain’s boys each placed third Thursday in a MHSAA Division 1 track and field regional.

Westwood’s boys scored 56 points to sink Houghton 36, Iron Mountain 32, Calumet 31, Negaunee 23, Kingsford 9.

Charlie Gerhard led the Mountaineers with firsts in 110 hurdles (16.27) and 300 hurdles (42.61) and second in high jump (5-10). Jaden Vicenzi was runner-up in long jump at 19-7.

“It was a great meet with tough competition,” said IM coach Kevin Sullivan. “Many ran their personal bests but were not able to qualify.”

Kingsford’s boys captured the 1600 relay (3:41.24). Cory Strong, Mike Creighton, Jacob Viau and Michael Halley improved by six full seconds.

“They will be the number one seed in the UP Finals,” said Flivver boys coach Jeff Harry. “This was a great accomplishment.”

Ben Backlund was Kingsford’s only individual UP qualifier, finishing fourth in the 100 dash.

“Ben came from a lower heat,” Harry said. “That’s unusual for regionals and a nice bonus.”

The Flivvers qualified all four relay teams.

“August Early and Ethan Wilcox both ran legs in the 3200 relay without much practice,” Harry said. “Both of these guys helped their teammates qualify. In what many consider an individual sport, both of these guys embraced the team concept and put their relay teammates in front of themselves.”

Negaunee’s girls tallied 56 points to beat Houghton 42, Kingsford 41, Westwood 28, Calumet 15 and Iron Mountain 5.

The Flivvers’ Olivia Allen won the 100-meter dash (13.61), 400 (1:02.14) and 200 (27.68). She also took third in long jump.

“Olivia got out of the blocks awesome,” said Flivver coach Lisa Harry. “She had a little trouble hitting the board just right in the long jump. There is so much precision that goes into long jump and it is hard to be perfect every meet, especially when you are on a foreign runway.”

Kingsford claimed three relays — 3200, 10:57.48; 800, 1:57.02; and 1600, 4:27.91.

Melanie Wenzel, Ali Doolittle, Maddy Holmes and Emma Allen ran their best time in the 1600.

“Those girls keep getting stronger and stronger,” said Flivver coach Lisa Harry. “Overall, it was a good day, just a little windy. The girls ran hard. Everyone had to fight the wind today. I am thrilled 12 girls qualified for UPs in 10 of 17 events.”

Kingsford hosts the UP Finals on Saturday, June 1.

Olivia and Emma Allen each qualified in four events while Melanie Wenzel qualified in three. Rylee Palmer placed third in pole vault and also qualified in discus.

“I’m happy for Rylee,” said Harry, noting Palmer cleared a personal best 8-feet in pole vault. “She puts in a lot of hours working on her events. I’m looking forward to UPs in a couple weeks. We still have room to improve.”