FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS : Thousand Oaks Wins Despite Sutton’s Record

Despite victories by Newbury Park’s Melissa Sutton and Mike Esparza, the Thousand Oaks High boys and girls cross-country teams clinched undefeated dual-meet seasons with wins Thursday in a Marmonte League double-dual meet at Cal Lutheran.

Although Sutton set her 10th consecutive course record in the girls meet, Thousand Oaks (6-0) defeated Newbury Park, 24-31, and Simi Valley, 15-42. Newbury Park (4-2) defeated Simi Valley (3-3), 16-43.

In the boys race, Thousand Oaks defeated Newbury Park, 24-35, and Simi Valley, 20-39. Newbury Park (5-1) defeated Simi Valley (4-2), 24-35.

Sutton, the two-time defending Southern Section champion, ran her typical race, leading from start to finish. Her 17:51 clocking over the three-mile course broke the previous best of 18:09 set by Newbury Park’s Denise Ball in 1981.

Christy Farrell (18:18), Angie Lovell (18:44) and Jena Haggenmiller (19:01) finished second, third and fourth for Thousand Oaks.

Sutton said she felt strong during the race but weak before it. “Before the start, I didn’t feel too good. But it was just a case of nerves,” she said.

Thousand Oaks Coach Jack Farrell, Christy’s father, was pleased with his team’s performance, especially Lovell’s. “Angie ran the race of her life,” he said. “She really came through.”

In the boys race, Esparza, a sophomore, came back from a disappointing 10th place at last Friday’s Ventura County championships to win in 15:44. He dueled with junior Paul McCarter of Thousand Oaks for the first 1 1/2 miles before pulling away to victory. McCarter finished second in 15:56.

Newbury Park Coach Mike Stewart was impressed with Thousand Oaks, the second-ranked teams in both the boys and girls Southern Section 4-A Division.

“We ran as fast as we’re capable of running today and they still beat us handily. They’re in fantastic shape right now.”