Sutton Plans to Run for UCLA Next Year

Melissa Sutton of Newbury Park, one of the state’s best high school distance runners, has made a verbal commitment to attend UCLA this fall.

Sutton, who won her third straight Southern Section 4-A cross-country title last November, was both pleased and relieved after making her decision Tuesday night.

“I feel really good about it,” she said by telephone. “I’m glad it’s finally over. The pressure was starting to wear on me.”

Sutton, who has a 4.0 grade-point-average, had narrowed her choices to UCLA and Stanford.

In addition to her three cross-country titles, Sutton is the defending 4-A champion in the 3,200 meters and placed fifth in the state championships in 1986.