Top Runners Wilson, Shaw Choose Colleges

Jeff Wilson of Newbury Park High and Nikki Shaw of Fillmore, two of the state’s top middle-distance runners, will attend Brigham Young and Villanova, respectively, in the fall.

Wilson, runner-up in the Kinney national high school cross-country championships last December, has made a verbal commitment to Brigham Young and expects to sign a letter of intent later this week.

Wilson, who has a personal best of 4 minutes 12.44 seconds in the 1,600 meters, took recruiting trips to Indiana and Northern Arizona in addition to BYU.

Shaw, runner-up in the girls’ 1,600 at last year’s state track championships, signed with Villanova on Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.

Shaw also made trips to Stanford and Arkansas. She has run 2:09.19 in the 800 and 4:49.01 in the 1,600.

In women’s basketball, Wendy Bruse and Falicia Stanley of Valley College signed letters of intent with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Christ College of Irvine, respectively.

Teammate Katina Mines has made a verbal commitment to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, but she must complete her requirements for an Associate of Arts degree before enrolling.