Camarillo’s Smith Chooses UCLA

Chadd Smith of Camarillo High, the third-place finisher in the boys’ high jump in the state track and field championships in June, has committed to UCLA.

Smith, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior, cleared 6-10 to win the Mt. San Antonio College Relays and Southern Section Division I title last season, despite jumping with a partially torn patellar tendon in his left (takeoff) knee.

He underwent arthroscopic surgery during the summer and could start jumping again next month.

Although several schools--including Texas, Kansas and Duke--expressed interest in Smith, his only recruiting trip was to UCLA.

“[UCLA] made him feel like they really wanted him,” said Ed Smith, Chadd’s father. “He wanted to go someplace where he felt wanted.”

BASEBALL

* Erik Johnson, an All-Mission League outfielder for Chaminade, has signed with UC Irvine. Johnson, who also plays basketball, batted .404 last season.

BASKETBALL

* Kate Beckler, The Times’ Valley player of the year last season at Alemany High, scored 19 points in her college debut Friday, leading Rice to a 61-56 victory over South Carolina in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament in Houston.

Beckler, who set a Rice record with 12 three-point attempts in the game, scored nine points Sunday in an 85-54 loss to Louisiana Tech.