Babcock makes her pick: Washington

Woodbridge senior Christine Babcock, one of the greatest distance runners in county history, has committed to attend Washington in the fall.

Babcock, the defending girls county athlete of the year and a two-time defending state champion in both cross country  and track and field, was recruited many schools, including Oregon, UCLA, Stanford, and Indiana. She said she chose Washington because it was the best fit for her athletically and academically.

“During my visit, I really connected with the team and the coaches there,” said Babcock, who will compete in both sports, on Friday. “I also felt that I wouldn’t be going there just for running which was important to me.”

Babcock enjoyed a dominant cross county season this past fall, including posting the fastest three-mile time in the United States, running a 16:05 at the Woodbridge Invitational.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com