Defending NCAA D2 javelin champ Bethany Drake to miss season; Vikes & Falcons open outdoor season...

BELLINGHAM—Western Washington University announced that defending NCAA Division II javelin champion Bethany Drake (above/photo by Becky Miller, gophertrackshots.net) has a stress reaction in her lower vertebrae that requires three months of rest to heal.

"She's going to be sorely missed," said WWU head coach Pee Wee Halsell. "Not only are we losing an incredible athlete, but also the leadership qualities she possesses because she's such a great person. But she's a determined young lady and I'm sure that she will be back competing."

Drake threw a WWU school record of 169-6 (51.66m) in addition to winning the national title.  That mark was the best toss in Division II since 2009, and the fourth best all time in D-II history.

Both Seattle Pacific and Western Washington will open the 2015 outdoor track & field season this Saturday at the UPS Outdoor Preview meet hosted by the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma at Baker Stadium.

The Falcons will run most of the women who contributed to their recent GNAC indoor championship a few weeks ago, including multi-event specialists Maliea Luquin, Maddi Hommes, and Cheryl Hong.

Western Washington has not announced how many of its athletes will compete.