Monday, April 7, 2014

PORTLAND, Ore. - Western Washington University javelin thrower Bethany Drake has been named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA Division II National Female Athlete of the Week for March 30-Apr. 5.

Drake, a sophomore from Sandy, Ore., shattered school and conference records with a winning throw of 169-6 at the University of Puget Sound J.D. Shotwell Invitational on Saturday.

Drake's effort was a personal best by more than a foot and moved her up to No.4 in Division II history and No.10 among all collegians in 2014.

Her throw was farther than every Division II National Championship-winning effort since the current javelin design was first implemented in 1999. It also was the best Division II throw since 2009.

Drake also received Great Northwest Athletic Conference Track and Field Female Field Athlete of the Week recognition for the second time this season.