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Western Washington University is sending eight athletes, four of whom were automatic qualifiers, to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 26-28 at Turlock, Calif. The announcement was made Tuesday.

Included among the Viking contingent are a defending national champion, another former national titlist and three athletes ranked among the top three nationally, one in two events.

"I don't think we've ever sent four automatic qualifiers, and we have two others ranked among the top eight," said Western coach Pee Wee Halsell (24th year). "This is a very talented group."

"We have the potential to score a lot of points. We have to go there and perform, but we're very capable and I think we will."

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