Ailing elbow slows nationally ranked Musson

A javelin throw of 175 feet, 3 inches isn’t too bad, especially in the first meet of the year.

But when that mark belongs to Colville senior David Musson and doesn’t change in the next month, something’s up.

Turns out there is.

Musson, who threw the javelin 212-7 last year, the fourth-best throw in the nation and a state record for restricted-flight javelin introduced in 2002, has a somewhat baffling injury.

“He hurt his elbow last summer at nationals,” Colville coach Bill Carpenter said. “It was never taken care of.”

The hard-working Musson did all the winter preparation, but his elbow bothered him when the Indians got outside. He took one throw in the season-opening meet at North Central and shut down.

“He’s done all the rehab, but it’s not getting better,” Carpenter said. “He may not throw again this year. He’s one of the top two or three throwers in the nation. It’s not worth it. He’s got a future.”

Carpenter said Musson has maintained a positive attitude and last week threw the discus in a dual meet to help the team.

A recent MRI didn’t reveal any damage, but the pain persists so Carpenter said the official line is Musson is “day to day.”