Montana State head track and field coach Dale Kennedy announced the signing of two prep standouts to national letters of intent.

Chelsea Bourque of Kennewick, Washington was recruited as a hurdler and Haley Thompson of Plentywood, Montana has been recruited as a sprinter for next year's squad.

“We're really excited to have these two coming to Montana State,” Kennedy said. “They both will add depth to our women's sprinting corps and Chelsea's strength is really in the hurdles.”

Bourke was a district and regional champion in the 100 meter hurdles her freshman and junior years in high school. She holds the 100 and 300 hurdle records at Southridge High School and was a member of the three-year all-state 4-by-200 relay team. In addition, Bourke will graduate as one of her class valedictorians and is a National Honor Society member. She is also active in the high school music program. She plans to major in math and pursue a degree in secondary education at MSU

Thompson hails from a long line of Bobcats. Her mother, Kristy Harris-Thompson, ran track at MSU under Kennedy and her cousin, Heath Howard, is on the Bobcat football team. Thompson has been recruited as a sprinter but is also a class “B” all-state performer in the pole vault. She was the 200 state champion in the 400 meters and placed third in the 200. She is currently rated as fourth best 400 runner in the state among all classes.

“Haley is a great all-around athlete and has good range from the 100 all the way up to the 800,” sprint coach Jorah Griffith said. “She has a solid work ethic and will contribute well to an up and coming women's sprint event group.”