Lady Jackets Sign Billings Senior HS Golfer (June 17, 2004)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State University-Billings head golf coach Roger Burckley announced today that Billings Senior High School graduate Halley Montalban has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next season.  Montalban graduated from Senior HS in May.

“To sign a young lady of this caliber, both athletically and academically, is a huge achievement for our three year old program,” said Burckley.  “Among Montana ladies, Halley was No. 1 on my list of potential recruits.  She is going to make an immediate impact, not only on our team but in the NCAA II West Region.”

Montalban finished in the top ten at the Class AA State meet in each of her four seasons for the Broncs.  She placed fourth individually as a senior, fifth as a junior, sixth as a sophomore and seventh as a freshman.  In her career, she led Billings Senior to four top four finishes at the State Tournament.

“My father and mother attended school here, and I love Billings,” said Montalban of choosing MSU Billings.  “I wanted to stay close to my mom.  I am also working on my private pilot’s license at Edwards Jet Center and I want to stay involved there.  I am also very interested in the Health Administration curriculum [at MSU Billings].”

MSU Billings started the NCAA Division II program two years ago, and both Yellowjacket golf teams will be able to compete for Pacific West Conference championships next year.  The 2004-2005 season will be the first year that golf is a championship sport in the Pacific West Conference, which is expanding from five to nine championships in 2004-2005.  The Yellowjackets will play in the inaugural PacWest Conference Golf Championships next April in Hilo, Hawaii.