NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State announced the signing of Jacqueline Rushford who placed third in the 2000 meter steeplechase with a time of 7:51.16 at Thursday's USATF National Junior Olympics from Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas.

The DeRidder native, who will join the track and field as well as cross country programs this fall, also vaulted 10-10 on Friday.

As a senior at DeRidder High School, Rushford earned four top ten finishes at the state meet highlighted by third in the 1,600 meters (5:24), sixth in the 800 meters (2:26), sixth in the pole vault (10-2) and tenth place in cross country (20:18).

As a four-year letter winner, she was a six-time district champion.

Rushford enters Northwestern State following a decorated career lettering in four sports including soccer, cross country, softball and track and field. As valedictorian, she was also academic all-state in cross country, soccer and track and field.