Former Moses Lake football player headed to University of Great Falls

Former Moses Lake football player Colton Thompson signs his letter of intent to play lacrosse for the University of Great Falls.

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| July 20, 2014 6:05 AM

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Since graduating from Moses Lake High School, Colton Thompson's athletic future had been up in the air.

The 20-year-old was a running back and wide receiver for the Chiefs and attended Spokane Falls Community College for stint before he received some surprising news.

A football coach at the University of Great Falls had seen one of his games and, impressed by his athletic ability, floated Thompson's name to head lacrosse coach Bryan Jenkins.

"I used to play football for Moses Lake and one of the football coaches, well a football coach, that works at UGF saw me play," he said. "He knew that I wasn't doing anything at Spokane Falls (Community College) so he kind of just told the lacrosse coach that I was a good athlete and now they're just trying to get me."

Despite never playing lacrosse before, Thompson was offered a scholarship to play for the Argos and recently signed his letter of intent.

"I didn't think it was real but when I actually went and visited them the first time they kind of showed me around and stuff and I'm just grateful for the opportunity," he said.

Thompson recently visited UGF and was impressed by the campus and athletic facilities. He also enjoyed the intimacy of the smaller NAIA school.

The Argos struggled in their inaugural season, finishing 1-5 in the Frontier Conference. The team's lone win came in a 12-11 nail-biter over Portland State University.

Thompson hopes his athleticism on the football field can translate to the lacrosse field. He'll still be running and making cuts, just with a stick and not a ball in his hands.

"I'm a little nervous but I think I'll do good," Thompson said.

Thompson said he was a little nervous about the move to Montana and will lean on his sister who also lives in the state.

Thompson will make another trip the Great Falls to learn more about lacrosse and, in time, he hopes to be a solid contributor and team leader for the Argos.

"I'm very grateful that they reached out to me for a scholarship opportunity 'cause it'll be really fun," he said.