DWU Announces Signing of 38 Class of 2016 Members

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University football team has seen success like never before under the guidance of head coach Ross Cimpl, compiling 30 wins over the last four seasons. The Tigers finished the 2015 season 9-2 overall and 7-2 in the GPAC, narrowly missing the NAIA postseason.

Cimpl, now entering his fifth season with the program, is continuing to build toward the future with the signing of 38 players to National Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2016 season, it was announced Wednesday.

"This class top to bottom has to be considered as one of the best classes ever at DWU," Cimpl said. "We have added size, speed and athleticism with these kids. This class will be a part of the most successful years of DWU football to date."

The class includes 20 players from South Dakota, nine from Nebraska, five from Minnesota, two from Arizona, while one player each from Wyoming and Arkansas join the group.

The following is a list in alphabetical order includes all members of the Class of 2016 that have signed a National Letter of Intent as of Wednesday.

Jenson Amdahl

Freshman, 6'0, 200, Sioux Falls, S.D., Washington High School, Linebacker

Amdahl will join the 2016 Tiger football squad from Sioux Falls Washington High School. While at Washington, Amdahl earned two-varsity letters for the Warriors.

In his senior season with the Warriors he finished with 64 tackles with 11 for a loss, six sacks and a single pass breakup and fumble. A member of the Warrior squad that won the State 11AAA Championship and had an 11-1 record. He was named the linebacker of the year and earned All-City and All-Conference honors in 2015. In 2014 he was named special team's player of the year.

In addition to Amdahl's football success he has also been involved in track for Washington. He is a member of the 'A' Honor Roll. Jenson is the son of Jeff and Julie Amdahl and plans to major in business with a minor in coaching.

Joseph "Roo" Aten

Freshman, 5'10, 190, Gillette, Wyo., Campbell County High School, Running Back

After finishing a successful prep career for Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyo., Aten will join the Tiger football team.

Aten is a two-time varsity letter winner for the Camels. In his senior season he finished with 155 carries for 895 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. In 24 varsity games he had a total of 1,200 yards. He is a two time All-Conference safety. In addition, he was named to the First Team All-State and the Third Team Super-25.

Joseph is the son of Jerry and Marianne Aten and plans to major in criminal justice with a minor in business.

Calin Bosse

Freshman, 6'6, 270, Mitchell, Neb., Mitchell High School, Offensive Line

Bosse will join the 2016 Tiger football squad after excelling for the past four seasons at Mitchell High School in Mitchell, Neb.

For the Mitchell Tigers, Bosse helped lead his team to a 5-3 record in his senior season. He earned three-varsity letters in football and earned a single letter in wrestling.

He is the son of Scott and Tonya Bosse and plans to major in wildlife management.

Jaron Bricker

Freshman, 6'1, 190, Waverly, Neb., Waverly High School, Wide Receiver

After experiencing success for the Waverly High School Vikings, Bricker will join the 2016 Tiger football squad. For the Vikings Bricker participated in football, basketball and track and field.

Bricker lettered two times for the Vikings in football. In his senior season he played in 10 games and went for 431 yards, scoring five touchdowns. He was named All-State Honorable Mention in both football and basketball. For basketball he was also named to the All-Conference Team.

He is the son of Shelly Bricker and plans to major in nursing.

Myles Burkink

Freshman, 5'11, 185, Norfolk, Neb., Norfolk Senior High School, Wide Receiver

Burkink is set to join the 2016 Tiger football team from Norfolk, Neb. Burkink competed for the Norfolk Panthers the past four seasons.

Burkink was named to the All-Conference team and the All-Academic team in 2014 and 2015. He also competed in basketball and soccer for the Panthers. On top of his athletics, he is a top-notch student, earning principal's list honors.

Myles is the son of Doug and Beata Burkink and plans to major in education with a minor in business.

Lukas Chase

Freshman, 6'1, 185, Fort Pierre, S.D., Stanley County High School, Linebacker

Chase comes to DWU from Stanley County High School. He has been very involved at Stanley County, participating in football, wrestling and track and field for the Buffaloes.

In his senior season, the Buffalo football team finished with a 9-2 record. He was named to the Western Great Plains All-Conference twice. In wrestling, Chase earned an eighth-place finish at the state meet.

On top of all of Chase's athletic success, he continues that streak in the classroom. Chase is a member of the National Honor Society.

He is the son of Darren and Lana Chase and plans to major in business.

Emmanuel Christopher

Freshman, 5'10, 210, Sioux Falls, S.D., Roosevelt High School, Linebacker

Christopher comes to DWU from Sioux Falls Roosevelt. He has been a vital member of the Rough Rider football team during his prep career.

Christopher capped off his senior season with 10 sacks. He was named to the All-State, All-Conference and Elite 45 teams. In addition, he also was voted two times as the team's best defensive lineman and the recipient of the Rider Spirit Award.

Additionally Christopher is a member of the Roosevelt basketball team and has earned two-varsity letters. He is a four-year Honor Roll member.

He is the son of Christopher and Blandina Yuyuda and plans to major in finance with a minor in sports management.

Mathew Davis

Freshman, 5'9, 215, Hemingford Neb., Hemingford High School, Defensive Line

Davis comes to DWU from Hemingford High School. He finished a successful four-year career for the Bobcats, earning four-varsity letters.

He was named to the All-District, All-Conference, All-State and Second Team Super-State teams. He was part of the 2014 Bobcat State Championship team and three district title squads. He also wrestled for the Bobcats earning one varsity letter.

Davis is successful in the classroom as well as a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Jane Davis and plans to major in physical education with a minor in coaching.

Jackson Diede

Freshman, 6'0, 185, Menno S.D., Menno High School, Safety

Diede is set to join the 2016 Tiger football squad. He comes to DWU from Menno High School. At Menno, Diede has been active in football, basketball and track and field.

He is a four-time letter winner for the Wolves football program. Offensively, he finished with 1,650 rushing yards and 1,100 passing yards. Defensively, he ended with 105 tackles, nine interceptions and six forced fumbles. Diede earned First Team All-State, First Team Cornbelt All-Conference and Academic All-State honors.

Diede is also been a repeat member of the Menno High School Honor Roll and was named an A+ Student-of-the-Week in 2012.

He is the son of Ronald and Kristi Diede.

Preston Emerson

Freshman, 5'9, 185, Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville North High School, Running Back

Emerson comes to the Tiger football team from a successful football program at Lakeville North High School.

At Lakeville Emerson earned two-varsity letters. He was a member of the Panther team that went 9-2 in his senior season and 10-2 in his junior season. In both seasons, the Panthers were the conference champions.

He is the son of Jason Emerson and Sara Phillips and will major in sports management.

Parker Evans

Freshman, 6'1, 190, Chamberlain, S.D., Chamberlain High School

Evans joins DWU from nearby Chamberlain High School, where he was a standout performer for the Cubs, who went 7-3 last season and made a trip to the playoffs.

Evans broke four school records, including single season passing with 1,375 yards. He holds the mark for rushing touchdowns in a season with 20 and the record for total touchdowns with 30, while setting a new Chamberlain standard for total touchdowns in a career with 40. He was selected to the South Dakota 11B All-State team and was named Academic All-State.

Chayden Fitzsimmons

Freshman, 5'6, 170, Sioux Falls, S.D., Washington High School, Running Back

Fitzsimmons is set to join the 2016 Tiger football team. He comes to DWU after finishing a successful senior

season at Sioux Falls Washington High School.

He earned three-varsity letters for the Warriors. In his senior season was part of the Warrior Class 11AAA State Championship team that finished with an 11-1 record. He was named First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-City.

On top of his football achievements, Fitzsimmons is active in wrestling and track and field for the Warriors. He is a five-time letter winner for the Warrior wrestling squad and has lettered twice in track and field.

He is the son of Heath and Jill Fitzsimmons and will major in exercise science.

Ryan Fleischer

Freshman, 6'1, 185, Springfield, Minn., Springfield Public, Safety

Fleisher joins the DWU football team from Bemidji State University. Fleisher comes with plenty of prior experience in his prep career for the Springfield Public Tigers. He was a three-time varsity letter winner for the Tigers. Fleisher finished his prep career with over 300 tackles and was named the Defensive Team MVP two times.

Fleisher was also a member of the Honor Roll. He is the son of Jared Fleischer and Jean Peters and will major in business management.

Andrew Forshey

Freshman, 6'1, 180, Hills, Minn., Hills-Beaver Creek High School, Wide Receiver

Forshey will join the DWU football team from Hills-Beaver Creek High School. He has been highly involved, participating in football, basketball and track and field.

Forshey is a three-time letter winner for the Patriots football team. He capped off his senior season by being named to the 2015 All-Conference team and helped guide his team to an 8-2 record. He is a three-time letter winner in basketball and lettered four times in track.

He is the son of Keith and Brandy Forshey and plans to major in marketing with a minor in sports management.

Brodie Frederiksen

Freshman, 5'8, 180, Madison, S.D., Madison High School, Running Back

Frederiksen comes to the 2016 DWU football squad from Madison High School. He has been an instrumental piece of a successful Bulldog football program over the past four seasons.

Frederiksen earned four-varsity letters for the Bulldogs. He was a key player in the 2015 11A Bulldog State Championship team that went undefeated. In his career he had 3,023 rushing yards, 49 rushing touchdowns, 397 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Named twice to the All-State, All-

Conference and Elite 45 teams. He was also voted the most valuable player on his team in his senior and junior seasons.

He is the son of Matthew Frederiksen and Amy Janke.

Jacob Frost

Freshman, 5'11, 240, Dell Rapids, S.D., St. Mary's High School, Defensive Lineman

After competing for the Dell Rapids St. Mary's Cardinals the past four seasons, Frost will join the Tiger football program. Frost has earned four-varsity letters in his time at St. Mary's. He has also been active in basketball and track and field for the Cardinals.

Frost was named to the 2015 All-State and All-Conference teams. In 2014, the defensive lineman was named an All-State Honorable Mention. He was voted by his team as the most valuable lineman and most valuable player in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

He is the son of Ryan and Mindy Frost.

Zach Gors

Freshman, 5'10, 195, Tea, S.D., Tea Area High School, Running Back

After finishing up a standout prep career for the Tea Ara Titans, Gors will join the Tiger football team in 2016 for his freshman season.

At Tea, Gors lettered four times for the Titan football team. He was named to the Academic All-State and Dakota XII All-Conference teams. As a senior he was a team captain. His team voted him most inspirational as a senior and most improved as a junior. In 2012 and 2013, Gors was awarded with the Titan Commitment Award.

On top of his football, track and baseball success for the Titans, Gors also excelled in the classroom. Gors is a member of the National Honor Society.

He is the son of Duane and Karla Gors and plans to major in athletic training.

Kaden Greene

Freshman, 6'1, 185, Fremont, Neb., Fremont High School, Wide Receiver

Greene will join the Tiger football team for the 2016 season. He comes to DWU from Fremont High School.

Greene earned two-varsity letters for the Fremont Tigers. He was named to the HAC All-Conference. As a junior Greene scored six touchdowns. In addition to football Greene participates in track and field, he has earned four-varsity letters.

He is the son of Jolene Kasen and plans to double major in criminal justice and psychology.

Ben Gustad

Freshman, 6'2, 185, Irene, S.D., Irene-Wakonda High School, Defensive Line

After concluding four seasons with the Irene-Wakonda Eagles, Gustad will join the Tiger football team. As an Eagle Gustad was a very active student-athlete participating in football, basketball and track and field.

Throughout high school Gustad finished with 278 total tackles; 192 solo tackles and 86 assisted tackles. He averaged 8.4 tackles per game. In his senior and junior seasons was the team captain. For the Eagles he was voted most valuable linemen as a senior, most valuable defensive player as a junior and most improved for his sophomore season.

In addition to his football success he was also involved in basketball and track and field for the Eagles. He is a three-time letter winner for basketball and a four-time letter winner in track.

He is a member of the honor roll. He is the son of Dean and Elaine Gustad and plains to major in accounting.

Layne Hohn

Freshman, 6'1, 210, Pierre, S.D, Pierre T.F. Riggs High School, Linebacker

Hohn will join the 2016 Tiger football team from T.F. Pierre Riggs High School. He is a three-time letter winner for the Governors football program. In addition to football Hohn is involved in hockey and baseball.

He finished his senior season with 91 tackles, seven for a loss, two sacks and two interceptions. As a junior he ended the season with 73 tackles, 4.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He was part of the 2013 State AA Championship team for Pierre. In addition in 2013 and 2015 was a member of the Governors ESD title teams. He was named to the All-State team in 2014 and 2015 and in All-ESD team in 2015.

He is the son of Russ and Connie Hohn and plans to major in biology with a minor in business.

Grant Johnson

Freshman, 6'0, 190, Alcester, S.D., Alcester-Hudson High School, Wide Receiver

Johnson has the ability to add depth to the wide receiver position for the Tigers.

Johnson is a four-time letter winner for the Cubs football team. In his senior season he finished with 1,128 passing yards, 1,469 rushing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 26 rushing touchdowns, 53.5 tackles and three interceptions. As a junior he finished with 1,491 passing yards, 1,003 rushing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 18 rushing touchdowns and 34.5 tackles. Was named to the Elite 45 First Team and Honorable Mention. In addition, he is a two-time All-State Honorable Mention and a three-time Tri-Valley Conference First Team member. Also, was named to the Academic All-State.

In addition to football Johnson was involved in basketball and track and field for the Cubs. He is a five-time letter winner in basketball and track and field. He is the son of Warren and Debbie Johnson and plans to major in business.

Mitchell Johnson

Freshman, 5'10, 185, Alcester, S.D., Alcester-Hudson High School, Safety

Johnson will join the Tiger football team from Alcester-Hudson High School. Johnson was a highly-active student-athlete for his high school. He participated in football, basketball and track and field.

As a Cub he finished his prep career with 1,470 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, 209 tackles and 83 solo tackles. In his prep career was named to the All-State Honorable Mention, Academic All-State and was named to the Tri-Valley Conference team three times. He was the team captain and Defensive MVP for the Cubs.

He is a five-time letter winner for basketball and a four-time for track and field. Johnson is a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Warren and Debbie Johnson and plans to major in biology with a minor in education.

Kelly Kidwiler

Freshman, 6'2, 230, Winner, S.D., Winner High School, Defensive Line

Kidwiler is set to join the DWU football team in 2016. He comes to the Tiger football team from the University of South Dakota, but previously to USD, he finished a successful prep career for the Winner Warriors.

He is a four-time letter winner for the Warrior football team. He finished his senior season with a 9-2 record and a 10-1 record as a junior, while earning one team championship. He was named to the All-Conference Team. Also, was voted as the most outstanding linemen as a senior and most improved player in his junior season.

Kidwiler was a member of the wrestling and track and field teams. He earned three-varsity letters in track and one in wrestling. He is the son of Kevin Kidwiler and Lisa Faldalen.

Jacob Kramer

Freshman, 5'10, 200, Southern Valley High School, Linebacker

Comes to DWU from Southern Valley High School in Nebraska where he earned four varsity letters for the Eagles.

The 5-foot-10 linebacker earned three All-District and two All-State Honorable Mentions. He is also a four-time member of the Honor Roll at Southern Valley.

Jacob is the son of Carl and Karen Kramer and is undecided on his major at DWU.

Kobe Lawrence

Freshman, 6'1, 270, North Platte, Neb., St. Patrick's High School, Defensive Line

Lawrence joins the 2016 Tiger football team from North Platte, Neb. Prior to coming to DWU he had four successful seasons with the St. Patrick Irish.

In his senior season with the Irish his team finished with an 8-2 record and in his junior season finished with a 10-1 mark. The Irish were four-time district champions. In 2015 he was named First Team All-District and First Team All-Area.

Lawrence has also been active in basketball and track, participating in both for four seasons. Also, has accomplishments in the classroom, as the recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and is a member of the honor roll.

He is the son of David and Dustia Lawrence and plans to major in athletic training with a minor in Spanish.

Christopher LeBlanc

Freshman, 6'1, 280, Norwood Young America, Minn., Central High School, Offensive Line

LeBlanc comes to DWU from Central High School in Norwood Young America, Minn. At Central High School LeBlanc was involved in football and track and field. 

For the Rocky Raiders football team LeBlanc helped lead his team to the Section Championship in 2014-15.

He is the son of Kerri Thaggard and plans to major in criminal justice.

Matthew Mason

Freshman, 6'0, 225, Brookings, S.D., Brookings High School, Defensive/Offensive Line

Mason is set to join the Tiger football team from Brookings, S.D.

He participated all four years of high school for the Bobcats and earned two varsity letters. Mason was named an Athlete Scholar.

He is the son of Donald and Tracy Mason. Mason plans to double major in elementary education and criminal justice, with a minor in coaching.

Alan Murtic

Freshman, 6'2, 225, Phoenix, Ariz., Thunderbird High School, Outside Linebacker

Murtic is set to come to DWU from Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Ariz., after three successful seasons for the Chiefs.

He was named to the First Team All-Section, Second Team All-District, Second Team All-State and voted Team Defensive MVP. He finished his senior season with 78 tackles and 11 sacks.

In addition to football, Murtic also was part of the wrestling and track and field teams. He has earned two-varsity letters in wrestling and three in track and field.

Murtic is the son of Rasim and Sifeta Murtic. He plans to major in psychology.

Matthew Palli

Freshman, 5'10, 205, Madison, S.D., Madison High School, Outside Linebacker

After completing four seasons with the Bulldogs of Madison High School, Palli will join the Tiger football squad.

He finished his prep career with 162 tackles, 24 career receptions, 230 receiving yards, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. Palli was a vital member of the 2015 Bulldog Class 11A State Championship Team that went undefeated. Named to the Dak-12 All-Conference Team in 2014 and 2015. Also, given the unsung hero award in 2014.

Palli also participates in powerlifting and track and field for the Bulldogs. He is a member of the honor roll, named student-of-the-month and the Senior Ambassador.

He is the son of Dan and Lisa Palli and will major in business management.

Levi Rozeboom

Sophomore, 6'1, 275, Sioux Falls, S.D., Sioux Falls Lincoln High School, Offensive Line

Rozeboom comes to the Tiger football team from the University of Sioux Falls. Prior to playing for the Cougars, Rozeboom graduated from Sioux Falls Lincoln High School and earned three-varsity letters for the Patriots.

At Lincoln, Rozeboom was named to the First-Team All-State and the Elite 45 teams in 2013. He was named the Outstanding Lineman in the 2013 state championship game. In 2012 and 2013 he was named to the First-Team All-Conference.

Rozeboom is the son of Mike and Cori Rozeboom and he is a sports management major.

Bradley Schoch

Freshman, 5'11, 205, Marquette, Neb., Central City High School, Inside Linebacker

Schoch joins the Tigers from Central City High School in Marquette, Neb.

Schoch has experienced a great amount of success for the Bison. In his senior season he rushed for 572 yards. He finished his high school career with 1,077 rushing yards and 327 tackles. Started 38 straight games for the Bison. Schoch is a two-time All-State Honorable Mention and All-District First Team recipient. In his sophomore season he was named to the Second Team All-District and was All-District Honorable Mention in his freshman campaign.

He is a member of the wrestling, golf and track and field teams for the Bison. He is a three-time state qualifier in wrestling, and is the season and career escape record holder for Central City High School.

Schoch is a 2015 NSAA Academic All-State recipient and is a member of the honor roll. He is the son of Roger and Diane Schoch and plans to major in athletic training.

Braydin Sik

Freshman, 5'9, 170, Brookings, S.D., Brookings High School, Defensive Back

No information was provided for a bio for Sik prior to this release.

Brandon Slama

Freshman, 6'0, 175, Chaska, Minn., Chaska High School, Cornerback

After completing a phenomenal four seasons for the Chaska High School Hawks, Slama will join the DWU football program.

He has earned three-varsity letters for the Hawks football program. In his senior season he finished with three touchdowns, seven interceptions, 189 receiving yards and 61 tackles. He also helped guide his team to a 7-3 season as a senior. Slama was named to the All-District Honorable Mention and was named his team's defensive MVP.

He is the son of Peter and Loraine Slama and plans to major in management with a minor in marketing.

Logan Smith

Freshman, 6'1, 220, Chandler, Ariz., Corona Del Sol, Defensive End

Smith will join the Tiger football team in 2016 from Chandler, Ariz.

Smith was a First Team All-State Lineman, Honorable Mention All-State Lineman and the team's MVP lineman.

He is the son of Ralph and Tiffany Smith and plans to major in business.

Bryce Sovereign

Freshman, 5'10, 200, Norfolk, Neb., Norfolk Senior High School, Safety

Sovereign comes to DWU from Norfolk Senior High School. For the Norfolk Panthers he participated in football for four seasons and earned two-varsity letters. In addition to football Sovereign also plays baseball.

In his senior season for the Panther football team Sovereign was named the special teams player of the year. He was also named to the Academic All-Conference, A-2 All-District and All-State Honorable Mention in 2015.

He is the son of Aaron Sovereign and Tami Adkins and plans to major in psychology.

Brevin Wagner

Freshman, 6'10, 330, Tea, S.D., Tea Area High School, Offensive Line 

Wagner comes to DWU from Tea, S.D. He has participated in football for the Tea Titans the past four seasons and has earned two-varsity letters.

The 6-foot-10, 330-pound lineman helped guide the Titans to a 6-3 record last season. He was named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention and First Team All-State. He was voted most improved and most valuable offensive linemen by his team.

Additionally, Wagner competes in track and field and baseball. He is the son of Scott and Diane Wagner and plans to major in pre-law.

Drake Walker

Freshman, 6'0, 185, Mountain Home, Ark., Mountain Home High School, Wide Receiver

For the second time in three years, DWU has pulled a recruit out of the state of Arkansas with the signing of Drake Walker. The 6-0 wide receiver from Mountain Home, Ark., compiled over 5,000 total yards of offense in his career at Mountain Home High School.

Walker went over 1,000 yards rushing and passing in his last three seasons with the Bombers, while being named to the All-Conference Team three times and the All-State team twice. Also earned three varsity letters in soccer.

Drake is the son of Terry and Kim Walker and is undecided on a major at DWU.

Nick Walker

Freshman, 5'8, 195, Sioux Falls, S.D., O'Gorman High School, Wide Receiver

Walker joins DWU from the highly successful program at Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School

Walker compiled 25 tackles, 11 assisted and two interceptions, including one returned for a score. Was a member of the state runner-up team for the Knights in 2015. He won the 181-pound weight class state powerlifting title in 2015.

Nick is the son of Robert and Nancy Walker and is undecided on a major at DWU.