MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University Cheer Team Head Coach Traci Loecker has signed the first two recruits for the Class of 2016, as Alyssa Griffith and Morgan Murray both committed to joining the Tiger squad next season.
Griffith and Murray each signed a National Letter of Intent to cheer for DWU starting in 2016-17 at a recent Tiger basketball game where the pair was introduced to the crowd at halftime.
Griffith joins the Tiger cheer team from Tea Area High School. She has been a valuable team member of the Titan cheer and volleyball teams. She earned the Most Flexible Award in cheer and has participated in cheer throughout high school.
In volleyball for the Tea Titans, Griffith earned a list of team awards, including: Most Dedicated, the Titan Award, Motivator, Most Consistent and Hustle award. She is the daughter of Nick and Amy Griffith and plans to major in nursing at DWU.
"Alyssa is out-going, positive and encouraging," Loecker said. "She brings four years of experience to DWU Cheer. She will play a dual role as both a base and a flyer. We are very happy Alyssa has chosen DWU!!"
Murray comes to DWU cheer from Baltic High School in Baltic, S.D., where she has been extremely involved in cheer, volleyball, basketball and track and field.
Murray is a three-year participant in cheer for Baltic. She earned the Most-Improved Team Award in the 2013-14 season. Murray earned the Bulldog Team Award for her track efforts. In addition Murray has shown her dedication in the classroom too. Murray has been on the Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society.
She is the daughter of Christine and John Haak and Rob Murray.
"When waiting to meet with Morgan at her high school, the secretary could not say enough good things about her," Loecker said. "Then, when Morgan sat down with us to discuss the possibility of attending DWU, within the first 30 seconds of meeting her, we knew she would be the perfect fit for DWU Cheer. With her background in cheer and all-around accomplishments, she will bring strength and enthusiasm to the team."