DWU set to introduce six members into Athletic Hall of Fame

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University athletic department is set to induct six of its' newest members into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Those individuals include Raven (Morgan) Ellwein ('00), Robert Stockton ('05), Justin "Bubba" Slaba ('12), Chad Johnson ('03), Matthew Hein ('04) and Dan and Diane DesLauriers (Contributors).

 "On behalf our entire campus and community, we want to congratulate our newest inductees into the DWU Athletic Hall of Fame," Director of Athletics Jon Hart said. "Induction into the DWU Athletic Hall of Fame is our highest honor and this class is another perfect representation of our history, success and values. Each one of these inductees has made a profound impact on our programs and institution as a whole. We couldn't be more excited to honor and celebrate them this spring."

 Morgan completed her career with 1,302 points, good for sixth all time in women's basketball history upon her graduation. She still sits eighth in program history for career points per game with 12.5 points per game throughout her career. In 1998, she received SDIC Player-of-the-Week honors. Morgan was a SDIC All-Conference Third Team member for her efforts in 1998-99. She was also nationally ranked in free-throw percentage in the same season, as well as being tabbed an Academic All-American. In her senior campaign, Morgan was named a team captain and was a four-year starter for the Tigers. She was a three-time DWU Scholar-Athlete for her efforts off the court. Ellwein currently resides in Huron with her husband Jay, and their five kids; Isabelle, Blake, Myles, Berkeley and Scarlett.

 Stockton joined the Tigers from Trinidad State Junior College as a junior. He made an immediate impact for the DWU pitching staff as he was named a two-time All-GPAC First Team selection as a pitcher in 2004 and 2005. In his first season, he was named to the NAIA All-Region team. Stockton holds the record for most wins in a season with 10, which he completed in both seasons with the Tigers. He holds another DWU record for most innings pitched in a season with 104. The Albuquerque, N.M., native was a two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection, while leading the Tigers to consecutive GPAC championships in 2004 and 2005. He was named GPAC Pitcher-of-the-Week following a one-hit shutout performance with nine strikeouts. Stockton also notched an ERA of 3.61 during his junior season, followed by a 2.42 ERA in his senior campaign, good for a 3.01 career ERA. Following his career with DWU, Stockton played professionally for the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Sioux City Explorers. He also worked in the DWU admissions offices after graduating. Stockton currently serves as a Sergeant for the Albuquerque, N.M., police department and has five daughters; Jordyn, Ayva, Bella, Harley and Kaia.

 Slaba completed a historic career with the DWU football team after being a two-year starter at wide receiver. He was named to the All-GPAC First Team in 2008 and to the All-GPAC Second Team in 2009. He currently stands second for single season receiving yards with 1,046 yards in 2008. He also sits second in program history in career receiving yards after recording 2,881 yards on 206 catches. His 206 career receptions put him third in DWU football history. Slaba also sits second and third in single season receptions with 76 catches in 2008 and 72 receptions in 2009. He was a member of the 2008 Tiger team who finished with seven wins and ranked 23^rd in the final NAIA poll. Slaba currently resides in Sioux Falls with his wife Jess and they have one daughter, Haidyn and are expecting a son in May.

 Johnson completed his career with the DWU wrestling program in 2003. He was a three-time NAIA National Qualifier from 2000-2002. He was also a GPAC Conference runner-up in 2002 and was fourth in 2001. Johnson currently holds the school record for fastest pin with a :09 pin set in 2001. He also tied his own record at the NAIA National Championships with another :09 pin in 2002. The :09 pin is still amongst the fastest pins in NAIA history. He was a NAIA All-American in 2001 and also placed fourth at regionals in 2001 and took second at regionals in 2002. Johnson currently resides in Kennebec, S.D., with his wife Darcy and they have two sons; Gunner and Maverick.

 Hein finished his time at DWU as a two-time All-American. In 2004, he placed third at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 3,000-meter racewalk, good for an All-American nod. In the same year, Hein took second at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 3,000-meter racewalk, again, good for an All-American selection. He currently holds the third-best time in the 3,000-meter racewalk with a time of 15:33.44 minutes in 2004. Hein also holds the record for fastest 5,000-meter racewalk after his finish of 24:27.26 in 2004. He was a NAIA All-American Scholar recipient in 2004 for his efforts in the classroom. Hein currently resides in Buffalo, Wyo., with his wife Kristen and they have three daughters; Addison, Abrie and Emmy.

 Dan and Diane DesLauriers have been long time supporters of Dakota Wesleyan University and DWU Athletics. More recently, they have been key contributors to the DWU football program. Major gifts directed to equipment, player safety and program support continue to be a strong passion of theirs. Just last year, Dan and Diane were recognized at the legacy banquet for exceeding $100,000 in lifetime giving. They also have made a major impact from a more personal perspective, as they have served as host parents for countless student-athletes. They not only create relationships with the athletes, but also their families. Not only have they contributed in countless ways to DWU, but they continue to be strong staples and leaders for the Mitchell community. Dan and Diane have two adult children, Linda Cimpl and Marty DesLauriers.

 The Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Saturday, April 25 in the Sherman Center on the DWU campus in Mitchell, S.D.