Index of Sports Press Releases

Nov. 19, 2008

Avon star Dykstra commits to Dakota Wesleyan

Avon senior Matt Dykstra signs his Letter of Intent to continue his basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan University. Pictured above, from left to right, front row: DWU head men’s basketball coach John Hemenway and Matt Dykstra. Back row: Avon athletic director Tom Culver, Avon head boys’ basketball coach Mel Fathke, Steve Dykstra, Avon assistant boys’ basketball coach Jeff Wepking and Beth Dykstra. (Photo courtesy of Jack Brodeen/Avon Clarion)

MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University men’s head basketball coach John Hemenway is extremely busy these days. Not only is he trying to navigate his eighth-ranked Tiger team through its difficult early-season schedule, but he’s also building for the future.

Tuesday, Hemenway received his first commitment for his 2009-10 recruiting class when Matt Dykstra, a star player from nearby Avon, S.D., signed a Letter of Intent to continue his basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan beginning next season.

“I am very excited to announce the signing of Matt Dykstra to a Letter of Intent,” Hemenway said. “He is an athletic post player that is very good in a lot of areas. Matt has a great upside and will help us in the future.”

Dykstra, an All-State Second Team selection as a junior in 2007-08, is a 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward/center who has demonstrated the ability to impact a game in a number of ways. As a junior, Dykstra led the Pirates to a 16-6 record while averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game for coach Mel Fathke. He’s a five-year letterwinner, a four-year starter and a three-time All-Conference selection in basketball.

In addition to basketball, Dykstra has also displayed his athleticism in football and track and field as well. This season, he started at tight end on Avon’s Class 9A State Championship team, and he’s earned both All-State and All-Conference football honors the past two seasons. Dykstra is also a five-year letterwinner on the Pirates’ track team and a member of the Honor Roll.

At Dakota Wesleyan, Dykstra plans to major in athletic training. He is the son of Steve and Beth Dykstra.