CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports editor
Southern Arkansas University Tech added more to its atletics program as it signed its first two Rocket Cheerleaders and its first official Rocket mascot.
Bearden senior Shelby Young and Sparkman senior Elizabeth Hernandez signed their national letters of intent to joining the SAU Tech Rockets Cheerleading team. Exzaviaun Monk of Texarkana also signed to become the SAU Tech Rocket mascot.
The signees were joined by their family and friends for a ceremony held at the SAU Tech Gym.
“This is tremendous,” SAU Tech Chancellor Dr. Jason Morrison said after the signing. “This is the new vision and identity of SAU Tech. A vibrant college that gives students a four-year experience at the two-year cost. Cheerleaders are great ambassadors for this institution. Not only on the court but out in the community. They are great role models for young children to look up to and know that they too can go to college and have the opportunity to have fun. It’s an opportunity for college students to get engaged. We are a small institution so the students are such a vital part of our success and our identity. So I’m super proud and we are going to have more to come in the coming weeks that will be signing. Of course, we still have basketball signings. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for the Camden community. The faculty and staff of SAU Tech that has really embraced this vision of SAU Tech of what we want our institution to be. It kinda chokes me up at times that this is all happening and we are going to build a better, bigger and brighter SAU Tech.”
Both Young and Hernandez praised their coach, Stephanie Morrison. She is volunteering as the Rocket Cheerleading coach and will be assisted by fellow volunteer, Marcus Copeland.
“It is a very new endeavor for me,” Stephanie Morrison said. “But I’m very excited about bringing cheerleading to SAU Tech and giving more opportunities for students to participate on campus and make leaders in the community.”
She thanked Esterline for the cheerleading scholarship, Eddie Horton of Horton Turkey Calls, and Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation for the cheerleading uniforms.
Stephanie said that the team will consist of 11 members and the Rocket mascot. There are still spots open to joing the team. Stephanie explained that high school cheerleading experience is a plus but not mandatory and candidates must have an idea how to tumble. To find out more, call Stephanie at 378-1281.