Swim and dive shatters school records at state

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor • February 26, 2019

Senior Jed Jones practices his backstroke. Jones looks to defend his state title in the 200 IM

The swim and dive teams set 10 new school records at the state meet in Austin. The girls swim team finished 11th overall, and the boys team checked in at ninth overall.

Head coach Matt Franks said he was very pleased with his teams’ performances and has high expectations for the future of the program.

“This team has set the standard that all future teams will be held to. The excitement and fast swimming that we have enjoyed throughout the season will undoubtedly help keep us motivated to set goals for even more success in the future.”

Among the Leopards’ top finishers was junior Jed Jones, who finished in first place in the 200 IM and third in the 500 freestyle.

“It’s just really nice to be able to bring home medals for the Lovejoy Leopards,” Jones said. “The training for swim is very difficult, but in the end, it’s worth it, especially when you get to share that success with your teammates.”

Franks hinted that the future is bright for both the boys and girls teams.

“This team was very special,” Franks said, “and we have many point scorers from regionals and state returning next year.”

About the Contributors

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor

After joining staff and becoming an editor his sophomore year, Benjamin Nopper is enthusiastic to spend his senior year in the newsroom he considers to be his home away from home. Benjamin walked into room E103 two years ago feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the unknown‒writing for an award-winning publication without much previous experience. Hundreds of articles and dozens of close relationships later, he now understands that writing enables an individual to have a meaningful impact in his community. A disciple of his former boss, Nick Smith, Nopper retains his position as sports editor for the third consecutive year while also contributing as an opinion writer. However, if it were up to him, he would run his own satire department. Outside of the newsroom, Nopper plays baseball and serves as an FCA leader. Nopper is also a member of Student Council, NHS and Spanish Club. He enjoys embarking adventures with his three dogs, spending afternoons on the golf course, and feeding his unhealthy coffee obsession. Nopper also loves to watch Impractical Jokers, the show that admittedly inspires some of his lighthearted interactions with his friends. Upon graduating, Nopper intends to study business and eventually attend law school.

Cooper Meldrum, Photographer

Senior Cooper Meldrum is now in his second and final year with The Red Ledger where he will be a photographer. Outside of school, his hobbies include lacrosse and just about any other sport around. He loves to be active in the outdoors and never sits around doing nothing. But, when he does sit around doing nothing, he likes to watch movies. One of his all time favorites is “Top Gun.” He is excited to finish his High School career in in TRL.