Joplin High School’s John Jasper is entering his senior year for the Eagles. He competes in football, basketball and baseball. He’s also involved in Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Honor Society, Fusion and Future Business Leaders of America at JHS.
Jasper says he enjoys being involved in various things at the school “because I get to promote the school and all the opportunities that are available for all different students.”
As a junior last year, he reinsured his knee by tearing his meniscus and went on to play the remainder of the season as a key part of the offense at tight end. He helped the Eagles reach a district championship game and he considers that a fond memory that he’s proud of.
“Football, and all the sports I have played, has taught me how to be part of something bigger than myself. In all the sports, it is important to rely on teammates to accomplish goals,” Jasper said.
In the classroom, he’s found Ms. Edith Pringle to be his favorite teacher. Pringle teaches Human Body Systems and through that, Jasper saw her to be a nice, funny teacher that can connect personally to each and every student through storytelling.
Whit Hafer left an impression on Jasper before graduating from JHS in 2024. Jasper had this to say about his former teammate: “He mentored others around him, he was a good teammate and tried to help others everywhere he could.” Hafer is now playing Division I football at Missouri University.
Jasper finds inspiration through the life his grandfather, Dale Jasper, led. Called “Papa,” he was know for working hard and caring for his family. After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, he made sure not to let it interrupt that lifestyle.
“He still came to all my sports events,” John said.
When he thinks about some of the best advice he’s ever been given, he struggles to find just one piece of advice that is best for him. But another person in his family stands out as the best giver of advice. His dad, and head football coach, Curtis Jasper, provides that advice.
“I want to thank all of my coaches I’ve had throughout the years, all of my teammates, and especially my family,” Jasper said.
Jasper and the Eagles are coming off a state sectional trip in baseball this spring and are now gearing up for the 2025 football season.
