Xavier’s Jasper always in season

CEDAR RAPIDS — Xavier sophomore Ryan Jasper does not have an off season.

Jasper is involved in three sports during the school year.

'It's tiring and a lot of hard work, but I love being involved in sports,' Jasper said.

Football, basketball and tennis keep him busy all year, playing at least one or sometimes two at a time. Jasper finds it difficult having to split time between school work, sports, family and friends with very little time for himself.

'It's one of the few things that makes me consider quitting one of the sports, but I never do,' he said. 'I guess I just love them all too much.'

Jasper tells story after story of how he got involved with each one of his sports.

'My dad got me involved with football, my mom and sister got me in basketball, and my aunt got me interested in tennis,' Jasper said.

His family supports him through all of them, even when he decided to stop playing golf after eighth grade so that he could focus on tennis.

One thing that keeps Jasper eager to keep playing is watching his role models.

'For tennis my role model is Rafael Nadal, his backhand and serve are flawless as well as his great hair,' Jasper said.

His role model for basketball is Curtis Stinson and his football role model is EJ Bibbs, both of whom played for Iowa State University.

Although Jasper plays three sports, his favorite is football.

'I love getting to hit people and I hope to get the chance to play in college,' Jasper said.

He plans to play all three sports though through his Xavier career. Jasper hopes to maybe even get a chance to play in a fourth sport, as well.

'I am already busy all the time with sports, but if I could I would play a fourth sport — maybe soccer or track' Jasper said.