DIFFERENCES IN TEACHERS

by Morgan SandneSS 0.000038% of the world stands at seven feet or taller. One such person, named Jeffery Thomas Rock (JT), walks the halls at LHS. Rock is notable for his dominating height, yet there is much more to him than stands out.

Rock is a sophomore at LHS and wears size 15 shoes. He is often found in the gym, as he has played basketball since he could walk. Throughout his ongoing career, he has developed his skills at LHS, which he plans to take further with him to college. Rock has toured several colleges and already has two offers from Iowa State and SDSU, but with three years left until graduation, offers look to be multiplying fast.

The last time a freshman played on the LHS varsity basketball team was Chris Schwartz back in the ‘03-’04 season. Last year, Rock played varsity towards the end of the season after playing sophomore and JV for the first few games.

“There was a time in the season when they needed a bigger presence, and I think it gave me some experience going into this year when we are going to have a much younger team because we graduated so many seniors,” said Rock. “I am glad that I had that experience and that will help me not only this year but all the way through [high school].”

In middle school, Rock went to Harrisburg due to bussing and school start times. He attended All City Elementary in the Sioux Falls School District but moved during grade school, therefore transferring.

“We opened enrolled to Lincoln after middle school, and it is a better fit for me, and everyone is a lot nicer. It is a better fit for not only basketball but for academics as well,” said Rock.

Rock has had a love for basketball ever since he could see the top of his classmates’ heads. Being so tall, he often has pressure to be the best one on the team and go far, but sometimes the pressure is a lot more than expected.

“There is some part of me that does kind of always think way in the back of my head that I need to do good or else people are going to be disappointed, but I try not to think about it and then I try to go out there in a game and do the best I can,” said Rock.

Rock has had many coaches, but with playing on three teams at LHS, sophomore, JV and varsity, his experience with coaches has helped his skill in basketball. “I have learned so much from [my coaches]; just be patient and kind of let the game happen and trust in your teammates and have their back as well,” said Rock. Rock may come off as intimidating with his big presence, but he is often cracking jokes and does not take anything too seriously. “It is a real thing to hit your head on the doorway, and it hurts,” said Rock.