This year, Chapman welcomed a new transfer student from High Point, senior Jerry Jones, who now plays both football and basketball for the Panthers.

Football has been a passion for Jones for most of his life.

“I grew up playing football,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play under the Friday night lights every week.”

When deciding to come to Chapman, Jones talked with people who knew the school well.

“I talked to some of my coaches and some of my friends who had already come here,” he said. “They told me how fun this school was, so I decided to make the transition.”

So far, Jones said he is enjoying his new environment.

“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s way better than my old school, so I enjoy it here.”

Because of the nature of his transfer, Jones splits his time between Chapman and High Point. He attends Chapman for first and second blocks before returning to High Point to finish his school day.

“It’s definitely different,” he said. “It is difficult sometimes, but we make it work.”

Jones said he hopes to make a strong impact on Chapman athletics this year:

“I hope to get us some playoff wins and just wins in general.”