COACH ROBERT LOPER :
SMALL TOWN BASKETBALL , BIG TIME IMPACT
BY JASON JONES jjones @ palestineherald . com
“ I never thought that during my lifetime that I would see a building with my name on it .”
Coach Robert Loper
The honor of having a building , sports facility or any other structure named after someone because of their accomplishments or contributions is somewhat common , but still seems an honor of the highest nature . Even the most famous or accomplished individuals who have been bestowed with such an honor surely viewed their namesake in awe .
PHOTO BY ERIC VICCARO
Former Frankston High School head coach Robert Loper ( left ) talks with former Indian boys ’ basketball player and current Texas A & M wide receiver Kendrick Rogers before a District 20-3A game between Westwood and Frankston .
Lambeau Field in Green Bay , Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City , Wrigley Field in Chicago , John F . Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia , Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego , Downs Mabson Field in Austin , Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge and the list goes on for days . Of course , perspective plays a huge role , and while a state-of-the-art indoor venue in New York or Los Angeles must surely have thousands of deserving men or women who deserve such an honor , a place like Frankston , Texas finds that list shortened dramatically .
It is an honor that needs a man like Coach Robert Loper .
PHOTO BY JAY NEAL
Former Frankston High School basketball coach Robert Loper , left , is presented with a commemorative plaque by Frankston ISD Board of Trustees member , Ryan Bizzard , right , on Thursday night . Frankston ISD gymnasium will now be known as Robert Loper Coliseum , in honor of the coaching legend and Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame member . Loper coached at Frankston from 1980 until he retired in 2016 . Pictured behind Loper and Bizzell are some of Loper ’ s former players who were in attendance .
32 WINTER EDITION 2023