New teachers inhabit many of the classrooms at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, which means that there are few things (beyond their teaching role here) known about them. What are their interests outside of school and teaching? Take Upper School Math Teacher Jasper Turner, who is a 2007 Men’s Four Square World Champion.

The game, depending on the player’s geometric understanding of the court, requires mathematical strategy, which connects to Turner’s love for the subject.

Turner started playing foursquare when he was a kid, a popular activity among students during recess. “I started playing in elementary school and always loved it,” Turner said.

It wasn’t until he started working with younger kids when he got back into the sport. “I picked it back up again in college while I was working at a summer camp for high school students. Several counselors and myself had a fierce rivalry,” Turner said.

He stayed in contact with this group of counselors after college, and they entered the World Championships organized in Bridgton, Maine. Players came from all over the U.S., and many international players sought to attend as well. He beat tens, or even hundreds of people, eventually taking home the gold.

Turner loves to play the game but unfortunately had to take a hiatus because of a ski accident. He is excited to be back on the quadrant court in warmer weather this spring, when he will be fully healed.