For decades the Rocks have added a French flavor to Scrabble, always battling to take first place in varsity and JV leagues.

JV player sophomore Tanner Turpen led the team in February to a third place overall in the tournament, defeating St. Xavier for a spot on the podium.

Last year the varsity team went 5-0, finishing fourth in the tourney, while the JV notched a 4-1 record and second in the tourney.

“Tanner is dependable and definitely knows what he’s doing,” said freshman Alexander Nicodemus.

Turpen’s skill level has increased throughout his two years of playing on the team as he may make a move to the varsity.

Nicodemus said,  “I don’t think he’ll move up anytime soon, although I do think in time he might actually move up to varsity.”

Of Turpen’s progress, French teacher and Scrabble coach Mr. Alan Wilson said, “His self-confidence, spelling and vocabulary have all improved.”

Since last year Wilson said he has seen Turpen’s increased interest in French and Scrabble.

The first match Turpen played was against Christian Academy of Louisville. He said, “We didn’t win, but we played many good words.”

Some say French Scrabble, which the Rocks have been playing since the ’70s, is all about strategy; others say it’s all about knowledge of spelling and vocabulary.

Turpen, who tends to use more of the strategy side, said, “I look at the board and see positions and try to visualize what words I can put there.”

Does Turpen ever feel pressured during a match? He said, “No, because I know that in the end, I did my best, and that’s all I need to do.”