"I met Keppler on one of my first trips to compete in California, at the NSSA chamionships.. At that time I was virtually unsponsored, unproven and not really certain where my career was headed. None of this stuff mattered to John Keppler, who at the time worked for Wave Action Magazine. He was one of the first photographer who actually took the time to shoot me and Wave Action was the first magazine I was ever published in. Despite my poor results at the time Keppler and Wave Action seemed to give me a sense of confidence that helped me pull through and never give up. I only hope one day I can help the youth live their dreams and help someone see his/her potential. I couldn't be more grateful today to have travelled the world as an athlete, and making friends like Keppler and countless others, along the way."

JESSE MERLE JONES