Feb. 28, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Three members of the Kentucky swimming and diving team have been inducted into Frank G. Ham Society of Character at the University of Kentucky. Wednesday night, Megan Eppler, John Fox and Maclin Simpson were each recognized at halftime of the men’s basketball game at center court in front of a sold-out crowd of 24,000-plus.
The Frank G. Ham Society of Character recognizes individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, athletic participation, personal development, career preparation and serving as a role model. The Society of Character was founded in during the 1998-99 year and is named after Ham, a long-time administrator.
“The first thing that I’d say is that you couldn’t pick better people to give that award to,” said Kentucky head coach Gary Conelly. “They’re real solid athletic, academic, good citizen-type people. They spend a lot of their time helping the team move forward and keeping the team focused. I’ve just been really happy to have them on the team.
“We lose Megan this year since she is a senior, but it will be nice to have John and Maclin around another year. They’ve each been great, so we’re really happy to have had them along for the ride.”
This year’s class is listed below.
Eppler is a senior member of the UK swimming team. She is one of the top sprinters in the Southeastern Conference, competing in all freestyle events while also swimming in relay events. Eppler qualified to participate in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in 2012 and finished the 2011-12 season with a team-high 11 individual victories. As a student, Eppler has made the SEC Academic Honor Roll every year while at UK and earned the highest GPA in the fall 2009 and spring 2012 semesters. In the community, she has spent her time volunteering with organizations like UK Fusion, the Markey Race for Women’s Cancer and the Salvation Army. Eppler will receive her degree in accounting this spring and wishes to pursue a graduate degree while earning her CPA certification.
Fox is a redshirt junior member of the UK diving team. He is currently enjoying a solid junior campaign to follow up his strong sophomore season which saw him earn two top-10 finishes at the SEC Championships. Fox is a student-athlete of the utmost character. He has spent several hours volunteering with organizations like God’s Pantry, UK Fusion, Special Olympics, High Street YMCA and Maxwell Presbyterian Church. Academically, Fox has appeared on the SEC Freshman Honor Roll and the SEC Honor Roll for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons while majoring in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. He is on target to graduate in May of 2014.
Simpson is a redshirt junior member of the UK swimming team. He is described by his academic counselor as an individual of high character who is committed to excellence in his sport and in the classroom. His leadership in both avenues has led him to be named as a team captain since his sophomore season. His commitment to academics was displayed when he was asked to be notified of any academic issues with his team so that they may meet their team goal of a 3.0 GPA. Simpson is also the team’s representative to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. He has maintained 3.296 GPA which has helped him earn spots on SEC Freshman Honor Roll and SEC Honor Roll in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He was also named to the 2011-12 SEC Community Service Team for his time spent with the Salvation Army, God’s Pantry, CATS Cultivating Character among other volunteer endeavors. Simpson is on track to graduate in May 2014.
