Rick & Leesa Copeland

The Bremen High School Circle of Honor proudly announces the induction of Rick and Leesa Copeland into its esteemed ranks. Since they first moved to the Bremen community in 2001, Rick and Leesa have exemplified unwavering dedication, service, and Blue Devil spirit, becoming pillars of the community. Though not originally from Bremen, both Rick and Leesa have deep family roots in the area.

Rick’s late mother, Syble Coley Copeland, graduated from Bremen in 1959, and his maternal grandmother, Mamie Coley—at 105 years young—still lives in Bremen and remains a devoted Blue Devil fan, listening to Friday night games on the radio. Leesa’s late mother, Becky Goldin Brown, and her siblings also attended Bremen City Schools.

Rick and Leesa raised two sons, Brent, Bremen High School Class of 2012, and Kip, Bremen High School Class of 2016. Both excelled as student-athletes and proudly played Blue Devil football for Coach Ricky Tolleson (a Circle of Honor inductee) and Coach Scott Hodges, a Bremen High School graduate. Today, Brent, Sarah, and Ella, and Kip, Claire, and Jack continue to call Bremen home.

In retrospect, Rick and Leesa believe moving to Bremen proved to be a tremendous blessing for their family. Both children were college-ready upon graduation, and throughout their school years, teachers, coaches, and administrators of Bremen City Schools were deeply involved and showed great interest in their future. This is one of the defining differences that sets the school system apart—excellence indeed.

Rick served the community as a volunteer coach for the Bremen Recreation Department for over a decade, mentoring youth in football, baseball, and basketball. He also became part of the “paint crew” that painted the stadium’s grass field. Rick watched football practices for years, both before and after their sons played. So much so that he and the other dads were named the “Sewing Circle” by their wives.

The Sewing Circle began pooling money to help the football team where needed and later funded a scholarship each year for a senior player who exemplifies Bremen “grit”—living and playing with pride and leadership. Rick’s loyalty to the program carried him, Leesa, Brent, and Kip to most Friday night games. Today, Rick and Leesa still attend most games and can be found tailgating before home games with the Bremen faithful.

Leesa has been a steadfast supporter of Bremen football for over 20 years, capturing and sharing thousands of photographs that preserve the spirit of Friday Night Lights. She has also documented countless moments from the Blue Devil baseball field. Her love for the program, the game, and the camaraderie shared between players and coaches keeps her coming back every year.

On Friday nights, Leesa can be found on the field, on the sidelines, or in the stands with a camera in hand. Through years behind the camera—capturing football games, halftime shows, and sideline cheerleaders—she has affectionately become known as the “picture lady.” Her work now lives in the hearts of the community, with some photographs standing as final memories of loved ones lost, making them among the most treasured images she has ever captured.

In years past, Leesa volunteered to organize football programs and took great joy in collaborating with others to create these meaningful keepsakes. Rick and Leesa’s contributions, both seen and unseen, have left a lasting impact on the Bremen High School football program and the broader Bremen sports community.

Their induction into the Circle of Honor is a testament to their enduring commitment, love, and pride for Bremen. They extend deep admiration and heartfelt gratitude to their dear friends, Dr. Allan Batchelor and the late Willene Batchelor, for their vision in establishing the Circle of Honor. They truly embodied what it means to be a True Blue Devil supporter when creating this meaningful recognition.

Rick and Leesa are honored to join the distinguished company of past inductees and to continue the legacy of what it means to be a True Blue Devil.