Science Hill High School

Grant Trivett

Grant Trivett 1963

Grant Trivett doesn't just put his money where his mouth is, he'll chew on his time as well. Trivett serves on the Parks & Rec board and has coached youth girls basketball and softball.

He overahauled the softball fields at Metro-Kiwanis, moving the infield and improving minor details like getting the bases the same distance apart. The fields -- U.G. Trivett -- have since been named to recognize he and his father.

Trivett coached Roscelle Bullock at Henry Johnson Elementary School. Seeing a success story like her gives him the ultimate gratification.

She struggled academically at one point in junior high, but found her way and ultimately ended up signing with Louisville. "We thought she was going to go to Auburn early on," Trivett said. "I remember she said she was "going to this little school called 'Louisville' instead.'"

Bullock helped the Cardinals to two NCAA Tournaments (1998-99). She also graduated, and ended being an assistant coach.

Science Hill supporter C.B Kinch said Trivett's literally opened doors to spur growth in girls youth sports. Trivett talked Kinch into coaching a North Side girls team one year.

"The next day, when I got back home," Kinch said, "there was a ball and a scorebook behind my screen door, and a note that said, 'You play at 4:30 today.' I never got to have a practice with those girls.

"Boy, I laughed over that one. But it showed how much he cared about those girls having a coach."

Science Hill assistant principal Jeff Aldridge says Trivett's reach extends well beyond athletics. "He's been a long-time supporter of all our programs," Aldridge said. "He's helped the drama (club), the choir, the band. It's not just 'Topper athletics, he's helped the entire school."

Trivett doesn't want a disconnect between kids and their schools and community.

"It is my vision to help every student develop a connection to Science Hill," Trivett said. "It may be athletics, band, the arts or other extracurricular activities. I am convinced that if a student bonds to the school, it will greatly enhance their success and give them a better chance to successfully complete their high school education." Trivett said he's honored, and humbled, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"I'm no athlete, just a supporter," he said. "This community has been very good to me, and I guess this is kind of a ministry that I enjoy more than anything. And I'm sure I'm a supporter because I'm a fan. When athletes do well, it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling -- especially when it helps beat Kingsport."