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Devildog Athletic Hall of Fame
2005 Hall of Fame Members
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| During half time of the Homecoming football game against Blue Ridge High School on October 14, 2005, the Devildog Athletic Hall of Fame came into existence with the induction of Coach Dean "Chico" Bolin, Coach Joe Small, Coach Joyce Stanford, and Mr. Randy Sullivan. | Presentations to the inductees were made by Athletic Director Rocky Pitman and Principal Lou Lavely. |
Coach Dean "Chico" Bolin
Coach Bolin led the Devildogs to multiple Conference Championships and South Carolina High School playoff appearances, and also gave the school the it’s unique Devildog mascot and inter-locking TR logos. When he returned from military service in the United States Marine Corps after World War II, he attended Furman University. After his graduation from Furman, he began his long and successful teaching, coaching and administrative career at Travelers Rest High School which lasted from 1949 until his retirement in 1987. Coach Bolin coached various girls and boys athletic teams including leading the Devildog football team to 152 victories in his 21 years as head coach. He was also the Athletic Director at Travelers Rest High School. Coach Bolin is a member of the South Carolina Coaches Association Hall of Fame and is the charter member of the Travelers Rest High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Devildogs had been playing on "Chico Bolin Field" for a number of years at the former high school stadium location and in August of 2006 opened the new Dean "Chico" Bolin Stadium at the new high school location with a victory over the Wade Hampton Generals.
Coach Bolin passed away on May 31, 2007 at the age of 81. Former Athletic Director Rocky Pitman was quoted in the Greenville News saying, "Coach Bolin was an icon to the whole school. He was a great man and a great man to be around. We always looked forward to having him at games. He'll be missed not only by the TR family, but also by all of the coaching families."
Coach Joe Small
Coach Joe Small came to Travelers Rest High School in 1957 and served for 27 yrs. in many teaching and athletic capacities until his retirement in 1984. He brought with him many traits and characteristics from his training in the United States Navy where he proudly served during World II. He was also a graduate of Furman University.
He began his career at Travelers Rest as an assistant coach to Coach Bolin and soon took over the basketball program. He also coached football, baseball and golf. Coach Small has always been remembered for his prestigious 449 wins, 11 Conference Championships and 2 State Championships while serving as Head Basketball Coach. His 449 wins rank him in the top twenty coaches in winning percentage in South Carolina high school basketball history. Coach Small was recognized for his strong teaching of the fundamentals of the game of basketball. He was admired and respected by his players, students, fellow teachers and coaches, and the Travelers Rest community.
Coach Small passed away on November 10, 1992 at the age of 65. To show their gratitude and appreciation for his accomplishments, Travelers Rest High School named the Gymnasium in his honor.
Coach Joyce Stanford
Coach Joyce Stanford is a graduate of Western Carolina University and began her long and successful teaching, coaching and administrative career at Travelers Rest High School in 1966. She also served as a Guidance Counselor until her retirement in 2008. Her career as the Head Girls' Basketball Coach spanned a period of twelve years from 1966-1977. During this time Coach Stanford won 212 games, nine Conference Championships, five Regional Championships and one South Carolina State Runner-up Title.
Personal honors include being named Coach of the Year six times and Greenville County Rotary Club Coach of the Year.
Mrs. Stanford is active in the community as a member of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Greenville Area Chapter 3.
Mr. Randy Sullivan
Randy Sullivan attended Travelers Rest High School from 1989-1993. During this time he excelled in academics and was a distinguished three-sport letterman. Accomplishments include: MVP for the JV Basketball Team, MVP for the Varsity Football Team, North/South Football Game, All Conference Basketball Player, All Conference Track Qualifier in the Long Jump and Triple Jump, and Upper State Track Qualifier in the Long Jump and Triple Jump.
After graduation, Randy attended Presbyterian College where he was named the SAC Conference Freshman of the Year, Offensive Back of the Year - Sophomore and Junior Year, and also Laurens County Player of the Year. As a senior, he broke the Career Touchdown, Passing and Total Yardage records and also received an award for community service. Randy went on to play for the Carolina Rhinos in the A-2 Arena Professional Football League where he led his team to the quarter finals in 2001-2002. He was a star athlete and will be remembered for his many achievements.