There is a name that any athlete, or student for that matter, who went through BISD from 1983 until now likely knows and knows well. That name is “Doc.” That is what the students call him. That is what everyone calls him. Bill “Doc” Grant is special to all of us.
Doc was recently inducted into the Texas Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Honor. The December 12 event honored trainers selected from across Texas. Doc was actually in the 2020 class for induction, but due to Covid restrictions, was not honored until this year’s ceremony.
William “Doc” Grant started working as an Athletic Trainer for BISD in 1983 and has been here since then. This is one of those situations where Doc did not choose a career. The career chose him, and he has been grateful for that throughout his life. As has everyone else.
Doc said, “It was in 7th grade and I was just an awful athlete. I had heart surgery when I was four, and I was a little bitty guy. I loved sports, but I just did not fit in. I was un-athletic and inept at it. I like reading and working puzzles. I just did not fit in to athletics but I wanted to be a part of it.”
He stated that one day, after a fairly hot day of running, he looked down at the end of the field and there were the guys handing out water. He asked his coach, “What are those guys down there doing? I think I could be good at that.” His coach told him those were the managers and trainers. Doc replied, “How do I sign up?” And thus began Doc’s career as a trainer in 1973.
When he was in 8th grade, Ennis ISD sent him to a trainers camp. Doc stated, his mother was a nurse, so he always had a servant’s heart and he picked up stuff quickly. “At this camp, it was just a fit. A guy got up and taped an ankle. They asked if any of the new guys wanted to try. I taped that ankle better than any of the others had done.” The trainer asked Doc how long he had been doing that, and Doc replied, “This was my first one.” Ever since that day, Doc says, “This is all I have wanted to do.”
Doc said he was hooked from the beginning. “Not necessarily on sports, but on being around people and helping people. I was just hooked. I wanted to be around people and be helping them.”
When Doc first started out as a student trainer, he says they did everything from washing clothes to polishing up belts. “There just weren’t very specific duties for student trainers back in those days. We just did everything.”
Bob Taylor, who was his high school principal at Ennis, was a graduate of East Texas State University (now A&M at Commerce). He called Doc in and asked him where he would like to go to college. Doc was interested in ETSU, so Mr. Taylor drove him to the school one Saturday and introduced him around. The trainer there told Doc if he would come on Saturdays as a high school senior and work a couple of games, he would give him a spot.
Doc earned a degree from ETSU in 1982. After graduation, Doc began his career at Brownfield ISD. Doc was the very first Athletic Trainer the district had ever employed. Athletic training licensing had been going on about 10 years at that time. Doc said he was the 603rd trainer licensed in the state of Texas. Doc actually knows the guy who was license number “1.” He said it is a family. Everyone is so close.
When he came to Brownfield, he interviewed on a horrible sandstorm day. Doc says he turned the job down twice, but he was finally convinced. “But I was only going to stay a year or two and get my feet wet,” said Doc.
Doc says that he can remember specific injuries to certain athletes, but can’t always remember records or names of kids. “I might see someone and I can tell you what their injury was, but I can’t always tell you their name.”
Doc said about being a trainer, “It has never been a job. It has always been where I am supposed to be. Brownfield has been a great fit. I met my wife here. I have my family here now.”
Doc is so proud of the kids that have come through and the kids he has influenced. “I can’t just point to one day and say that was my best day. State Championships have been nice, but they are just events. It is more about the people I have met and been able to help. My goal has always been to be the best I can be every single day. I try to do good and exemplify good. I want people to see Jesus in me.”
Doc has taught Social Studies, PE, Science, and study hall. “Environmental science was my favorite. I am not sure I taught any information, but I loved those kids. I have had kids tell me, ‘the only reason I came to school, was for your class.’ Education has to be fun.”
On the other side of the coin, are those that just couldn’t be helped, no matter how hard Doc and others tried. “It is just heartbreaking to see kids that have so much potential just do nothing with it. It hurts to see them getting in trouble. They just could not get motivated on the inside to do all they could do. But I never give up on them, even to this day, I expect good out of all those who have chosen the wrong path.”
If you go to any basketball games, you know that Doc is never without a book, even on the sidelines. It looks like he is not watching the game, but he is very aware of what is going on. This is not an accident. “I bring a book to read because I want kids to know it is okay to like to read.”
Doc has received several honors in his life. He earned the Everett Blackburn Memorial Award in 2004. He was named the 2018 Citizen of the Year by Brownfield Chamber of Commerce. He has also been recognized as a Brownfield Teacher of the Year and has earned the Muldrow Award.
Doc has mentored student trainers and worked hard to promote the profession. He has such a love for Athletic Training. It is his life’s calling.
Doc retired in 2014, but you wouldn’t know it. He still serves the district as a part-time trainer, assisting full-time trainer Stuart Swafford.
Stuart had this to say about Doc, “It is no surprise that Doc was awarded this honor. He has been a constant presence in the West Texas Athletic Training community for almost 40 years. He has dedicated his entire professional life to the Brownfield community. He is a man of integrity and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I am lucky to have been able to learn from his experience and his love for Brownfield for the past two years. There is no one more deserving of this award than Doc.”
Current Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Aarrhon Flores stated, “Since my time in Brownfield, Bill “Doc” Grant has been a blessing in my coaching career. He is a man of integrity, discipline, and respect. Doc is a man who truly values our student athletes, and loves his Brownfield Cubs and Lady Cubs. His family will always be a part of the Brownfield ISD community. Doc has seen many athletes and coaches come and go. I am sure that each student and coach can attest to Doc’s loyalty to his profession, as well as his professionalism towards each and every one of them. I am proud to have him as a trainer, but more importantly, as a friend. Much love to Doc Grant!”
Former Lady Cub athlete, and current Head Volleyball Coach Mallorie Ellis stated, “Doc spoiled me as a student athlete. He was definitely like a grandparent at school for me. He made me goody bags full of snacks when I had surgery. He went above and beyond. Having him on our bench now, for me as a coach, is awesome. No matter how much I think he is not paying attention, he is. He knows everything that goes on in our games and always gives me a fist bump after our games, win or lose. He has been such a supporter of me, not only as a player, but as a coach. I, along with all our athletes, have been fortunate to have him in Brownfield.”
Former Tennis Coach Virdie Montgomery stated, “Bill Grant is one of the most devoted and caring educators I have ever known. He is a kid magnet. He is loyal beyond words and his humor is cutting edge.”
Head Cub Basketball Coach and former Cub athlete Zayne McPherson stated, “Doc is a legend! Over the years when coaches have asked me where I am from, and I say Brownfield, so many times the next question is ‘Do you know Doc?’ As a former student and athlete of his, we knew if we were ever hurt, he would go out of his way to take care of us. I loved being in his study hall and probably learned way more about life than I actually learned studying. The fact that Doc is still working for BISD shows not only his love of our school and community, but also how much he cares about kids! He will still go out of his way to be sure our athletes are well taken care of. As a coach that now gets to see him pretty regularly, I really appreciate listening to his stories, and more importantly, his advice. The impact he has had on so many lives is incredible and I feel lucky to have this chance to work closely with him in my professional life.”
Bryan Ply, who was a Student Trainer under Doc all four years at BHS, stated, “You were not a trainer in Doc’s eyes until you could play team Spades with him and beat the coaches.”
BISD School Board member and former Cub student athlete Tim Swarengin stated, “Doc is the epitome of a trainer, a servant at heart. I don’t ever remember a time when Doc was not around and available to help any athlete that needed his attention. As a former athlete under him, this meant any time of the day or night. When I was a freshman or sophomore in high school, I had rolled my ankle badly playing basketball. It was probably close to 9 at night when we got back into town. He told my parents to bring me by his house. He gave me an air splint and gave us instructions on what to do that night and the next day. Doc always had an encouraging word or phrase to say to us, if that was running by him at half time into the locker room, as he looked up from his book, or walking past him in the hallway. Doc has always been willing to do anything for any of his kids. I am proud to have known him as my trainer and even more so as my friend. Congratulations Doc!”
Doc has been a key part of the athletic and educational program at BISD for nearly 40 years. It would be hard to imagine him not being a part of the community of Brownfield.
Thank you Doc, and congratulations on a well deserved honor.
