Travelers Rest is a small town that takes pride in being known as the Devildogs. In college, when I say, "I'm from Travelers Rest," people rarely know where or what that is. What they don't know, is they're missing out on the most spirited group of high school students in the state of South Carolina. You know you went to TRHS if:
1. You owned an excessive amount of blue and gold.
From blue morph suits and yellow wigs to hundreds of t-shirts, students never lack in the school colors department. As gaudy as the gold-yellow color is, it somehow pairs perfectly with blue, leaving students with very a TR-esque closet
2. You've seen a fight break out over a coon trap.
Yes, this has actually happened. No, it really wasn't a big shock to anyone. It's one of those things that people describe as, "Only in TR..."
3. You know every word to "Don't Stop Believin'."
"Don't Stop Believin'" is TR's unofficial, official school song. The band plays it at every game and pep rally. And it never fails that the entire student body would join in and belt every single word.
4. You didn't go to football games to see a win.
It's no secret that TR isn't known for its winning football record. Regardless of the score, the stadium packs out every Friday night at all home and away games. It doesn't matter how bad the score gets, you can hear the student section stay loud and proud.
5. You can tell anyone the story of the mascot is a Devildog.
I don't know how many times I've been asked what in the world a Devildog is. You can thank Dean "Chico" Bolin, a decorated WWII vet, for naming our mascot after his branch of service.
6. You went to Waffle House after football games.
The Friday night postgame hangout is centered right in the middle of Waffle House. With only about 10 tables and a sitting area at the bar, Waffle House overflows after football games. What's better than hash browns smothered in cheese after losing your voice from screaming too loud at the game?
7. You've told a freshman about the pool on the roof.
Don't deny this. We've all heard about the pool on the roof, and we've all continued to pass on the urban legend of its existence. Is it there? Is it a myth? I guess you'll have to go up to the roof and find out.
8. You went all out for Homecoming and Spirit Week.
Homecoming and Spirit weeks are basically 2 weeks of costume holidays at TR. The whole school goes all out, especially for Camo Day and 'Merica Day. Those 2 days, particular, really catch the essence of what TR is all about.
9. You know how intense the TR-Berea rivalry is.
The TR-Berea rivalry runs deep. From sports to academics to pageants, TR and Berea live for competition. It's as important as the Clemson-USC rivalry in South Carolina.
10. You always finish the "We are TR" chant with "and we love Nascar!"
"We are TR" is the school motto, but somewhere along the way, "and we love Nascar!" came to be a part of it, too. What can I say? It's a perfect fit.
