Community.timesfreepress.com | Grant gets SDHS going before homecoming

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 , 2:44 p.m.

Grant gets SDHS going before homecoming

By: Katy Mena

(Contact)

ARTICLE TOOLS

E-mail story

Comments

Printer friendly version

iPod friendly version

Share This

Text Size: A A A A

Willard Grant served in the U.S. Army Air Corps until 1946. Contributed Photo

Though it has been decades since Willard P. Grant has played on the Soddy-Daisy High School football field, he still manages to make the crowd go wild, as was demonstrated during the SDHS homecoming weekend.

“They gave him a standing ovation. It was really neat,” said Grant’s stepdaughter, Jeanne Abbot, who was at the game where her father was introduced to football fans by SDHS teacher Mike Pala. “Before that (the crowd) really wasn’t paying attention to anything going on on the field.”

Grant, a member of the class of 1940 who played for the first SDHS football team, said that he was surprised that he could still cause a bit of commotion in the stadium.

“I was just overwhelmed,” said Grant. “I couldn’t visualize coming back after 70 years.”

Football players, cheerleaders and parents welcomed him to a breakfast held during the morning of the big game and recognized him accordingly during the event that evening.

Grant said he has a strong affection for his alma mater and is honored to be considered a part of the SDHS family.

“I was a real fan of Soddy-Daisy High School and still am,” said Grant. “I support them.”

According to football player Jordan Scott, the team reciprocates Grant’s support.

“He was one of our key players back then,” said Jordan. “He’s really smart. He’s still up to date on football and he’s still a huge Soddy-Daisy fan.”

Grant, a World War II veteran and former DuPont supervisor, said that though he can no longer go head to head with the 17-year-old players, he is committed to doing what he can to strengthen the team.

The 87-year-old advises the players to stay young and fit by training, resting and staying away from drugs and alcohol and added his secret key to longevity is avoiding one sector of the population.

“I don’t run around with wild women,” said Grant.