When a teacher is absent, the classroom does not stop learning at Trinity. Behind the scenes, substitute teachers step into classrooms to keep the day moving forward. Among them are Coach Bill Cubbage and Mr. Drew Smith, two familiar faces whose journeys back to Trinity reflect dedication, loyalty and a deep connection to the school community.

While many students know Coach Bill Cubbage from the sidelines, he has also become a familiar face in Trinity classrooms. Cubbage began his journey at Trinity in 2000 when KORT, the physical therapy company he works for, signed a contract to provide athletic training services to the school. He served as Trinity’s head athletic trainer for years before retiring from that position in 2025.

Cubbage started substitute teaching in 2018, even before his retirement. What began as a way to earn extra income turned into something more. Cubbage said, “I think it’s important that a sub does their best to ensure that the day they are in the classroom isn’t just a wasted day.” He emphasized his enjoyment of being part of the academic side of the school, not just athletics.

Even in retirement from Trinity athletics, Cubbage still works full time for KORT and continues to stay involved at Trinity, both on the sidelines and in the classroom.

After graduating from Trinity in 2015, Drew Smith worked a variety of jobs, including at an auto shop, as an electrical worker and at a steel factory. But no matter where he went, Trinity stayed with him. For the past decade, Smith has returned to lead numerous senior retreats each year, an experience he said changed his life as a student. He said his own retreat was a turning point, and coming back to help seniors have that same experience “feels like a calling.”

As a substitute, Smith values the opportunity to see the entire student body, from “advanced seniors to academic freshmen.” He believes patience and adaptability are essential qualities for any substitute, since every day brings something new. For Smith, subbing is not just filling in; it is about staying connected to a community that shaped him and appreciating the daily moments that make the school special.

While students may see a substitute teacher for only a single class period, the stories behind them are often years in the making. For Cubbage and Smith, subbing is not just about filling a spot; it is about giving back to a school that shaped them. Their stories show that at Trinity, being part of the community does not end when a job changes; it simply takes on a new form.