The football Rocks have established a national name for themselves. Winning their 21st state title, the 2011 team (14-0) dominated the difficult, and mostly out-of-state, season, finishing No. 1 in the nation in four polls. This year the 2012 Rocks (13-1) finished ninth in the nation in at least one poll while rounding out the season with their 22nd state championship. Trinity’s success is often attributed to the program, and more specifically, head coach Bob Beatty. Beatty, who has led the Rocks to 10 state titles, was the head coach for the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Coach Dennis Lampley, Trinity’s athletics director and a five-time football state champion head coach, regards Beatty as the catalyst for Trinity’s success. Lampley said, “Coach Beatty is exceptional in his ability. He also has an exceptional staff. The more knowledgeable that you become about your team and your program, the easier it is to succeed.” Beatty is modest about his ability and program, saying, “We had to create our own journey. Every journey is different.” Considering that the last two years’ 14-0 and 13-1 seasons go down as two of the best in school history, next year is going to be another big challenge. This year’s team, called a “veteran club” by Beatty, had six Associated Press Kentucky High School All-State members, one of whom, senior James Quick, was named Kentucky’s Mr. Football. The team had nine members on The Courier-Journal’s All-State team. Quick led the state all-time with 280 receptions and finished this year with 85 receptions for 1,413 yards and 16 touchdowns. “Last year, we had the schedule, we had the guys, and they made it happen,” Lampley said, “and this season was fantastic.” Some of the guys who made it happen were also some of the most sought after recruits for the college level. Receiver Quick (University of Louisville), linebacker Jason Hatcher (University of Kentucky), running back Dayln Dawkins (Purdue University) and defensive back Ryan White (Vanderbilt University) were heavily recruited. Quarterback Travis Wright signed with Florida International, and t hree Rocks will attend Western Kentucky University as preferred walk-ons: defensive lineman Jabari Jordan, linebacker Dae’shawn Bertram and defensive back Trey Wright. Quick, who was featured on several of ESPN’s top lists, is one of the most recruited Trinity players since Brian Brohm. Quick said he will miss Trinity: “Being at practice with Coach Beatty and my friends, it’s been great.” Dawkins, a player regarded as one of the best running backs in the state, is noted for his leadership abilities. “He doesn’t lead by his mouth,” Lampley said. “He leads by example, and boy, does he show it.” Dawkins will also miss his teammates: “Over the four years, we had a great bond.” White said he will never forget the support that the fans brought to him: “For me, it means a lot.” Hatcher, a defensive stalwart, was clearly moved by his Trinity experience. He said, “The day I got moved to the defensive line, I’ll never forget. I didn’t want to do it. I started as a running back, and all I could think about was, ‘Who plays on the D-line?’ I signed my ticket to play Division I football that day. I’ll never forget it.” Without a doubt, the Rocks will be a force to be reckoned with again next year. Lampley said the freshmen and sophomores, coming off strong seasons, will really bulk up in their 16-week training. “We really try to pick up their strength, size and speed,” he said. “We do not stop. If you’re not ready to work, then you cannot handle it. The ones that commit to the team, they succeed.” Beatty is also preparing for next year’s team, starting in the weight room. “The first eight weeks are all strength. Once conditioning is over, the next eight weeks are strength, agility and the beginnings of football.”