When Conway Reid was the starting quarterback for the Spotsylvania High School football team that won the 1994 Group AA, Division 4 state championship, he threw the first touchdown pass at the newly-constructed high school stadium.
Nearly three decades later, Reid’s son, Trevor Reid, tossed the first scoring pass on the Knights’ new artificial turf field.
“That’s a memory I will always have,” Conway Reid said.
The first-year head coach at his alma mater is holding tight to those memories this week after Trevor Reid, 21, died in a motorcycle crash involving a pickup truck on Saturday around 5:30 p.m. in Spotsylvania County, less than 24 hours after standing on the sideline to support his father in a home game against Caroline.
Trevor Reid’s death sparked an outpouring of support this week from community members, who extended condolences and prayers to the family. Spotsylvania Athletic Director Tim Acors highlighted the father-son bond that was evident between Conway and Trevor Reid.
“Even at Trevor’s age, he wanted to be on the sideline with his dad on Friday nights,” Acors said. “That’s one of the coolest things about their relationship as a father and son. Wherever Conway was, Trevor wanted to be.”
Former Spotsylvania High School football standout Trevor Reid, 21, died in a motorcycle accident Saturday.
A memorial for Trevor Reid will be held Saturday at noon at Covenant Funeral Service.
Conway Reid’s former coach, Tim Coleman, will come out of retirement to help guide the Knights during their nondistrict contest at Atlee on Friday before delivering Trevor Reid’s eulogy on Saturday.
“I will do whatever I can for the family,” Coleman said.
Acors said it was clear upon receiving the news that the Atlee game would not be postponed.
Conway Reid said his wife and three other children need him right now, but he does not plan to be out for long. While he has not set a definite timetable for his return, he hopes to rejoin the team in preparation for a Battlefield District contest at Chancellor Sept. 27 — which is also Trevor Reid’s birthday.
“I know that’s not what he would’ve wanted,” Conway Reid said of missing extended time. “He was the first person I called before my wife to tell him I got the job. I know his personality. He would be giving me hell right now for not being there Friday … Him knowing how much I appreciate getting this job and working toward a head coaching job, I know he wouldn’t want to be the reason I’m missing out on it.”
Trevor Reid played football from the time he was 8 years old. Conway Reid began coaching at Spotsylvania a couple of years before his son arrived in high school and eagerly anticipated an opportunity to coach him.
Coleman, who directed the Knights to three state championships in the 1990s, closely observed his former pupil’s son and came away impressed with how he effortlessly transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver. Coleman is also neighbors with the Reid family and was like a “grandpa” to Trevor Reid.
“It’s been a little tough over here for a few days,” Coleman said of the mood in the community … “He was a very good athlete and an outstanding young man. He was a talented player who could play multiple skill positions. When he played quarterback, from what I observed as a bystander, he was like a coach on the field.”
Coleman said he had several conversations with Trevor Reid about becoming a coach. Trevor Reid worked at Vulcan Materials Company, a building materials supplier in Spotsylvania. He planned to study welding, and, once his father was more established with the Knights, he wanted to join the staff.
“He wanted to start out on JV and prove himself,” Conway Reid said. “He was always breaking down game film and sending texts and tips. He was passionate and a student of the game. He loved it.”
As a young adult, Trevor Reid also served as a “big brother” and mentor to Spotsylvania players, offering guidance and encouragement. Players reached out to Conway Reid this week to express their condolences and share memories of Trevor Reid giving them advice on football and life alike.
He was set to become a father soon, as he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child. Conway Reid shared a photo on Facebook of his son with the caption: “My forever QB1.”
“One of those things I always tell the kids is ‘Football is a lot like life. It’s just not fair,’” Conway Reid said. “This is where it fits.”
