When June 14 rolls around, Travis Jones knows a couple of things will happen for sure when what he hopes will be a large contingent of golfers gather for the annual Friends of Bridgeport Football Golf Tournament.

 

The first thing he’s certain of is that there will be a good time, which he said has happened every year since the Alumni & Friends Foundation started the tournament 22 years ago and the Friends of Football took it over three years ago.

 

The other thing, he said, is something that doesn’t happen very often. He’s certain there will be a few moments that will be a bit somber. And there’s a good reason for that.

 

The tournament, which benefits the Mary A Reppert, Wayne Jamison and Bob Reep Memorial Scholarship Funds, will be the first one since the legendary Jamison passed away. On Feb. 23, the coach synonymous with Indians football, winning and state championships passed away at the age of 87.

 

Although Jamison wasn’t in attendance last year due to health reasons, he was a regular at nearly every event. Whether golfing or just there to see his friends, Jamison was the focal point of the event. This year, Jones said the memory of the man known as “Smiley” will be at the focal point.

 

“Certainly, before do the shotgun start there will be a moment of silence,” said Jones, who is president of the Friends of Bridgeport Football. “ … With Wayne’s passing, sadly it’s a memorial tournament now. I imagine even though it’s a sad moment that there will be a lot of great stories and a lot of fond memories of Coach Jamison.

 

“When you think of all three of them, with Bob instrumental in starting the tournament and Mrs. Reppert so close to the program during her time there, you have three that in ways large and small made an impact on Bridgeport football,” Jones continued. “Most, if not all of those attending, will have some connection to those three individuals.”

 

While there will be plenty of tales told, there will also be plenty of golf. The tournament will once again be held at the Bridgeport Country Club and be in a scramble format with four players per team and a 40 handicap.

 

Registration for the event begins at 11:30 a.m. with the shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost to participate is $100 per player and $400 per team. Hole sponsorships are $100 as well.

 

Anyone interested in golfing or sponsoring a hole is asked to contact Jones at 304-625-1420. And he suggest you get in touch with him quickly.

 

“We’re already off to a great start with half of the field already set. It would be a good thing to claim a spot fairly early as we anticipate a full field of golfer,” said Jones. “We’re expecting to sell out.”

 

The field will be limited to 27 teams. Jones also said there are already a bevy of hole sponsors.

 

The good news is the money will go to three scholarships that will be awarded to outgoing BHS football players. The scholarships are $1,000 for the Jamison and Reppert Scholarships, while the Reep scholarship is for $500.

 

The $400 gets you more than a round of golf and a cart. It also allows you to take part in the post-even steak dinner and silent auction. The only thing Jones said that could spoil things is bad weather and, recently, that’s not been a problem.

 

“We’ve had great weather for the golfing and often the highlight is the steak dinner afterwards where Young & Stout provide the steaks and the Bridgeport Country Club does a great job of hosting,” said Jones. “There’s a lot of socializing before and during the golf tournament, but it’s at the dinner where you get a chance to talk to the Bridgeport coaches and really get to enjoy yourself.”

 

The cover letter invitation that was sent out, as well as a registration form, can be found by clicking HERE. Jones said you do not have to be from Bridgeport or associated with the football program to take part. He said any golfers looking to have a fun day is invited – and welcome – to take part.