It’s no longer a surprise when the Bridgeport High School boys’ track team is in contention for a state championship. Last year, the Indians once again found themselves in the mix in Class AA and finished the season with a third place showing at the state meet at Laidley Field in Charleston.

 

With a strong nucleus back in 2017 and 61 athletes on this year’s roster, things could be looking up again for the Indians as the start of the season approaches. The season kicks off with the Connect-Bridgeport Invitational March 24-25 at Wayne Jamison Field. 

 

The two-day meet begins Friday at 4 p.m. Action then resumes Saturday March 25 at 9 a.m.

 

The boys have been going strong since Feb. 20 when the squad utilized the six flex days of practice allowed by the WVSSAC.

 

“The weather was beautiful that week and gave us a good jump on the season ...  (Combined with the number of girls this) gives us the largest team we have ever had three weeks into the season,” said Griffith. “A large percentage of those who are not freshmen are returners from last year’s team.  We only graduated four boys last year and had a few not return.”

 

The good news is that many that are returning are those that helped BHS earn third in last year’s state meet. Twelve state qualifiers are back.

 

“In the sprints, hurdles and jumps we have Maverick Eddy, Josh Osborn, Tristan Shaw, Trenton Shaw, Koby Kiefer all returning.  Chase Binegar is also back after missing last year and should play a big role for us,” said Griffith. “In the distance events Jimmy Lacaria, Mark Duez, Timmy Kinney, Drake Bolle and Coleton Marsh are all back and should have solid years. As expected in recent years, we have some depth in the distance group that will hopefully keep us moving forward this year and in the future. 

 

“As for the Throws, Chris Trent, Lane Noel, Titus Smith and Harrison Hess are all back and look to be much improved over last year,” Griffith continued. “We have two new throwing coaches on staff, Lucinda Lindsey and Jacob Griffith, that are making some changes and the kids seem to be responding pretty well.”

 

As talented as those athletes are, Griffith knows the difference between a good year and a great one may not only be the improvement of those returning, but the newcomers. And BHS has several fresh faces that the coaching staff believes can contribute.

 

“Brice Haines and Seth Friel are both new to the squad and should provide some impact in the the sprints and throws, along with a host of freshmen and sophomores pushing for slots,” said Griffith. “Several of those kids that will help fill in some spots around the team.  Braeden Oldaker, Ashton Davis, Brian Henderson, Hayden Hess and Jackson Jacobs, among others, all are pushing for varsity time.”

 

In recent years, the distance teams have been the stalwarts of the program. Primarily, many of the state championship cross country team have helped carry over the success to that part of track and field. This year, Griffith believes the strength is balance.

 

“Since we graduated so few, it looks like maturity and experience are really going to help us out.  The biggest factor may be in our large numbers.  As you go through the season most teams will have to deal with an injury or two.  We should be able to withstand some minor issues by utilizing our depth and allow time for injured athletes to recover fully before putting them back into competition,” he said. “Our depth also allows us to run the athletes in fewer events during the season and prevent some overuse prior to the championships part of the season.  It also allows us to develop the younger athletes over time and experiment with different events to find their best possible chances for success.”

 

Griffith also praised his coaching staff. He said he believes it’s one of the elite groups in West Virginia.

 

“They make me look awfully good,” said Griffith, the godfather of track coaching in the area as he enters his 29^th year.

 

Despite the numbers and talent, Griffith isn’t totally comfortable. That, however, shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone that knows him.

 

“One thing hasn’t changed.  I worry about everything.  Right now we don’t have any glaring areas of concern, but I know that can change in a heartbeat,” said Griffith. “That’s what keeps me up at night.”

 

Griffith said he believes his team is again among the top tier programs in West Virginia. Where that ends up is going to be determined as the season begins soon. Right now, he said he thinks they should be a top five unit.

 

“Whether we are first, fifth or somewhere in between depends on how well we manage our season and what happens on the other top teams,” said Griffith. “Winfield, Nicholas, Keyser, East Fairmont and possibly others are all potential state title teams. Could we win? Sure, it is possible.  We just need to make sure we take care of ourselves, stay focused and hungry.”

 

The Indians will have a scrimmage today. The annual Red-White meet will take place at Wayne Jamison Field after school.

 

Girls track preview coming soon on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Photos from the 2016 state track meet.