EDITOR'S NOTE: Since it may not be seen or overlooked, the sports listed are sports that the author, Jeff Toquinto, covers.

 

I don’t think it’s a revelation when stating Bridgeport High School’s athletic programs are some of the best in not just Class AA, but in all classes throughout West Virginia. Yet, there are still things that amaze me to the point that I don’t know what’s the most impressive.

 

Recently, when talking to Coach Jon Griffith about this past week’s Harrison County Track and Field Championships, I asked him about the ongoing win streaks in the event. Griffith, who is the ultimate book of knowledge when it comes to knowing every detail about his program, rattled it off immediately.

 

That means I can update it immediately after Bridgeport swept the titles again this past Tuesday. The BHS boys have won the county title 17 straight years, including 23 of the last 24 and 25 of the last 28.

 

The girls? Even better. Tuesday’s win was their 24^th straight Harrison County Championship.

 

Incredibly, the streaks pre-date the six-lane all-weather track in place at Wayne Jamison Field. They go back to when there was rarely, if ever, a home meet and if there was one it was held on a track that was like most tracks of the era – on cinders.

 

As I thought about that, I got to thinking what are some of the most impressive ongoing streaks involving Bridgeport High School athletics that I cover? Two additional sports came to mind.

 

First is another sport that’s taking place at this moment. The Indians’ baseball team, currently ranked No. 1 in Class AA yet again, has won a state record five straight state championships (regardless of class) and is looking to add to it.

 

Here’s a few more amazing features involving the BHS baseball team during the already completed 33-year tenure of Coach Robert Shields. During those 33 years, he’s won 30 sectional championships. During those 33 years, he’s won 19 regional titles and seven state titles overall.

 

What could be more impressive?

 

Depending on your thoughts, the football team has a pretty good thing going right now. Actually, they’ve got two streaks going, including one older than a large portion of the people who will read this.

 

I should note both streaks are ongoing state records. The Indians have made it to the postseason in football 26 straight years.

 

What could be more impressive? The last time the Indians had a losing season was in 1967.

 

For perspective, that streak started after the 1967 season. I’m 50 years old and wasn’t born.

 

I bring these up because we’re going to run a poll as to what our readers think is the most impressive. And because it undoubtedly will offend someone in some way, here’s what you need to know.

 

This is for entertainment purposes only. I am keenly aware there are possibly other streaks that may be out there not included. The streak that is selected as the winner doesn’t necessarily mean the other streaks are insignificant. This is non-scientific and meant for fun.

 

The poll should already be on the Connect-Bridgeport.com Web site. You will find it likely on the main page, and if not, click on the news and sports tabs and you should find it there. If you don’t, please don’t panic. It will be added no later than Monday.

 

One final note, as many of you know long-time BHS coach and Harrison County educator passed away a week ago from Saturday. He was laid to rest on Wednesday. Since that time, tributes on our pages and throughout social media have poured in.

 

While many they were all beautiful, I wanted to share one – verbatim – posted by former student and also a former student-athlete for Randolph when Gene was an assistant for the baseball team at BHS.

 

The comments are courtesy of my friend and BHS graduate John Cullen. The photo is courtesy of Mrs. Alice Rowe from her time putting out the Ki-Cu-Wa Yearbook. 

 

The photo is from 1990. Enjoy the words he wrote the day of Randolph’s funeral.

 

“Although I have work responsibilities today, my thoughts will be with this man, and his family and friends, as he is laid to rest. I hate that I won’t be able to attend his funeral, but I know he knows how I felt about him, because I told him. I have always loved this picture of Coach Randolph, lighting up a victory cigar after we had won another trip back to the state tournament.

 

I thought it was the perfect picture for the day, because Coach was and always will be a WINNER. Being a WINNER doesn’t mean you win every game you play - it is a mindset - it is facing every challenge and adversity, in life, with the determination to win.

 

We will never find another like him - as I told my friend, Jeff Toquinto, the other day, Coach was the toughest, grittiest, most competitive person, I have ever known, who at the same time, was so filled with a tremendous love for his students and players. You always knew he was going to challenge you, but you never doubted it was because he cared.

 

One other thing I will always remember about Coach Randolph was his walk. Having served in the military, he had, what I would describe as a purposeful walk. I know that sounds silly, but he did - he walked with his chest forward, a little lean, and very determined to get where he was going. Kinda like the way he lived his life - whether it was how he taught his students, coached his players, spent time with family and friends, or in the end, the way he fought his battle against his illness - he always had great intent in what he did.

 

For Coach, it was always chest forward, eyes up and on a mission to get where he was going; I have no doubt, he is walking into Heaven the exact same way. That’s what winners do.”

 

Beautiful words John. Simply beautiful.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of John Griffith at last week's Harry Green Invitational, while Coach Robert Shields is shown in the second photo. Third photo shows Coach Wayne Jamison accepting the first of four state championships; this one the Class AAA title in 1972. Top two  photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.