Despite Rumors, New BHS Indian Head Logo Firmly in Place on Gym Floor
By Jeff Toquinto on August 03, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Even before more than one media outlet reported that the Bridgeport High School gymnasium floor was being redone and the artwork on 
it removed, Principal Mark DeFazio was hearing a rumor. And it was a rumor that had zero legitimacy in reality.
it removed, Principal Mark DeFazio was hearing a rumor. And it was a rumor that had zero legitimacy in reality.
The rumor was that when the Harrison County Board of Education was removing the Indian head from center court that it would not be returned. Instead, it would be replaced with an arrowhead or some other design that was representative of the Indians.
“I have no idea where the rumor originated, but you bet I heard it. It wasn’t overwhelming but I heard it from several people and a lot of it was before anyone reported on the school board redoing the floors,” DeFazio said. “You just don’t know where people come up with things.”
So what did DeFazio do whe asked?
“For the most part I do what I’ve learned to do after all these years when there’s a rumor that’s got no substance. I simply ignored it,” said DeFazio. “If someone asked I told them, but I’ve not made any efforts to try to stop 
something that was baseless. If someone still doesn’t believe it, come in and look at the floor.”
something that was baseless. If someone still doesn’t believe it, come in and look at the floor.”
Recently, the work was done that stripped the BHS gymnasium floor all the way down to the bare wood and the finish was put back on. Although that’s done occasionally, typically the yearly maintenance involves a small stripping and a re-waxing.
“This was a major overhaul and that’s why the logos had to be removed,” said DeFazio. “The finished product looks really good. We’re happy with how the floor turned out.”
The floor is the latest in a complete overhaul of the gymnasium. In the past year, the gymnasium has seen roughly $100,000 of new bleachers go into the area that used to house the stage along with new banking boards for the basketball part of the gym. Also, the Harrison County Board of Education’s maintenance department also painted the entire gymnasium.
“For the most part, we’ve got what looks like a new gym. About the only thing that’s left are the old bleachers in the regular section of the gym,” said DeFazio. “Those are in pretty good shape. I can honestly say this is the best, by far, that the gym has looked since I’ve been here.”
Editor's Note: Photos show workers handling the new logos at middle court and on the 28-foot lines (which is the arrowhead with the Indian head logo inside) earlier this summer. Photos courtesy of Alice Rowe.
