You know the drill, Indian Nation. After a Bridgeport High School touchdown comes the attempt to kick the extra point or make a two-point conversion. By the time Stadium “Voice of the Indians” Gooch Holbert makes the announcement as to whether the attempt is good, the "Pride of the Tribe" Marching Band plays the BHS Fight Song to which the frontline and cheerleaders do their respective routines.

 

Then, fireworks light up the sky.

 

It’s been going on for years – well, except for the last element.

 

During the Tribe’s Friday night showdown with the Liberty High School Mountaineers, I received a phone call from other side of the stadium. My good friend and Liberty fan asked about the intermittent fireworks. Even though the rain was falling pretty hard at times, the exciting flashes of light and accompanying booms still reflected each change of the scoreboard.

 

That’s because of a couple faithful Bridgeport football fans – who happen to be BHS grads. It was last year during football playoffs that Gene and Shari (Corder) Weaver purchased a house in the Hall Street vicinity, overlooking Wayne Jamison Field, and decided it would be fun to celebrate the touchdowns of their alma mater.  

 

It all started with the couple hosting “homegating” parties, having family and friends over before home football games.

 

“Shari and I love to have a reason to have a party and what better way to do it than celebrating one of the best football programs in the state of West Virginia,” Gene said.

 

It wasn’t long before they decided, Shari said, that fireworks for scores were warranted.

 

During home games, Gene and Shari stay tuned to Indian football on 103.3 with radio "Voice of the Indians" Travis Jones and he reports a touchdown, the sky lights up. 

 

It seems to be going over quite well. Football fans love it and so do the Weavers. It appears a new tradition has been born. Gene and Shari said they recently received a new shipment of fireworks and they're set for the rest of this year’s home games and subsequent playoffs.

 

Shari graduated from BHS in 1982. Three years her senior, Gene was a member of the Indian basketball and baseball team. The couple moved out of state in 1984 and returned 19 years later. Their kids Brady and Mandy were also BHS grads.

 

So this is just another story of how folks in our hometown support the city - and school athletic program - in their own unique way.

 

And I’d say the Weavers have done it with a bang. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter!

 

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