During Friday night’s Bridgeport win over East Fairmont, members of the Bridgeport High School’s Hall of Fame Class for 2014 weren’t the only ones recognized. Two members of the Indians’ medical staff were also singled out for recognition and, according to Principal Mark DeFazio, more than deservingly so.

 

Team Dr. Kelly Nelson and team Physical Therapist Mike Martin were honored for their decades of service to the football program. Incredibly, Nelson is in his 25^th year on the sidelines, while Martin is in his 28^th season of service.

 

“Think about that for minute. They have given a combined 53 years, that’s more than half a century, to this team, these students, this school and this community,” said DeFazio. “They don’t have to do it, but they’re always on that sideline for home and away games.”

 

On Friday, that dedication was rewarded. Both Martin and Nelson were given 2013 championship rings. The rings, DeFazio said, were the same as those worn by the football team members for winning last year’s Class AA state title.

 

“There’s really not a whole lot we can do for them, but when someone let me know about their time of service and suggested we could do this, I was more than happy to agree to it,” said DeFazio. “I really and truly believe both gentlemen have been very supportive of Bridgeport High School football to the point where they are definitely and without question part of the program.”

 

DeFazio, a former coach himself, said it’s a “relief” for the BHS football staff to know that they have a doctor and physical therapist available at their games along with the team trainer and other medical support staff that lend their time. On top of that, he said Martin and Nelson are tops in their field.

 

“The coaches know that both of those men will do everything to get a player back on the field, but they know they’d never do that by putting a child in danger. If they tell the coach a kid is good then they don’t have to even think about it,” said DeFazio. “Both are that good at what they do and I appreciate what they mean to our school and our community and I think our community does as well.”

 

Editor's Note: Dr. Kelly Nelson works on the ankle of Dylan Tonkery, while Therapist Mike Martin observes along with team trainer Brooke Davis during the Indians' season-opening game with Buckhannon-Upshur. At the top of the page is Martin, left, and Nelson after accepting their rings this evening. Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.