It wasn’t just the recent burning of wires inside the scoreboard and public address announcing section of the Wayne Jamison Field Press Box that has Bridgeport High School Principal Mark DeFazio looking at replacing the structure. Rather, he knows – and so do others – the building’s life as originally constructed has neared its end.

 

DeFazio, BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt DeMotto and others know it’s time for either a replacement or a major overhaul. DeFazio said he’d like to think it’s a question of when as opposed to if for the future project.

 

Here’s what else DeFazio knows. And it’s what he always knows when something like this is discussed.

 

“There’s always two things you need to know before getting too far ahead on this,” said DeFazio. “You need to know what can be done and how much what you plan on doing is going to cost. The second thing, and the most thing, is where are you going to get the money to do it.”

 

Here’s the good thing. There won’t be any roadblocks put in front of a potential project by the Harrison County Board of Education. DeFazio said he has already broached what he’d like to see happen with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Manchin.

 

“Dr. Manchin and I spoke (recently) about (the press box) to see what we can possibly do,” said DeFazio.

 

Years ago, the field house and subsequent press box was done as part of a community project. Decades later, more room is needed and an upgrade, said DeFazio, is clear as soon as you walk in.

 

“It’s functional, but we know we need to do something,” said DeFazio.

 

Manchin said he's aware of the situation. He supports all efforts to see improvements such as this.

 

"We fully support looking into this, as we do at all schools," said Manchin. " ... This is one of many efforts undertaken and if there is a way we can assist that's feasible we'll look into that."

 

The first thing that DeFazio said needs to take place is to bring an engineering firm on board to look at the structure. He said there needs to be a determination of whether the existing facility is sound enough to construct upward, which would be the preferred option.

 

“That’s what we would like to do,” he said. “We just don’t know if it’s possible. If it’s not possible, we’d like for an engineer to give us a preliminary idea of the cost to expand the press box.

 

DeFazio is hoping one of many engineering firms in the area that does work with BHS and the school system would be willing to donate services on that end. Eventually, he said, dollars are going to have to be spent.

 

“We’re not blind to the fact that there will need to be money raised. Ideally, we’d get as much donated as possible from materials needed to labor, but that’s way down the road. Right now, we just need to see what can be done and the costs we’re looking at,” he said.

 

DeFazio said having support from the county office is critical. He said knowing that when you have a concern and a need that it will get support – in whatever form is available – helps make the job of administrators easier.

 

“Dr. Manchin is always on board, and that’s so important,” said DeFazio. “When you want something, just follow protocol by letting Dr. Manchin know and then you get (BOE officials) Mr. (Joe) Ammons and Mr. (Anthony) Fratto on board and explain to them what it is you’re hoping to do. They’re eager and willing to help, but they understand the process. Their first question is like mine; where’s the money coming from because they don’t to get in a situation where they have to cover the cost for an upgrade done on their property.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the "Voice of the Indians" Travis Jones interviewing WVSSAC Assistant Executive Director Wayne Ryan at the BHS-North Marion game, while the plan to expand has to be vertical - if possible - due to the location of utilities. Bottom photo shows Reuben Perdue helping in one of the booths with the BHS streaming service.