Mark DeFazio has helped oversee easily over seven figures in projects to the athletic complex behind the gates at Wayne Jamison Complex during his time as principal and back to his days as assistant principal. While DeFazio has said his years are likely numbered as far as how much longer he’ll continue in his current position, what apparently isn’t numbered are the number of projects he’d still like to see get off the ground.

 

Last week, DeFazio and BHS Baseball Coach Robert Shields confirmed the latest project taking place inside the complex. And it’s a complete replacement project for one done back in 1994.

 

“We’re looking at doing a project on the infield at the baseball field,” DeFazio said. “This one is probably a little past due with all of the other work that’s being done, and provided it doesn’t cost too much it will be done. If it is a project that’s between $25,000 and $30,000 it should be fine.”

 

The project in question calls for a complete removal of the grass infield and a much-needed leveling of the playing surface in the infield. Shields, the four-time defending Class AA state champion, said it should go in nicely with many of the recent projects and it’s one he’s excited to see completed.

 

“We need the entire infield grass to get up to standards so it will drain well. The sod was actually done in the fall of 1994 and came from Pete Dye’s sod farm thanks to Jim LaRosa who brought it in,” said Shields.  “That’s the same sod that’s been in that field other than some serious work Jon Marks did in the areas that needed it in 2008, which was around first and third bases.”

 

What that means is that it’s been a decade since any significant work was done and nearly 25 years since a major overhaul was completed. Now, Shields is hopeful that the project that he said could begin as early as next month and cost around $30,000 will go for decades once the field is leveled off.

 

Why does it need leveled? There are parts of the infield that are off by more than seven inches, according to Smith.

 

“The field needs raised and we have low spots from wear and tear. We’ve been helped by Paul Smith (each year) as far as helping with laser grading,” said Shields. “The field isn’t bad and drains well, but it’s got problems and this will address it. We just need to make sure the monies we have between private money, what we’ve raised and dollars from the school (excess levy) will cover it. We’re hoping to raise even more.”

 

The BHS baseball program will hold one of its biggest fundraisers of the year Saturday, Oct. 7. At that time the fourth annual golf tournament “A Round for the Reservation” will be held at the Bel Meadow Country Club.

 

The event will begin with an 8 a.m. breakfast and a 9 a.m. shotgun start in a four-man scramble format. The entry fee is $60 per person or $240 per team. Money will also be raised by selling mulligans and a 50/50 drawing. Prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin will also be given out.

 

Shields is asking individuals interested in participating to contact Rick Johnson (304-669-0685), Robert Marra (304-669-1979), or Jeff Mossburg (304-844-6614). Shields said the tournament is important and also a good time.

 

Click HERE for a registration form.

 

“The main thing is that this tournament allows us to put money back into the field for its upkeep. Maintaining the field is an ongoing expense,” said Shields. “Money from our previous tournaments helped pay for a large portion of the new sprinkler system we have in place so it’s important. We’re asking alumni, fans of the program or those who love to golf to join us. We want to make the field a showcase for our kids and the entire community and this is the next step.”

 

DeFazio and Shields pointed to several major projects in recent years. Work on the outfield, the new concession stand building and press box, new backstop and many others items have helped turn the field into one of the best facilities in the region.

 

“This past May we noticed the heavy rains were causing more problems than usual because of the field not being level,” said Shields. “This should fix it and give the entire field a really nice look.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows BHS Coach Robert Shields, right, and Paul Smith - as well as the second photo - looking at problem areas on the field. Principal Mark DeFazio shown below.