With decades of coaching and running and being involved with some pretty massive track meets, Bridgeport High School Coach Jon Griffith knew this past Saturday’s Charles Pointe-Indian Run Invitational at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex was pretty unique. After all, it appears as if no other event in Bridgeport High School history

 

“We ended up with just over 1000 runners competing on Saturday,” said Griffith.

 

And that was just the runners. When you figure in all of the spectators, volunteers and city staff that helped out the number becomes more than just substantial. In fact, the numbers were in the several thousands. Thanks to those involved, the event went off fairly smoothly.

 

“All of the feedback I got was very positive.  In fact, all of our volunteers reported that the overall response was exceptionally positive,” said Griffith.

 

Bridgeport High School Principal Mark DeFazio piled praise on those involved. DeFazio, who was in attendance, thanked everyone for their part.

 

“On behalf of the Bridgeport High School administration, Coach Griffith and his staff and members of the boys and girls cross country teams, we want to thank the City of Bridgeport, Police Chief John Walker and Deputy Chief Randy Hartley, the police staff, the fire department, the emergency squad and those involved and the command center,” said DeFazio. “You also have to give a big thanks to all of the volunteers that made this a huge success.

 

“The school appreciates the support from everyone involved,” DeFazio continued. “We couldn’t ask for more positive support and help. I’d like to say I’m surprised the community got on board, but I’m not. This community always steps up to help any time the school is in need of support or a child is in need of support.”

 

For those thinking the second annual event was expanded as a one-time scenario, they would be wrong. In fact, things could be even bigger next year.

 

“We will definitely be holding it again next year.  We plan on expanding the event a little,” said Griffith.

 

The expansion could involve splitting the high school meet into two divisions – Class AA-A and Class AAA. Griffith said a junior varsity event for the high school and middle school – boys and girls – is also likely to happen.

 

“We are looking to enhance our awards ceremony and will be discussing ideas with the City of Bridgeport on ways to improve that facet of the meet,” said Griffith. “Based on my conversations with officials and coaches, this year’s meet will be one of the three largest meets in the state.  Next year we would like to move up that list.” 

 

Like DeFazio, Griffith had no shortage of words when thanking those involved. In fact, his list was as long as that – and even a bit longer – than that of DeFazio. However, like DeFazio, he believed it was a community effort.

 

“It was a total community effort.  Genesis Partners, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation , the Bridgeport Police Department, Bridgeport EMS, the Bridgeport CVB, Bridgeport Express Care, the law firm of  McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner, Harrison County Schools, Bridgeport High School  and my course maintenance team of Kirk Wilson and Fred Funk, they all contributed to the success of the meet,” said Griffith. “The cooperation from everyone was essential in getting this event to run as smoothly as it did.  I can’t thank all of them enough.  With an event of this size there are so many details and so many things to consider that any one person could never accomplish it.  The support I get here in Bridgeport is unparalleled and I give thanks every day for being able to coach here.”  

 

Click HERE for the story on the competition itself.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Joe Gonzalez firing off the starting gun, while BHS Cross Country Coach Jon Griffith, left, talks with Deputy Chief Randy Hartley to help coordinate things Saturday. In the third photo, a bucket truck was used to film the event, while the bottom photo shows Captain Phil Hart, looking toward camera, with other police and emergency personnel at Saturday's event. All photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.