It’s not a new track being in place, but the Bridgeport High School track and field program is about to get a major boost. According to BHS Coach Jon Griffith, a new finish line building is scheduled for construction at the Wayne Jamison Field complex.

 

“We’re going to tear down the existing building and expand into a new, larger building that will better serve the program’s needs,” said Griffith. “The new building will not only be four feet deeper, but we are going to make it two stories as well.”

 

The existing building was put in place a few years after the new, six-lane, all-weather track was put in place during the 2001-2002 school year. The current building is a 10x20 structure, while the new one will be 14x20 and, as mentioned, be two-stories high.

 

So why the need to replace it after a decade?

 

“The main issue we have is timing because when a race is starting it’s often difficult to see from that vantage point because of the crowd,” said Griffith. “All of the timing equipment will be moved to the second floor.”

 

While the official operations needed to handle a track meet will go up a story, the first floor will also serve several much-needed purposes. Griffith said storage will be one of the key areas addressed, while it will also serve as an observation area for the media and a place to come out of the weather for meet officials. Griffith also said that the building will – at a minimum – have the infrastructure put in place for a bathroom.

“I’m not sure if we’ll have the funding for that, but we think having the plumbing ready is a smart move,” said Griffith. “We can always come back later and complete that. To be honest, we want to get started and will get started, but the plans on how the building will shape out can still be altered.”

 

Griffith said the new facility could cost between $20,000 and $25,000. He said a combination of funds will be used including money from the high school, the all-sports boosters, the track and field parents association and any donations from the community.

 

The previous building was done by several individuals with help from a local contractor that donated much of the sheet metal. Griffith also said he had plenty of construction material at the time from a home he had built.

 

“(Former girls track Coach) Jim Dawson, (former track assistant coach) Ryan Nicewarner and the contractor did so much of the work. I even think Jim got the glass for the windows donated,” said Griffith. “Ryan and myself ended up doing a lot of the interior work and (teacher) Mr. (Clint) Nesler and the computer students at the high school took care of all the computer equipment and timing equipment. We hope to have help this time as well in whatever form it comes.”

 

Griffith said work should begin soon. It said it was discussed at the most recent all-sports boosters meeting and that plans are progressing. He said he has talked with BHS Principal Mark DeFazio and, ideally, they would like the work to be done before winter.

 

“This is a good project that we’re ready to get started on, but we still have things to iron out,” Griffith said. “The good news is that we shouldn’t be a distraction with the work to any of the fall sports utilizing Jamison Field.

 

Griffith said community donations are welcome. Individuals can contact him at 304-657-0877 or they can contact DeFazio at the high school at 304-326-7137.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows BHS boys Track Coach Jon Griffith showing the angle that's difficult to see runners begin races due to the crowd in the top photo, while the building - still in good shape - is show in the bottom picture. Middle two photos are the tentative plans for the new building.