Few things are as critical to Bridgeport High School’s rich and lengthy football history as its championships, its winning seasons and a legacy of doing things the right way. In recent history, however, something else has become important to the program. And each year, Indians Coach Josh Nicewarner selects two members of his team that best exemplifies this new tradition.

 

On Sept. 26, prior to the Indians’ game with East Fairmont, Nicewarner was joined on the field by Dick and Susan Steadman to present the annual Talon Steadman Memorial Award. The presentation is made about the same time that Steadman, then a junior, passed away on August 29, 2009 in an automobile accident.

 

“It’s no secret that Talon wasn’t the kid with the best physical stature or the most athleticism, but he was the kid that if a coach asked for a volunteer – and it didn’t matter what the position was – it would be Talon who was the first one to volunteer,” said Nicewarner. “It never failed.”

 

The honor is given to the players on the team that exhibit those traits of selflessness and team-first mentality that Steadman – a 5’6, 220 pounder – showed during his time with the red and white. He was the type of player who would do anything to get a chance to play. The honor, which Steadman’s parents and Nicewarner have been quick to point out in the past aren’t to memorialize Talon, is for heart and teamwork.

 

This year, the honor went to seniors Michael Gray and Jonathan Murray. Nicewarner said both display the traits that made Talon Steadman special to the team and, more importantly, his teammates.

 

 “I think both of the choices this year easily fall in line with the values that Talon represented,” said Nicewarner.

 

Gray, although turning into a star on the team’s standout defensive unit, turned away from a chance to get into the running back mix and also return at linebacker to help provide depth in a position of need. Gray volunteered to be moved to the defensive line to help shore up a BHS weakness.

 

“He made the ultimate sacrifice to help the team. That personifies what the award is about,” said Nicewarner. “He gives it his all no matter what, whether it’s offense or defense, and that’s important because it’s leading by example.”

 

For Murray, the honor comes after a year away from the BHS football team. He returned to the BHS squad and has been solid on special teams and filling in whenever needed.

 

“He’s a lot like Michael in the fact that he does what you ask him to do and does what’s for the best of the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s special teams, needing a defensive end or a linebacker; if you call his name the one thing you know is that he’s going to go hard when he’s out there,” said Nicewarner. “Giving it your all can always make up for any type of shortcoming anyone may have, no matter how good they are.”

 

Gray’s and Murray’s names will be displayed on a plaque in the football locker room as well as already receiving a medallion on behalf of the Steadman family. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo, from left, shows Coach Josh Nicewarner, Michael Gray, Dick Steadman, Susan Steadman and Jonathan Murray, while the second photo is of the players being introduced to the family. Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com. Bottom photo is of Talon Steadman.