Bridgeport boys track Coach Jon Griffith has overseen the Connect-Bridgeport Invitational Track meet since its inception. And he was hoping to oversee arguably the biggest field ever at the event this past weekend.

 

It didn’t happen. And because of the Coronavirus pandemic, he’s not sure if the boys and girls meet that was set to officially open the 2020 season is going to happen. Griffith, ever the optimist, is still trying to see a potential silver lining to a cloud that has implications for students, the program and even the finances.

 

“I don’t want to say it’s canceled just yet. It’s postponed until such time as the WVSSAC would say there’s no season or sets a date that makes it impossible to get it in,” said Griffith. “If the WVSSAC would extend the season to the end of June, there’s a chance it could be rescheduled.”

 

Of course, if that happens the logistics will change with other schools trying to get to the meet at a new date if it’s even possible. The weather, as well, could be a factor in the future.

 

“Of course, this past Friday and Saturday was as nice of weather as we’ve seen,” said Griffith. “It was in the 80s on Saturday and Sunny. With the field that we had we would have almost certainly had a record crown and turned in our largest gate and concessions since we started the meet.”

 

Griffith said 20 schools were signed up. Six high schools were taking part and 14 middle schools were included in the field.

 

“We would have done exceptionally well financially. With that weather there would have been a huge crowd,” said Griffith. “We probably lost $20,000 to $25,000 (in gate and concession money).”

Griffith said the number of teams and the crowd would have easily produced double the revenue the meet usually produces. The Connect-Bridgeport meet, he said, is one of four meets that produce money that goes to the school and the parents’ association. The Harry Green Invitational and the Harry Green Middle School Invitational are two of the biggest money makers for the program.

 

“This meet would have been a bonanza,” Griffith said.

 

Griffith said with things being pushed back through April as it relates to “social distancing,” that the chances of getting in the Connect meet is looking problematic.

 

“I have to be perfectly honest and say that I have a feeling this meet isn’t going to take place. I’m holding on to hope that we’ll still have a season for our kids, our seniors for the boys and girls,” said Griffith. “At the same time, every step backwards pushes us to the point where there’s no return, and I understand why it’s happening and agree with why it’s happening.

 

“Even understanding it doesn’t make it easier to deal with,” he continued. “I’m still grasping at some hope this can be salvaged, but it’s getting harder to hold on to.”

 

Editor's Note: File photos, top one showing BHS Coach Jon Griffith, by Ben Queen Photography.