The final piece in the 2017 Bridgeport High School football team’s coaching staff has been put in place. And on Monday it will become official.

 

At that time, the Indians will fill the volunteer assistant vacancy that was recently created when assistant Coach John Cole took over as head coach and volunteer assistant Brett Hathaway assumed the position of assistant coach – both on a one-year interim basis. The new volunteer assistant coach is also one of the most well-known names in Bridgeport High School football history.

 

Class AAA state champion standout Robert “Bobby” Marra will handle the volunteer assistant chores for the next several months. Marra agreed to assume the role as the time frame to fill the position was a short one.

 

“I’m excited from the standpoint of just trying to help out Johnny (Cole) and help out the program and the kids in any way that I can. That’s the whole reason and the only reason I’m doing this. I think it will end up being fun and if that happens that would make it even better,” said Marra.

 

Cole is pleased to have someone with the football pedigree that Marra has agreeing to volunteer to help.

 

“We needed to bring in someone because we’re down a set of eyes and ears and I feel pretty good that we’re bringing in a solid set of eyes and ears,” said Cole. “If there is one thing I’ve learned in my (20 years) with the program is that you don’t want to be down a coach knowing there’s a chance another coach could get sick or have a personal or family  issue where they can’t be there. I’ve seen it many times since I’ve been here with our staff and with other staffs.”

 

Marra, a 1980 BHS alum, played under legendary Coach Wayne Jamison. He quarterbacked the 1979 state championship team and is considered by many one of the top players to wear the red and white. The Indians beat St. Albans for the Class AAA title that year by a 20-7 score and toppled the heavily favored Parkersburg Big Reds by a 7-6 score in the semifinals in a game at Hite Field.

 

Many remember Marra for a play against Parkersburg where he connected with another BHS standout in Brad Minetree on a third-down pass in the muck and mire at Hite Field.  Marra, always humble about the moment, has said in the past he just threw it up and Minetree made the play. Eventually, Marra would score the touchdown that would tie the game and lead the way for the extra point to win it.

 

“I was actually at the Parkersburg semifinal game at Hite Field. I definitely remember the play. I think the most surprising thing for me and everyone was that the ball even went in the air. Coach Jamison rarely passed,” said Cole, who was in junior high at the time. “It was a huge play.”

 

What else is huge, said Cole, is the kindness of Bridgeport businessman Darren Abraham. Marra works for Abraham’s business, Abraham Linc handling a key position. However, Abraham agreed to let Marra volunteer his time.

 

“While Robert wanted to help and I needed help, none of this happens if it doesn’t start with Darren Abraham,” said Cole. “Darren didn’t hesitate and that says a lot about a businessman who has continually given back to the community in which he works.”

 

 Marra echoed those comments.

 

“Darren has always been one to give back to the community and he knows, hopefully, my time there will help the program and keep the program stable and continue its established excellence,” said Marra, who has been observing at a few practices. “He’s always very generous when he believes it’s for the good of the community, and particularly kids. He’s handled things in that manner since I’ve been with him and I’m certain long before.”

 

Cole said Marra will wear “many hats” for the Indians. The coach said he hopes Marra’s time as a defensive back at West Virginia Wesleyan will help with the Tribe’s defensive backs. He also said Marra’s business acumen should help tremendously in assisting on many of the administrative things.

 

Marra has coached before, but at the youth level. He said he was last involved coaching when his son Ross, now entering his second year in college, was playing youth football during the Bruce Carey era of BHS football.

 

“There’s going to be a learning curve because we’re a little bit different from the stick-I that was run for decades to the power pistol, but I’m confident he’ll get it down,” said Cole.

 

Marra said knowing some of the players and being familiar with the program should help.

 

“I know some of the kids, at least growing up and watching them play, and my son is not too far removed, especially from the senior group. I know the coaches and I can tell you it’s an excellent group of kids and coaches,” said Marra.

 

“That should allow me more time to become acclimated to the changes in terminology, particularly on offense, and the sets the team run. My goal is to be an asset to the program and in no way a hindrance.”

 

Marra said he’s not in the volunteer role for the long haul. With interim tags being removed next year and plenty of time to find a volunteer assistant if needed, he’ll be back in the fall of 2018 as a spectator at games and an afternoon employee at Abraham Linc.

 

“We’re happy he’s coming aboard. We’re also happy with Abraham Linc,” said Cole. “This is another example of someone in the community, in any manner needed, stepping up for these kids.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Bobby Marra observing at a recent practice, while he's shown with former Coach Wayne Jamison in the second photo and running for yardage in the third photo. Bottom photo shows BHS Coach John Cole at a recent scrimmage. Top and bottom photos by www.benqueenphotography.com and middle two photos courtesy of BHS Journalism Department and Mrs. Alice Rowe.