From the Bench: A Year Late, but Six-Figure Project at Wayne Jamison Field Looks Ready to Get Started
By Jeff Toquinto on April 18, 2021 from Sports Blog
Back in January of 2020, in this very blog, I had talked with Bridgeport High School Principal Matt DeMotto about plans for a new press box and weight room facility at Wayne Jamison Field. The plan at the time was that when graduation ceremonies finished that year, enough funds would be in place to get started.
The actual date for making the pitch to ask the BOE for assistance and permission was Jan. 7, 2020. Both were granted and the planning started.
Plans, however, were put on hold. Two months after the blog ran, pretty much everything in West Virginia was shut down as the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the Mountain State. Fast forward a little more than a year, and plans – although modified – are back
on track.
on track.
Late last month, the Harrison County Board of Education posted a legal ad for a proposed BHS press box and weight room renovation. Although proposed, it is likely going to happen – or at least the press box portion of things.
The reason for that is that the plans are in place. The architect/engineering firm is in place in Bridgeport’s The Thrasher Group, who drew up those plans. And that means bids are being sought from contractors as opposed to a request for proposal looking for an A/E firm to design a project.
According to Harrison County Schools Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Lopez, the project will come with a six-figure price tag. It will also have the press box as one part of the project and the weight room as an add-alternate in the bidding process so that at least one phase will get done.
“The press box is estimated at $250,000,” said Lopez, who oversees facilities.
If the weight room is renovated and expanded, it will be a much higher project. Lopez said it could approach the area getting close to $400,000 or more, but a lot of that depends on how the bidding process plays out.
“We’re Looking for the bid opening and hoping to get a number to allow us to do both projects,” said BHS Principal Matt DeMotto. “We do have a substantial amount of the cost covered, but we’ll also have to look at some fundraising.”
The school has some of its own dollars banked and Harrison County Schools and their Board of Education has committed $150,000 to the project. For those who think the BOE is doing Bridgeport a favor, the school system is doing exactly what it is doing for others.
“We’ve done, and are doing, different projects such as this. I know when I was at South Harrison there was a new press box put in,” said Lopez. “There is also renovations and additions going on a Lincoln High School to their facility building so this is not at all unusual.
“I can tell you this about Bridgeport’s press box,” he continued. “There are upgrades that need done. Those upgrades have needed to be done for a while.”
DeMotto did not dispute the need. He said the press box, more than the weight room, is first in line.
“The press box has to be a priority because the current condition is such that we’re starting to question its safety. The roof is spongy and rotted in areas just to name once concern. There are others,” said DeMotto.
Initially, the plan was to have a two-story press box. While that would be still be option one, what is proposed in the design by Thrasher will still be light years ahead of what is in place now.
“We’re going to have a one level press box. We hoped for two, but looking at the potential cost, the better decision and more efficient use 
of funding is to go with one level,” said DeMotto. “It is still going to be a complete rebuild of the existing press box.”
of funding is to go with one level,” said DeMotto. “It is still going to be a complete rebuild of the existing press box.”
The rebuild will include a VIP room that a person or even a business can purchase seating in for the season. There will be a video board room, home and visiting radio rooms, a room for the public address system, a stat and print media room among other features that will be included.
As for the roof, DeMotto said that will be a much safer environment. He said the big thing, after safety, is there will be more space available.
“The additional space will accommodate the visiting team much better,” said DeMotto.
The roof is utilized primarily by a portion of BHS and its foes coaching staffs, which is standard at most facilities either inside the press box or on top of it. Game filming also takes place on top of the BHS facility.
It would be hard to argue it is not time for a new facility. The press box was done at a minimum in the 1980s. At that time, a group of volunteers led by the late Jim “Mutt” Ash built the much-needed existing press box. Since then, however time has taken its toll.
“It’s in dire need of being replaced. It’s served its time and served well, but nothing lasts forever,” said DeMotto.
The same can be said about the weight room that is situated as part of the base of the existing building that features the press box. While it is still functional, it is outdated and too small – way too small.
“(The weight room is) definitely a project we need and the sheer number of kids wanting to participate in the weight program has gotten to the point where the current weight room simply isn’t big enough,” said DeMotto.
DeMotto said he hated to speculate about whether the weight room would have the funds available to make it happen. However, he is optimistic.
“I believe we can get there,” said DeMotto.
You can help the school get there. Much like the initial plan in early 2020, part of the process involved a fundraising component. Individuals and businesses can assist. As has always been the case, I anticipate a community buy in.
Anyone that would want to help out can 304-326-7122 ask for DeMotto or Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mark Jones.
As for whether it will be ready for the start of the 2021 football and soccer seasons, the answer is yes. While the opening of the bids is set for April 26, the chosen contactor will have until August 10 to have the work substantially completed.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows an architectural rendering, courtesy of The Thrasher Group, while The Voice of the Indians, Travis Jones, points out some of the visible damage inside the structure. Bottom photo is of BHS Principal Matt DeMotto.
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