From the Bench: Approaching 10-Year Anniversary of Critical Component of Bridgeport Sports Infrastructure
By Jeff Toquinto on May 17, 2026 from Sports Blog
There are certainly plenty of ingredients in the Bridgeport High School recipe for success when it comes to athletics. There are obvious ones such as dedicated student-athletes, coaches in it for the long haul, community support, availability of resources, and much more.
One of the things that adds to the BHS aura is the radio coverage of several sports led by “The Voice of the Indians” Travis Jones. Jones, 
of course, goes well beyond his radio persona in helping the Tribe, particularly on the football side of things.
of course, goes well beyond his radio persona in helping the Tribe, particularly on the football side of things.
Jones has been a fixture since the 1990s when he started calling football games. And it is not hyperbole to say the Indians Radio Network, particularly the football show, he heads up is arguably the best in the state and, I would argue, one of the best in the nation.
That said, Jones is not doing it alone. He never has. And he will be the first to tell you that.
Through the years he has been joined in the booth by Jim Dodrill, Tim Brady, and Ryan Nicewarner as the analyst, or color commentator (along with plenty of folks on the sideline and other support staff). But it is the commentary that helps make Jones flow like a Swiss watch and provides the perfect product for the BHS faithful.
And this year, the analyst next to Jones in the booth is about to celebrate his 10-year anniversary in football even though he was doing BHS sports on other fronts prior to that. Chris George, often confused for the “other Chris George” living in Bridgeport, is that man, and he is good at what he does.
Don’t believe me? Ask Jones.
“Being an analyst is the most difficult job on a radio broadcast because you have the know the inner workings and be able to explain it,” said Jones. “I say what I see. The analyst must explain what I saw.
“He’s very analytical, and he is that way with football, basketball, and baseball,” Jones continued. “He knows the offense, the defense, coverage, strategies, and it’s a perfect compliment because of that. He’s knowledgeable about all sports, but Chris’ knowledge is
advanced with baseball. The best part is he can explain everything to the average fan, and that’s important.”
advanced with baseball. The best part is he can explain everything to the average fan, and that’s important.”
George, a 1995 graduate of Elkins High School who currently works with the DNR in Elkins, got started with the Indians, back in 2011. He did a few baseball games and dipped his foot in the BHS pool.
And, yes, his passion is baseball.
George coached 17 years of American Legion in Elkins where the team won the 2012 state championship. He and his staff won 451 games, had 266 losses, and four ties from 2004 up to COVID with all kinds of success. He also coached what was semi-pro baseball prior to the Legion run.
It would seem like George would end up doing radio after his primary job in and around Randolph County. He started doing sports at stations there in the fall of 1993, including a good bit of Elkins baseball. He was happy doing that when Jones stepped in.
“Travis called me one day and said he had a Bridgeport opening where he needed someone to fill in for him,” said George, who stepped in when Jones was tied up with then commitments for West Virginia University athletics and even today with Fairmont State. “I did a couple of basketball games for Travis back when Gene Randolph was coaching.”
That, George admits, was a long time ago.
“I have to think back to when I started because it’s been so long I just can’t quickly remember,” George said with a laugh.
Jones remembers the need for an analyst when Ryan Nicewarner finally opted to step away. And he knew George was worth a try because of his success with baseball and basketball already under his wing for BHS by that time prior to the 2017 season.
“A lot of it was already in place because he was already in the company and I knew he was extremely knowledgeable even though his p
rimary sport was baseball. As it turned out, it was easy transition to take on football full time,” said Jones. “It has worked out extremely well on so many fronts.
rimary sport was baseball. As it turned out, it was easy transition to take on football full time,” said Jones. “It has worked out extremely well on so many fronts.
“Today, when I have a Fairmont State conflict, Chris fills in and he’s also talented in play by play. In basketball, there is always a conflict,” Jones continued. “He just slides in, and I’m at ease knowing he’s the one sliding in. It’s his versatility that makes him so valuable to me and our broadcast. He can be an analyst, do play by play, and he’d be good on the sideline, too.”
Jones said George has managed another part of the transition that he, too, had to face. And that is coming into a Bridgeport position as an outsider.
“I know from experience that being an outsider and having the stigma of not being a Bridgeport guy makes it a bit harder to get accepted,” Jones said. “I think anyone who knows Chris knows he’s proven he’s as red and white as they come.”
George did have one big connection to Bridgeport. During his time with American Legion baseball, he became friends with the late Robert “Timbuck” Shields, the former Post 68 coach and father of current BHS baseball Coach Robert Shields.
“Timbuck and I were close. We talked a lot on the phone, and I got know Robert that way,” George said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with Robert.”
There is one minor problem that came with George that even knowing a prominent sports figure in the community could not erase. And it is a problem that continues to this day. It is one that probably will never permanently go away.
George is thought to be, often, the Bridgeport resident, Roosevelt-Wilson alum, and Glenville State All-American Chris George.
“It happens a lot,” said George. “It’s always funny when it’s brought up because some people know him and expect me to be him. I tell them he has the talent physically, and I have the talent verbally; it comes from my mouth.
“We’re not related,” he continued. “I’ve never even met him face to face and he’s in Bridgeport. I keep telling people, ‘I’m not that guy,’ because it really does happen a lot.”
While George is comfortable today, he said there was pressure when he first started on football. And the reasons were obvious.
“The pressure was there because it’s Bridgeport. It’s a top of the line sports program and a top of the line radio program and production. Even with that pressure, it was eased because I have been treated so well from the school, the community, and everyone involved,” he said. “It’s been enjoyable beyond my best expectations.”
George said it is only possible because of Jones.
“Without Travis this opportunity would’ve never happened,” said George. “It was always a goal for me growing up as a radio broadcaster to work for a radio network like this with all the production and top-notch equipment and facilities.
“It’s been an honor working for Bridgeport and the crew we’ve worked with,” he continued. “Travis deserves all the thanks for that.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chris George, far left, with Travis Jones, center, and Brent Kimble at a BHS home basketball contest this year. In the center, George and Kimble are shown making the call for the Indians Radio Network during this year's highly successful regular season at BHS's field. In the bottom photo, George is set up to make the call at Robert C. Byrd High School prior to Coach Robert Shields collecting his 1000th win.
