From the Bench: Wayne Jamison Field Fundraising is Set to Begin for Quarter of a Million Dollar-Plus Project
By Jeff Toquinto on September 21, 2025 from Sports Blog
Although it may seem like there is little left to upgrade at Wayne Jamison Field, Bridgeport High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears would tell you differently. In fact, he would tell you that starting today and for the next two weeks, a fundraising effort will take place to make a highly visible six-figures-plus upgrade at the facility.
“Essentially, we have an antiquated and older video board in our scoreboard that, honestly, on my first day in the here three years ago was a problem, and it’s worse now,” said Sears. “We have continued to put band aids on it, and it’s time not only replace, but replace it right 
and replace it well.”
and replace it well.”
There you have it. The plan is to have a new scoreboard in place at Jamison Field by the time the spring sports season rolls around, as well as way ahead of graduation ceremonies.
To do that, Sears said the effort is under way to meet the cost of $275,000. While a quarter-of-a-million-dollar-plus project is pricy for anyone or any entity outside of the multi-millionaire’s club, Sears is confident that the community will do what it always does – step up.
“We are working with the premier name in the business when it comes to video boards in Daktronics (based out of South Dakota),” said Sears, who said local sports representative BSN is also assisting on what is a more expensive brand of scoreboard. “The standard of athletics, academics, and community in Bridgeport is to provide all involved with the best. Daktronics is top of the line when it comes to videos and scoreboards and what we have planned is going to be impressive for our student population and the community.”
Daktronics is known for its product on athletic facilities. Clemson University, the University of Kansas, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and even the Savannah Bananas are clients. They also have a substantial list of clients on the business and community side as well.
“What we’re starting (today) are businesses and individuals that would be willing to help us as it would relate to sponsorships in the form of signage, specifically around the video board and other areas of the stadium,” said Sears. “There is a state policy on fundraisers, so we have 14 days from today to make sure we have the funds to do this.”
What is the difference between what is in place now, and what would replace it? For starters, it would work consistently. And beyond that it is going to be a much larger video board with higher visibility.
“The one that we have right now is older and so the graphics and video that play on it when we can get it to play are distorted and grainy,” said Sears. “This video board will be ultra-high definition, and it will present us with the opportunity to do some really nice things.”
Sear emphasized that the “nice things” are for far more than football. He said all outdoor sports at the facility, the band, student accomplishments, graduation, and any student or student-athlete based event there can utilize it.
“This is not merely a sports endeavor. This is a school and community endeavor,” he said.
According to Sears, if the money is raised and the order is placed the work will not start immediately. Instead, he said there is a 10-week turnaround from the time it is ordered until it is installed.
“Daktronics will build it to our specifications after we order it. There is not a scoreboard, a videoboard, just sitting a warehouse,” he said. “It will be custom built for our needs and then shipped out to us.”
For those concerned that it would interrupt spring activities by the school or community at Jamison Field, there is no reason for concern. 
The reason? The setup time is extremely short.
The reason? The setup time is extremely short.
“The installation after arrival is two days,” said Sears.
Sears said the schools has “some money” put back for the project. However, he said it will take the community’s assistance to put the project over the hump.
“We are in desperate need of businesses or individuals that want to help us with this project,” said Sears. “Sponsorships are being offered at various levels, too. All anyone has to do is reach out to me and I’ll be glad to work with them on helping to make this project a reality.”
There are two ways to reach out to assist. One is by emailing Sears today, or any of the next 14 days, at Thomas.sears@k12.wv.us.
Individuals can also call the school and ask for Sears at this number: 304-326-7137. This number, of course, is available during the school week and during school hours.
It is time again for those in and around Bridgeport to step up to help its students and the community as well. Based on what I have seen in the past, I have faith this will get done.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows a rendering of the future scoreboard planned for Wayne Jamison Field, while the second photo shows the current scoreboard with a much smaller digital display. Third image shows Athletic Director Tom Sears, left, talking with BHS basketball scorekeeper Brian Ayoob. Bottom photo by Joe LaRocca.
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