It is rare when a year goes by, sometimes even a sports season goes by, that there is not a new addition at the Wayne Jamison Sports Complex. And for those that may not have been paying attention, there was a pretty important one that took place over the last few months.

 

For those who are not followers of the Bridgeport High School track program, you may not have seen it. But it is in place – and already doing its job.

 

According to BHS boys track Coach Grant Burton, a recent project to upgrade the shot put area at the track turned into one where the community and its businesses took over. In the process, Burton believes it saved the school more than $10,000.

 

“For the longest time, the shot put area did its job, but it was older and dilapidated with weeds growing through the cracks and the railroad ties we used there had began to deteriorate,” he said. “When you looked at the entire facility with new high jump area and mats, a refinished track, the upgrades to the football and soccer field and everything else being in great shape, you had one eyesore.

 

“The eyesore was that shot put area,” he continued. “We kind of talked about doing something to remedy that and give something of quality to our throwers and a piece of the track program that has past state champions and a lot of history.”

 

There is also history in the community of the community stepping up whenever asked. As it turned out, history repeated itself yet again.

 

“Our throwing coaches knew some people they thought could help and simply dropped a few questions about helping and how to get things done,” said Burton. “Our plan was to do most of it on our own with some assistance. Once we asked for some help and some donations those people, those donors, took over and ran with it.”

 

There were multiple businesses that came through. RDR Ready Mix, Alco Fencing, Doss Enterprises, Ace Aggregate, and others came through. As did members of the track team and several at-large community members.

 

In short order, concrete work was done. Fencing was put in place. Gravel and rock was delivered and put in place. Prior to that, the old pit and fencing, along with the railroad ties and even some concrete that was fading was removed.

 

“It came together so fast because we have some very generous people and businesses in the community that donated their time and material to help bring this together,” said Burton. “The best part is the finished product.”

 

How good?

 

“Honestly, I would put it up with the best in the entire state with the possible exception of West Virginia University’s track at the Mylan facility,” he said. “It is that good. There is so much about this that makes this special.”

 

One of those things making it special is referenced above. And that is the cost.

 

“The track program paid for some of the rock needed around the area, but in terms of the actual removal of the old pit and putting in the new one from concrete to fencing and more, there was no cost,” said Burton. “It was all donated.”

 

Burton said this was no small job. In particular he pointed to the concrete work that he said is far from low cost at the moment.

 

“I feel pretty comfortable saying there was no way we could have done this for less than $10,000 and probably $12,000,” he said. “What those companies and those involved did is awesome. Our kids love it too, and we’ve had the biggest group of throwers we’ve had in a long time.”

 

It should be noted for those wanting to see it, it is currently behind the finish line building and in the area of the outfield of the old Little League field. It is off the main field just a bit with a gateway leading to it.

 

“I’ve always been amazed at watching the community help the programs at this school have quality facilities,” said Burton. “They don’t do it to help teams win. They help out so the kids have a better change at a quality experience, and that’s what’s really important.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the old shot put area, while the second image shows workers getting things going. In the third photo is the freshly finished shot put area. Bottom picture shows BHS boys track and field coach Grant Burton on part of the finished area.