After One-Year COVID Hiatus, Indians Football Golf Tourney for Jamison-Reppert Scholarships is Back On
By Jeff Toquinto on April 30, 2021
The dismay in the voice of Travis Jones last year was evident. He did not want to deliver the news that he had to deliver.
Yet, he did just that. In July of 2020, after more than one postponement, what should have been the 24th Annual Indians Football Golf 
Tournament to benefit the Wayne Jamison and Mary A. Reppert Scholarships was not going to take place.
Tournament to benefit the Wayne Jamison and Mary A. Reppert Scholarships was not going to take place.
Weather occasionally interrupted past tournaments in the near quarter century of the event, but this had nothing to do with Mother Nature. Rather, the event was like hundreds of others statewide. It was canceled due to COVID-19.
“At that time, we were still so much into the unknown territory. I don’t even believe there were that many cases in the state, but we canceled,” said Jones, the “Voice of the Indians,” who now spearheads the golf event. “We were among the first canceling our event, and plenty followed. It turns out, we would have had to cancel regardless due to the guidelines in place for indoor and outdoor activities.”
This year, Jones was his typical upbeat self when talking about the tournament. The reason is simple – it is on.
“We’re ready to go and are hoping to pick up where we left off,” said Jones.
The date for the event to pick up will be June 17 at the Bridgeport Country Club. It will have the standard 11:30 a.m. registration start and the 1 p.m. shotgun start.
“We’ll be golfing, and we’ll have the steak dinner afterwards, which was a real issue last year because there was no conceivable way to gather indoors to eat,” said Jones. “That won’t be the case this year. The golfing is outdoors and we’ll easily to be able to handle social distancing with the dinner.”
The dinner features steaks from Young & Stout and will be held at the BCC. Jones said anyone not feeling comfortable eating indoors can take a “to go” box. He also said outdoor seating will be available.
“What helps is that the early foursomes playing come in and eat and many opt to leave after eating. There’s never really a full field of competitors inside so social distancing should not be an issue for those concerned,” said Jones.
For those wanting to get back on the links, the cost is $400 for a foursome. Jones said there is usually 70 to 80 golfers that come back on 
an annual basis and usually 10 to 15 more that show up occasionally.
an annual basis and usually 10 to 15 more that show up occasionally.
“If we have our usual turnout, we typically sell out. We do accept some walk ups, but we try to limit the field to 25 teams,” said Jones. “We never want to turn anyone away, but I do advise registering in advance to make sure you are in the field.”
There are also $100 hole sponsorships available. The event will feature a silent auction and there will be $100 hole sponsorships, as well as mulligans for purchase and other “typical fare,” according to Jones.
The reason for the tournament is to have fun. The goal of the tournament is to raise money for scholarships in Jamison’s and Reppert’s names. The scholarships honor the memory of the four-time state championship coach in Jamison and also Reppert, a long-time educator at the school beloved by her students who was passionate about the football program.
The scholarships awarded last year were for $1,500 to two senior football players. Jones said they were able to do that without holding the tournament thanks to the dedication of previous caretakers of the tournament.
“Fortunately, the Bridgeport Alumni and Friends (Foundation) that had handled the tournament prior to the football program taking over had built up scholarship funds over multiple years,” said Jones. “Thanks to their dedication, we did not fall short on the scholarship obligation.”
Individuals are encouraged to register now as well as to secure hole sponsorships. To do so, or to get more information about the tournament, call Jones at 304-625-1420.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Travis Jones at a past golf tournament, while former BHS Coaches Hugh Gainer, left, and Richard Iaquinta are regulars at the event. BHS alums Joey Burner, left, and Mario Bombardiere talk strategy in the third photo, while golf carts wait to see the action below. Photos by Ben Queen Photography.
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