From the Bench: A Piece of Bridgeport High School's Football Tradition "Scheduled" for Change This Year
By Jeff Toquinto on July 16, 2023 from Sports Blog
If you read my ToquiNotes blog yesterday, you likely noticed new Bridgeport High School Principal Renee Mathews mention the word “tradition” more than once when talking about the school situated on Johnson Avenue.
While tradition permeates the school and its academic, arts, and athletic programs, there is one part of the school that most would agree 
trumps all when it comes to tradition. And that is the football program and all that surrounds it.
trumps all when it comes to tradition. And that is the football program and all that surrounds it.
Along with a tradition of consistent winning that dates back to before I was born in 1968, there are traditions surrounding the program. There is the annual Wayne Jamison and Mary Reppert Golf Tournament, the team spaghetti dinners funded in part by the annual car wash, and so much more.
There is another piece of tradition that is going strong. In fact, the tradition will enter its fourteenth year in August.
While this piece of football tradition will remain the same as far as format, there is a change coming. And that change involves the date.
Ever since the annual Bridgeport High School Football Steak Fry began in 2010 at Oral Lake as a youth football fundraiser to assist the varsity prep program, it was held the Saturday before the first game of the season. That will not be the case this year.
Travis Jones, the Voice of the Indians who is intimately involved in a number of parts of the BHS athletic program, said there is reason for the change.
“Traditionally, it’s the Saturday prior to the first game, but his year it’s going to be a little bit different,” said Jones. “Typically, we would have 
it on August 19, but the football team will be in a scrimmage at a grid-o-rama in Fort Hill, Maryland. Because of that, this year it will be two weeks prior to the first game on August 12.”
it on August 19, but the football team will be in a scrimmage at a grid-o-rama in Fort Hill, Maryland. Because of that, this year it will be two weeks prior to the first game on August 12.”
Jones is wanting to get the word out because he said the crowd, which usually hits at or near the 125-capacity mark and 150 with coaches, wives, and support staff, has come to expect it to be the Saturday before the first game.
“This has long been one of those events where those who come know when to be there, so we want to get the word out there that the date has changed. We don’t try to change too much because it’s worked, but we had to this year,” said Jones. “We don’t like to change to much if it’s not broken.”
The last substantial change came four years ago. After a decade of doing the event at Oral Lake, the location was changed. Jones said the site at Oral Lake, despite some complications, served the event well.
“From the start when I was just helping until I essentially coordinated it at Oral Lake, it was great. It was just challenging,” said Jones.
The challenge?
No power. No lighting. No restroom facilities.
“Everything had to be taken to the site,” said Jones. “It was taxing.”
It became less taking thanks to BHS football alum Christian Marsh who, along with his father Chuck, runs Quality Machine just off Route 50. Marsh approached Jones with a suggestion.
“He told us he had a great place for the steak fry,” said Jones. “The place was Quality Machine’s pavilion on their property at the business.”
Jones reviewed it said it was “perfect.” There was power, restrooms, lights, and all the other amenities that usually needed transported were in place.
“That has been a major relief and we can’t thank Chuck and Christian Marsh enough for allowing us to use the facility,” said Jones.
While the site has changed, and this year’s date has also changed, Jones said he does not expect the numbers to change. He anticipates 125 individuals showing up and upwards of 150 with the staff and families showing up.
“We are either right there or on the cusp,” said Jones of the attendance figures.
The steak fry itself is a big draw. Young & Stout provides steak and chicken, which is all you can eat. Over the course of 14 years, Jones estimates around 2,500 steaks have been devoured and about one-fifth of that number goes the way of chicken.
“The steaks are incredible, and then you have grilled hot and sweet peppers, salads, and dessert, along with adult beverages,” said Jones.
The event has also been blessed with more than just casual folks behind the grills. Derek Haddix, the long-time operator of Damon’s Restaurant, has managed the chore for years. Last year, when Haddix was unable to make it, Mike Audia who owned Mike Audia’s Restaurant in Nutter Fort, stepped in to fill the void.
“Someone that knows what they’re doing will be overseeing those duties,” said Jones. “That’s not changing.”
One thing did change years ago. While the event initially started with the sole purpose of raising funds – and it still does that – it is not the primary goal. With food costs getting a bit hefty in recent years, the fundraising has definitely become secondary.
“It’s the unofficial kickoff to the season and a fellowship type of event where parents, fans of the program or football come out and meet with the coaching staff and talk football,” said Jones. “(BHS Coach) Tyler (Phares) will talk about the season and introduce and talk his staff and people can then talk to the coaches. It’s really turned into something special, and I think it’s one of the events that makes Bridgeport special.”
If you want to take part, all you need to do is pay the entrance fee of $40 for an all-you-can-eat steak and chicken feast that includes the previously listed sides and regular and adult beverages. The starting time is 6 p.m. at the Quality Machine Pavilion that is off of Route 50
just across the Taylor County line.
just across the Taylor County line.
There will also be door prizes and a silent auction. There is also one more change as well.
Tickets will not be purchased in advance this year. They will be purchased at the event.
Regardless, the tradition remains the same even with a few changes inside the tradition itself. Be sure and mark your calendars and call Jones at 304-625-1420 with any questions.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Travis Jones directing the proceedings, while Mike Audia mans the grill at last year's event. In the third photo and the bottom photo, participants talks and enjoy food at the 2022 Steak Fry. The fourth photo shows Coach Tyler Phares addressing the crowd. Photos by Joe LaRocca. Cover photo is a file image taken by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography.
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