From the Bench: New Addition to Bridgeport Football Staff Fills Critical and Empty Void after Several Years
By Jeff Toquinto on September 10, 2023 from Sports Blog
You may not have noticed from the stands. You may not have noticed from watching a live stream of the game. Trust me, what you may not have noticed is there.
What is there is something the Bridgeport High School football team’s coaching staff has needed for years. And I am certain those that have been around the last several years already on the staff will tell of what’s there is critical.
Last month, without much fanfare, the Indians coaching staff welcomed their newest member – Jacob Hill. If you are wondering whether he is coaching offense or defense, the answer is neither.
Hill is actually handling something of critical importance that has not seen a full-time face for several years. He is the Indians new athletic trainer.
“We’re really excited to have him on board,” said Bridgeport High Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears. “He brings exactly what we need to the table and takes the uncertainty of not having someone away from the staff and the administration.”
Do not undersell the importance of this hire. It is critical. In fact, for the last few years there were times that former Principal Matt DeMotto and current Bridgeport Middle Assistant Principal Emilee Yurish – both certified trainers – would fill the role when needed because no one else was available.
Here is even better news. Jacob Hill not only wants to be on the sidelines, but he also brings more than just a little bit of experience.
Before getting there, a quick background on the newest member to the BHS staff. Hill is a 2009 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School who developed his interest while attending the Clarksburg school.
“That’s where the interest started and I chose to pursue that for my bachelor’s degree,” said Hill.
In 2013, he graduated from Alderson-Broaddus College with a degree in athletic training. However, he was not finished. He followed that with his master’s degree in exercise science from the University of California (Pa.) and then just landed his doctorate in athletic training from A.T. Still University.
During his education ladder climb, he was also spending time as a trainer here in Harrison County. Hill put in three years at Liberty High 
School and a solo year at his alma mater. That was not his only gig.
School and a solo year at his alma mater. That was not his only gig.
“Previously, I was a professor at Alderson Broaddus,” said Hill. “When I started on the doctorate front, I didn’t have enough time and I got away from the sidelines.”
The sidelines, along with Bridgeport High School, came calling. With the doctorate taken care of, the appeal returned.
“Part of it was graduating and knowing they needed the position filled. Part of it was having the time and the capability to serve student-athletes with a vital health care service,” Hill said. “When I moved off the sidelines and into education, I was sure I was done because the hours are often ridiculous and there is stress.
“It just kept pulling me back. I put my time into the field and that’s why I am where I am right now,” he continued. “I could do what I’m doing in a clinical setting, but I have always been the type to get my hands dirty and work as things happen.”
Things have been happening quickly. The players already know who to go to with medical concerns. They know who to see when they need taped before games and practices. And they know who is at every practice with answers to questions they may have. As a former trainer going to a program in dire need of one, he knows the importance.
“To have someone who can deal with things and take that responsibility of trying to always have someone available is helpful,” he said. “You get an injury, and you don’t have to worry about sending every single person to the hospital because you’re not sure what you’re
dealing with. I can help with that at practices and then you have an entire team at practices.”
dealing with. I can help with that at practices and then you have an entire team at practices.”
Hill said the presence of Dr. Kelly Nelson, Physical Therapist Jack Spatafore, and Dr. Joseph Fazalare has Bridgeport in good hands. He said his goal is to enhance that game-day presence.
“It’s essentially an entire medical team,” said the 32-year-old Hill. “That’s a good thing.”
Now, the question is how long Hill will be around. After all, he still has a full-time job as an assistant professor of exercise science and athletic training at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“I guess that’s up in the air,” he said. “The main thing, long term, is to solve the problem of a lack of trainers in the county. Bridgeport isn’t the only school with this issue, and it’s not just a local issue.
“I’ve met with the Board of Education about trying to fix it and have the support of Doc Nelson. You absolutely need someone well educated in treatment who also understands the game a bit to be there and be available,” Hill continued. “That’s an impact I would like to be involved with.”
For now, at least, Bridgeport has the position filled on the coaching staff. And that is way better than the required band-aid approach of the 
last few years.
last few years.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation Bridgeport had, but to see people step up, key stakeholders stepping up to fill that spot in the past, shows just how much people in the community love their school,” said Sears. “Jacob is certainly qualified, and I know they are glad to have him.”
Hill said the staff has been great.
“The coaches, everyone for that matter, has been extremely welcoming,” said Hill. “I think they have been receptive to healthcare professionals helping out as needed, and they’ve been very receptive to having a certified trainer now. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with the staff and the student athletes.”
I think it is safe to say the feeling is mutual. And probably safe to say they hope to see Hill for many more seasons.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jacob Hill at a BHS scrimmage in August, while the next two he is working with and talking to players in the football fieldhouse prior to a recent practice. Bottom photo shows Hill checking the field temperature to make sure it is safe for players.
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