From the Bench: Some Fresh Looks, New Additions in Store for Wayne Jamison Field for 2024-25 Season
By Jeff Toquinto on August 04, 2024 from Sports Blog
Many years, when it comes to the summer months at Wayne Jamison Field, there is often a project taking place that is well into the six-figure margins and a few times those projects have gotten into seven figures.
For the most part, things have been a lot more quiet than usual this summer at the BHS facility outside of the standard maintenance and projects that got their start prior to school closing for the warm weather months. According to Bridgeport High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears, the direction is on the inside of the school this summer.
“We had the weight room project and we’re starting another one as well,” said Sears on a project that will be a future blog on Connect-
Bridgeport. “There will be some new things taking place at Jamison Field, just nothing of a major scale.”
Bridgeport. “There will be some new things taking place at Jamison Field, just nothing of a major scale.”
One that individuals may see in the near future involves some needed love and care to paint both sets of field goal posts. What makes it even better is that the entire project is being donated.
“We have a gentleman that has not only volunteered the time and materials needed, but he has also secured the rental of a lift to take care of the work being done,” said Sears.
The gentleman, said Sears, is Gus Dunn. Sears and BHS football Coach Tyler Phares praised Dunn for assisting with the football program. Sears said Phares told him Dunn has been involved in giving time, labor, and more in multiple endeavors to assist the Bridgeport student-athletes.
This is not the first time the poles have been painted so this is essentially a repainting of them. Sears said they will be the standard industrial yellow.
“Every bit of it is donated,” said Sears of Dunn’s contribution. “It’s an incredible gesture and one our school, our student-athletes, and our community appreciates.”
That is not the only thing that will be addressed involving the field goal posts. Sears said the tops of the posts will have flags added to
them.
them.
“They’re not there now so the addition will be good for our team and other teams playing there to get a gauge on wind direction,” he said. “Like a lot of teams, we’re not a team that is kicking two or three field goals a game, but when we are in a position to do so it will help the coaches in deciding when they can look up and see if there is a wind issue. Things of that nature can make a substantial difference.”
There will be a few other additions at Jamison Field, but they are not maintenance related or projects. Rather, they are replacements.
“We’ve ordered new pylons for the field. We also will have new chains on the sidelines and for the first time we’ll have a digital down marker,” said Sears. “The down marker will be a nice touch for those watching the game to easily see what down it is, even if there is less than desirable weather conditions.”
While the painting of the field goal posts is donated, the other items cost money. Sears said Bridgeport High School athletic funds will take care of the cost of the added items.
Sears said there is one other thing those attending games at Jamison Field can anticipate. He said the game experience should be enhanced by more use of the video board on the scoreboard.
“We had a parent that gave up their time to bring it back up to par, which will make the game-day experience even better,” said Sears. “Last year, the video board gave us fits. We’re hoping everything will be back to normal this year.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows one of the field goal posts that will be painted and the digital display on the scoreboard that is expected to be much improved this year. Bottom photo shows Coach Tyler Phares getting things prepped for 2024 during some blazing afternoon heat on Thursday, August 1.
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