From the Bench: What's the Next Big Project Set for Jamison Field? This Might be a Little Bit Surprising
By Jeff Toquinto on June 18, 2023 from Sports Blog
It is about this time every year, occasionally a bit earlier, where you will read in this blog a reason a portion of the Wayne Jamison Field complex is either off limits to the public or going to be shut down. The reason, almost exclusively, has been a project is about to take place.
In most situations, the projects are in the tens of thousands of dollars. In a large percentage, those projects find themselves well in the six figures.
So, what’s next? Are you ready?
“I can’t think of anything that is rocking and rolling on that front other than basic maintenance you will see at the complex,” said outgoing Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Mark Jones.
In a sense, this is a blog about nothing. I am no Larry David, so this is not an homage to Seinfeld and its years of shows with storylines about nothing.
Instead, it is homage to the current administration and past administrations for the reason why nothing is taking place. Go back to Lindy Bennet, Mark DeFazio, Mary Francis Beto Smith, and fast forward to today’s grouping of Matt DeMotto, Mark Jones, and Renee Mathews – and perhaps some even earlier than that – and you will see why things have worked to get to this point.
“We’ve done over time, little by little some things to take off the bucket list at the field so to speak,” said DeMotto, who is in his final days as principal before retirement and the feel of a golf course under his feet will be consistently greeting him. “There have been major ones
such as the press box, the track building, the upgraded turf and track, the new scoreboard, a number of projects at the baseball field … we’ve been involved with quite a few over the years.”
such as the press box, the track building, the upgraded turf and track, the new scoreboard, a number of projects at the baseball field … we’ve been involved with quite a few over the years.”
Jones pointed out the most recent project that likely had a value in excess of $10,000 benefited the track and field program. That was the construction of a new shot-put pit that was almost exclusively business and community paid for and constructed.
Those projects, when needed, see the community step up. The fact is not lost on DeMotto.
“It happens through the support of the community, the Board of Education, and so many willing to volunteer. We understand as administrators it doesn’t happen if we’re not on board with it, helping to organize it,” he said. “We also understand it doesn’t happen with the community stepping up to do the work and write the checks.”
As glad as the current BHS administration is for a summer without major construction at Jamison Field, no one is under the assumption this will be the standard going forward. Even with the work done and attention to detail, projects will certainly be done in the future.
“I feel it’s safe to say a lot of what we’ve needed at the complex has been complete, but things will still need to be addressed. The track is going to need to be striped soon and I personally think a new sound system at the stadium is something that needs considered,” said DeMotto. “I was down there (this week) and looking at things that are going to be addressed. I need to get my mind off of that, as it’s not for me to address anymore.”
DeMotto did offer advice for the new team of administrators that will be tasked with keeping the facility up to standard.
“The next person will realize you’re never out of projects because things wear out over time. You don’t want things to get worn out because instead of having one big project you will be forced to look at several,” said DeMotto.
While things are not seeing action this summer, DeMotto said there are a couple of areas where attention will need to be focused. As has been mentioned for years are upgrades within the field house, which is separate from the weight room addition that was recently completed.
“At some point, sooner rather than later, the visitors’ bleachers will need addressed,” said DeMotto.
The reason? Unlike the new home bleacher project completed a little over 10 years ago, the visitors’ bleachers have one unique situation.
“Under the new bleachers, you have a solid concrete foundation,” said DeMotto. “Under the visitors’ bleachers, you have gravel. That will need to be addressed. The good news is I have faith whatever needs done will get done. It happened before I was here, and I have every reason to believe that standard will continue.”
Editor's Note: Top aerial photo of Wayne Jamison Field and middle photo showing Principal Matt DeMotto, left, and Assistant Principal Mark Jones are by Ben Queen Photography. Bottom photo is a rendering of the now built new press box, which is matches up to the real thing. The drawing is by The Thrasher Group.
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