From the May 29 Edition of The Bridgeport News
Boys Regional

by Jeff Toquinto
Editor of The Bridgeport News

With the Harrison County and Big 10 Conference
championships already under their belt, Bridgeport
High School’s boys track team decided they might as
well go out and win the Class AA Region II title. On
Friday, they did just that.
The Indians, behind yet another dominant showing by
senior Chris Hampton, took home the title with 135
points. The total was more than enough to get past
runner-up Grafton, with 109 points, and the rest of
the nine-team field.
"The team put forth a good effort," said BHS coach Jon
Griffith. "We had one of our best meets of the year. I
was very pleased with their performance."
Griffith is hoping to say the same thing after this
Friday and Saturday's state meet. The meet, to be held
at Charleston's Laidley Field, will be the final one
of the season, and Griffith is hoping for a good showing.
"We would be very happy with a top five finish," said
Griffith. "All of Region I is very strong, as is Winfield in Region III."
A lot of how the Indians do will depend upon how the
athletes, such as Hampton perform. At the Region II
meet, Hampton finished with 24.5 points by taking two
of three first place finishes for the Indians in the
meet that was held at Lewis County High School. The
long jump and the 100 meter dash titles both were won
by the gifted thinclad. In fact, his marks in both of
those events are the best in the state.
In the long jump, Hampton cleared 21 feet, 2 inches
for the title. He won the 100 meter dash in a close
contest, posting a time of 11.28 seconds, which was
just better than Jason Koon of Lewis County, who
finished in a time of 11.31 seconds.
"He seems to be peaking at the right time," said
Griffith. " ... He definitely is one of the contenders
for a state championship in the long jump and the 100 meter hurdles."
The only other first place finish involved the 4x100
meter team. The team of Alex McElfresh, Josh Goad,
Jeff Weimer and Hampton posted a time of 45.18
seconds. That relay team is currently showing the best
time of all the regional teams in Class AA.
Although it was the only winning relay team, the Tribe
will be sending all five of its relay teams to this
week’s state tournament in Charleston. It was the
Indians’ ability to place high in most of the events
that allowed them to walk away with the regional crown.
Bridgeport finished with 9 third place finishes. The
Indians also placed as runner-up in three events to
get the win. Many of the placings came in the relays.
"Relays are always important in any meet," said
Griffith. "We look to be solid, especially in the 4x100 and shuttles."
One of those doing well in the category of finishing
just a bit off the pace was freshman Matt Wilson.
Wilson, who had 18 points, was second in the high
jump, third in the 110 meter high hurdles, and managed
to place fourth in the long jump.
Goad and Matt Fischer both were strong for BHS. Goad
finished with 18 points, while Fischer added 11 for the winners.
"The kids are excited and ready to go to Charleston."