BRIDGEPORT — If only Perkins Field could talk!

Could you imagine the type and number of stories the venerable field that’s been the home of the Bridgeport Bulldogs for now 100 years would share?

Whether they’re about the players, memorable games or even the crowds that used to shoehorn into the facility to watch the Bulldogs play over the years, the stories would be both fascinating and endless.

Since the facility is unable to share its own memories, the actual players, coaches and fans who experienced them will have to do it for Perkins Field. And actually, they’ll get their chance on Friday, Sept. 2 when the 100th season of Perkins Field is celebrated formally.

Several events, including a pre-game social for former players and coaches at the high school, are planned for the evening.

“Anytime you’re honoring someone or something, you can’t go wrong,” Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Brent Ripley said. “(The 100-years) has been a great project and we believe the numbers of people who will be returning will continue to multiply.”

Bridgeport High School actually played its first football game in 1901, but it wasn’t until Sept. 23, 1922 when the Bulldogs christened what was eventually named Perkins Field in a game against Bellaire, which used to be the Bulldogs’ biggest rival.

Prior to unveiling of Perkins Field, Bridgeport played very few home games. Those it did play were held the likes of Bridge Park or the Shop 14 Grounds.

Perkins Fields is named after Luther Perkins, who was a principal at Bridgeport High School from 1911 until 1926. Prior to becoming principal, Perkins taught science.

“A group of guys from several Bridgeport families found the piece of land and signed a note for the field,” Bridgeport Board of Education member Don Cash said. “Mr. Perkins did a lot of work to create the field at the site and eventually that group, which had signed the note, decided to name the field after him.”

When Cash said Perkins did ‘a lot of work’ on the field, he wasn’t exaggerating. Whether it was fundraising or doing actual physical labor on site, Perkins’ objective was simple … give the kids of Bridgeport an actual home field that they and the entire community could be proud of.

“There has been so much good history and so many good players come through Perkins Field,” Cash said. “Everyone truly has a lot of pride.”

One of the most cherished wins in Bridgeport’s vast football history came on Perkins Field in 1958 when a quarterback by the name of John Havlicek, who was just a junior, led the Bulldogs to their first win over rival Martins Ferry, 19-14.

Fast forwarding to more recent seasons, the 1996 season, which was the first time Bridgeport qualified for the OHSAA playoffs, was certainly memorable.

One of the biggest crowds I’ve ever witnessed at a game at Perkins Field came during this season during a November ‘meetin’ of unbeatens’ between the Bulldogs and Linsly.

While the Cadets, who were led by future Penn State Nittany Lion and NFL player Eddie Drummond, won, 20-14, it was a fabulous game that is still talked about.

“This 100-year celebration is very exciting to me,” Bridgeport Board of Education member Jerry Moore (Class of 1970) said. “I played back in the day and I’ve had several relatives including my brother, uncles, cousins and my son all play here. My son (Jerry) was on the first state-playoff team.”

The coach of that Bulldogs team in 1996 was Rick Goodrich, who was also a standout player for the Bulldogs in the late 70s. Goodrich, who spent four seasons as the head coach before accepting the head coaching job at Cambridge, will be in attendance at the event.

He’s one of four former coaches who have already committed to attend. The others are Gary Zelinski, who coached from 1972-77; Merwyn Bowdish, who coached from 1982-87 and Rudy Vavrock, who was the coach from 2003-14 and led the Bulldogs to their deepest playoff appearance in 2010.

Also expected to be represented by their sons, Mike and Ron, are Eugene Remenar, who coached from 1955-59 and Ron Gregan Sr., who was the coach from 1989-91.

According to Ripley, more coaches could still attend. He’s personally reached out to all of the living coaches himself and spoken to most of them.

“I’ve tried to express my gratitude to all of the coaches on reaching and teaching our students,” Ripley said. “These coaches have all made an impact on who we are as a school district. Sometimes when coaches leave (a job), they think that relationship is done. By us inviting them back, we’re hoping to open that bond again because they’re really such a good part of what we ad.”

While all those involved with Bridgeport and its athletic history are grateful for the work of the original group of men who found the piece of property and to Perkins, the field has had to overcome its fair share of issues. Because Little Wheeling Creek runs behind the south end zone toward the Ohio River, the field has flooded a handful of times.

Actually, it happened so many times that it got to the point just a few years ago when Bridgeport was exploring other areas in which to build a new field. The covered, wooden bleachers on the home side had been deemed unsafe and needed to come down. As they searched for a place to build, the home games of the 2018-20 seasons were played at either Martins Ferry or St. Clairsville.

After continually coming up empty on property, Ripley and the Bridgeport administration decided to improve what they already had. The Perkins Field Committee was formed and it raised the money to install new home-side bleachers, a press box and major fieldhouse upgrades.

“I was involved with the committee and we raised over $100,000 just because of the passion and love that the alumni have for this school,” current Bridgeport Board of Education member Pat McConnaughy said. “To not have our own field for three years tough. We lost some of our identity and it was tough on the kids.”

With a huge crowd on hand, Bridgeport re-opened Perkins Field last season on Aug. 27 against Monroe Central.

“To be able to re-open the stadium last year and now celebrate it’s 100th year is just awesome,” McConnaughy said. “I can’t imagine anyone who played on any of the teams from throughout the decades not at least making an effort to come back.”

On top of a commemorative t-shirt sale, which saw more than 200 purchased, Bridgeport is planning a bonfire at Perkins Field on Sept. 1 and special signs are being made to be placed along Route 40 leading to the stadium from both the east and west.

During the game, the coaches and players returning will be recognized by decade. Due to the volume of players, only the coaches, however, will be recognized by name.

“I am so excited for the momentum the district (is building),” Board of Education member Kori Rosnick (Class of 1996) said. “Growing up, I got to experience the pride here and I know all of that pride is going to be together on that field again for this celebration.”

Much of the planning and ideas for the event have been student-driven, according to Ripley and Board of Education member Karrie Puskas (Class of 1994).

“The student council has really taken this by the horns and gone full force with it,” Puskas, who was also part of the Perkins Field Committee, said. “The kids don’t quite get the whole scope of it like the alumni, but they’ve all been very excited and had a lot of enthusiasm, which has been great to see.”

Reservations for former coaches and players wishing to attend the festivities are still being accepted. Anyone wishing to come should call the Bridgeport administrative office at 740-635-1713.