Bridgeport football coach stepping down

BRIDGEPORT – Fred Ray is stepping off the field and closing out a six-year career as head football coach for Bridgeport High School, leaving some impressive achievements for the Bulldogs and values of sportsmanship instilled in his players.

Ray said the years have been happy but hectic and he will be taking a step back.

“I’ve been kind of non-stop since I took the job. I can just take a breather, take a step back and enjoy my time off.”

He currently plans to remain on staff as an intervention specialist for middle school and high school.

Originally from Martins Ferry, Ray had worked as an educator in northern Kentucky where he met his wife, Lauren. Ray said He was happy for the opportunity to return to the area in 2018 when the head coach position opened. He has been involved in education and coaching since 2009.

“Through these past six years I had a lot of kids and had opportunities to help make this program a lot better,” he said. Ray also credited his staff for helping to grow the sport in Bridgeport.

Ray said the district was also blessed with excellent players. He noted the comparatively small school district’s roster has boasted about 40 players in recent years.

“Over the years it’s gotten better and better, especially this past year,” he said. “Our numbers have been steadily increasing.”

Ray has good memories from coaching. He recalled an early game of the 2022-2023 school year when the Bulldogs played against Monroe Central High School.

“We were down big in terms of the scoreboard. I gave them a little encouragement at half time of the game, and we came out and played one of the best second halves of the season and were able to beat Monroe. That was a big win for us because as a football program we never beat them, so to go on the road and beat them kind of propelled us and gave us confidence. That same year we were able to make it to playoffs,” he said.

“We were able to host the home playoff game, so that was a nice reward at the end of the season,” he said.

Ray said this past 2023-2024 school year the Bulldogs gave Caldwell High School a good game, and the Caldwell team would go on to play in the state semifinals.

“We’ve had a lot of kids get opportunities to play in the (Ohio Valley Athletic Conference) All-Star football game,” he said. Other athletes earned post-season accolades. He said the players’ dedication paid off in 2022-2023. “These past two years we’ve had an opportunity to have post-season football in terms of making the playoffs. That’s a big deal in the state of Ohio.”

Ray described his leadership style.

“I’m a player’s coach. I’m very fortunate to have played the game, been around it a long time, and I just want to give back what the sport gave to me. I have a good relationship with a lot of my kids. They know I’m tough on them, but also I love ‘em. I’m only there to make them better.”

He said experience on the athletic field can instill good habits for facing adversity that students will hopefully take with them through life.

“The sport of football challenges you in so many different ways,” he said.

He said he has also encouraged players to be active in the community. Following heavy flooding the first week of April, he and his players were in the campus parking lot loading donated water and cleaning supplies in vehicles for the community. He recalled a similar situation when he first joined the Bridgeport team.

“It’s kind of ironic, in my first year here I was only months in and I had a flood,” he said. “We were facing a lot of challenges.”

He said his work as an intervention has also been rewarding and he has seen children better themselves in the classroom.

Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher said Ray’s personal and leadership qualities and care for his players and students have been a boon to the district. He said a strong culture on the team translates to the school.

“I’m sad to see him step down from that position,” he said. “Coach Ray is a great person. I know the kids are going to miss him. I’ve already heard some kids say that to me.”

Superintendent Brent Ripley wished Ray well, adding he will be missed on the football program. He said Ray has been an invaluable part of the district and has brought in quality staff. He said Ray has always gone above and beyond.

“Fred Ray is a great, great individual. He always did the right thing. He always spoke with the kids in a professional manner, treated them like his own kids,” he said. “Six years is a long time with a football coach. We’re just thankful to have him.”

Ray said he leaves the football program in a good position and credits staff and players.

“There’s no doubt that it’s a lot better than what it was five or six years ago, and that’s something we can hang our hat on,” he said. “Whoever takes over next is going to have a lot of things in place that makes them successful.”

Ray said players continue to put in the work during the off season, which should translate to wins when the season kicks off.

“The future’s bright. In terms of the team from last year, a lot of those guys are returning,” he said. “Go dogs!”

The Bridgeport Exempted Village School District is currently accepting letters of interest and resumes for this open head coaching position. Anyone interested may email their information to Brent Ripley, Superintendent at brent.ripley@bridgeportschools.net.

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