[1] Bridgewater started running for the West Valley Eagles youth club and Washington High School in Los Angeles.
On the youth club he ran with Quincy Watts, but turned into a crosstown high school rival.
[4] The following year, he won gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100 metres relay at the 1989 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships.
He was a four a time NCAA DII National Champion in the 100 and 200 meters while at California State Los Angeles.
[4] Bridgewater went to California State University, Los Angeles, winning the 100 and 200 at the 1993 NCAA Division II Championships.