ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Twenty St. Clairsville High School varsity athletes received an unforgettable welcome to the area’s newest sporting goods retailer Thursday evening as Academy Sports + Outdoors hosted a special shopping event ahead of the store’s grand opening.
The student-athletes were joined by retired Dallas Cowboys cornerback and Wheeling native C.J. Goodwin, who helped surprise the group with $200 Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards to use throughout the new store. Academy Sports also presented a donation to the St. Clairsville Athletic Department in support of local student-athletes.
According to organizers, the participating athletes were selected by their coaches to take part in the exclusive event.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Store Director Amy Darnell said partnering with Goodwin made the event especially meaningful because of his commitment to inspiring young athletes in the Ohio Valley.
“Being local with the kids and inspiring kids in his community to pursue their dreams and stay in sports and stay active really resonates with the Ohio Valley,” Darnell said.
Goodwin said giving back to the community where he grew up has always been important to him.
“This is the best community in the world, and I’ll always, for as long as I live, give back to this community,” Goodwin said. “That’s what we’re all about.”
Goodwin also noted he became familiar with Academy Sports + Outdoors during his NFL career in Dallas and believes the company’s expansion into the Ohio Valley is another positive sign for the region’s continued growth.
The St. Clairsville location officially opened to the public Friday, offering sporting goods, athletic apparel, outdoor recreation equipment and more while marking the retailer’s arrival in the Ohio Valley.
