Former NFL Player C.J. Goodwin Helps Academy Celebrate Ohio Valley Opening

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Academy Sports + Outdoors donated a total of $5,000 to the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District's athletic department Thursday.

Store Director Amy Darnell said the store provided 20 gift cards worth $200 each to 20 student athletes, as well as donating another $1,000 gift card to the athletic department to use as it sees fit.

As the students arrived at the store, they were greeted with a surprise. Former NFL player C.J. Goodwin was there to shop with the students.

The East Wheeling native recently announced his retirement after spending 12 years in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

"It's an amazing opportunity to give back to the community. It's always good to give back to this great community that I'm from," Goodwin said. "So when they offered to bring me up here to do this, man, I was chomping at the bit to do this."

He added that he frequents Academy Sports + Outdoors' Texas locations and was excited to see the company expand to the Ohio Valley Mall.

"I'm glad this great establishment came to this community and wanted to give back," Goodwin said. "Giving back to the community should never stop. It's the community that raised me, not just where I'm from in East Wheeling, but this whole valley raised me."

The St. Clairsville store is part of Academy Sports + Outdoors' continued expansion into northern states. The company, headquartered in Katy, Texas, began in 1938 as a tire shop before transitioning into an Army surplus store and eventually becoming a sporting goods retailer.

Goodwin said he tries to give back to the Ohio Valley whenever he can.

"Just to be able to come back and give back to this valley, it's unbelievable," Goodwin said.

He added that he believes he is blessed to be in a position to give back, which he views as a great opportunity.

St. Clairsville-Richland City School District Athletic Director Justin Clifford said he cannot thank Academy Sports + Outdoors enough for its donation to the school's athletic department.

"Anytime somebody's giving you something it's much appreciated, but especially as an athletic organization receiving it from an athletic store, it's fantastic," Clifford said. "I just heard one of our kids say, 'This is like a dream come true' while walking through on their shopping spree. It's fantastic for our kids."

He added that each sport offered by the district was represented among the 20 student athletes who received gift cards.

"The school district, myself and obviously the kids just can't thank them enough," Clifford said. "They're having a heck of a time, but we can't thank them enough for partnering with us and helping us out in any way they can."

Academy Sports + Outdoors will host its grand opening Friday morning at 7:40 a.m.

"We're just excited to be in the Ohio Valley. We offer a wide range of goods such as fishing, hunting, camping, grilling, team sports, fitness and all the apparel and footwear in between," Darnell said. "We are super excited about our official grand opening tomorrow. We have lots of events going on. We have embroidery events and also have a gift card event."

She added that Friday through Sunday, the first 150 customers who are 18 years old or older and are in line each day will receive a mystery gift card. The gift cards will range from $20 to $500.

Darnell said the store's grand opening also falls during Ohio's Tax Free Weekend, making it a good time to shop because, in addition to the tax savings, the store will offer additional deals.

She added that Goodwin will participate in a meet-and-greet event Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.