Photo by Kim North Weir High football coach Quincy Wilson was among those who participated in the 8th annual C.J. Goodwin All-Star Youth Camp Saturday at The Highlands Sports Complex. Wilson was a star for the Red Riders before going on to West Virginia University and then the Cincinnati Bengals. He will begin his first season with the Red Riders this fall.

On Saturday, Goodwin, along with several former and current teammates and a few Ohio Valley standouts, conducted the 8th annual C.J. Goodwin All-Star Youth Camp. Approximately 300 kids attended the free event inside The Highlands Sports Complex.

“It looks like this might be the largest group we’ve ever had,” Goodwin said while overlooking the plethora of youth running around the cavernous complex. “After what has happened to the Ohio Valley the past couple of weeks, the valley needed something like this. I’m always glad to be able to help out.”

The event featured a football, basketball, and cheerleading camp. Participants received position-specific instruction and real-time game scenarios aimed at improving both technique and knowledge.

“It’s always fun to come back to this community. We get so much love. This community made us. My family helps so much, in fact they do the whole camp for me really and I just show up and just have fun,” he said. “There is some learning here but there is a whole lot of fun.”

Helping put the event on was Goodwin’s sister, Azhia Kirk. Their father, the late Perry Galloway, started the former Elks Basketball Tournament on the outdoor courts in East Wheeling. Teams, and players, would come from all over the tri-state area to participate.

Also helping out were a few former Ohio Valley products in current Weir High head football coach Qunicy Wilson who also played for West Virginia University and the Cincinnati Bengals; Wheeling Park graduates Daryl “Boogie” Johnson and Vondell Bell; and Johnson’s son, Amare, who will be a senior at Bishop Moore High School in Orlando, Fla.

According to the younger Johnson, he currently has 11 NCAA Division I offers to continue his academic and athletic careers.