ST. CLAIRSVILLE — When Colton McKivitz started his high school football career as a sophomore at Union Local, the Jets didn’t have much of a weight room to workout in.

Following Sunday’s inaugural Colton McKivitz Golf Classic, sponsored by the Union Local Touchdown Club at the spacious Belmont Hills Country Club 18-hole layout, the facility will be receiving a much-needed upgrade in the near future.

“When I transferred to Union Local (from East Richland Christian) we really didn’t have a weight program, just a couple of dads helping out here and there,” the starting right tackle for the San Francisco 49ers recalled. “Then Bruce (Stiles) came in as head coach and brought in a weight program. Obviously, it worked out for me because I made it to the league (NFL) but anytime I can help out with a weight program, I will. That’s where it all starts in football — the weight room.

“Union Local deserves a good weight room, so I’m glad to help out.”

When talking about never forgetting his roots, McKivitz said that’s not a problem at all.

“I think one of the first comments made when I left was ‘don’t forget where you came from,”” he said. “I don’t consider myself as someone who would, but to finally have a good foundation in the (National Football) League and kind of know where I am at and have my goals set, it’s nice to be able to come back and give back to where my football career started to grow and that’s at Union Local.”

There was a surprise for McKivitz, as well.

It was announced by UL Touchdown Club President Joe Thompson that a mural will be painted on the fieldhouse in honor of McKivitz’s No. 53 jersey being retired by Union Local. It is the first — and only — jersey to have that distinction at the Morristown-based school. According to Thompson, Scott Hagan, the Barn Artist, is scheduled to perform the work.

“That was a surprise to me,” he admitted. “I didn’t have any idea they were doing that, but I’ve seen his work. To have your jersey retired, the only one in Union Local history, and now to have it memorialized with a mural is something else.

“Being married now, it’s a way to show my family in the future where I got my start and the tradition I’ve helped build.”

“The school retired his No. 53 jersey in 2019, but there is nothing at the stadium that reflects that,” Thompson stressed. “So we’re going to have the Barn Artist paint a shadow box of his jersey. It will be on the side of the fieldhouse facing the home grandstands.”

Thompson said they are hoping work will begin early August.

“We’re hoping to have it done in time for the season.”

Current Union Local head football coach Bernie Thompson raved about what the impact of McKivitz’s generosity will have on kids in the Union Local school district for years to come.

“It means everything. First and foremost, we respect Colton and his parents, Matt and Wendy,” Coach Thompson said. “Colton is so generous and we are so appreciative of everything he does. This golf tournament will impact our program, specifically the weight room. It’s a blessing.”

The golf classic was originally scheduled for earlier this summer but it was postponed due to inclement weather.

“It was almost a blessing that it got postponed earlier. The rain held off today,” he said. “We capped it at 25 teams the first time and it grew to 33 today, and we had a pair of teams that called today wanting to get in. To have that many people that wanted to help out and volunteer was amazing.”

McKivitz, who was married to Abby Jay in June, said he plays golf a little.

“I had a great chip out of the sand today. I had my one good shot, but the rest were here and there. I’m about to lose my golf shot in about nine days, so it was a fun time.”

The 6-6, 302-pound McKivitz reports for his seventh training camp with the 49ers on July 22.

“I’ll see everyone in February,” he remarked.

He said he’s ready for the season.

“I changed up my training and eating habits a little,” he said of preparing for the upcoming season. “I’ve put on about eight pounds so I’m a little heavier but still have my quickness. I’ve got some individual goals such as making the pro bowl and being a team captain. I’m in a contract year, so I’ve got to go out and prove myself.”

As far as the 49ers?

“When you get an extra seven weeks off the guys tend to come back a little different. Some guys used the time off to get healthy while others used it (not making the playoffs) as incentive to get back to the Super Bowl,” he noted. “It happened in 2020 when they went to the Super Bowl (in 2019) and then had an off year. I think this is basically the same situation.

“Our running back, Christian McCaffrey, is in the best shape he’s ever been in and, obviously, George Kittle is healthy and Brock Purdy got his contract, so everyone is ready to go.”

The 49ers training camp runs from Wednesday, July 23 through Tuesday, Aug. 12 at SAP Performance Facility adjacent to Levi’s Stadium. Veterans report July 22. After preseason games with the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers, the 49ers open the season at Seattle on Sept. 7. They also travel to Cleveland on Nov. 30.