Long time Benicia business Star Sports is ready and able to serve all our sporting goods needs when the schools reopen and youth sports begin again.
Owners Carl and Janice Webster are more than ready to go!
The couple bought Star Sports in 1987 when it was located at the corner of Military and West 7th Street (across from Taco Bell). They moved to their new facility at 5474 Gateway Plaza in 2007.
Before COVID-19, about 50% of their business was supplying uniforms and equipment to schools and colleges, while the remaining 50% was youth sports leagues. High School clients include Benicia, Rio Vista, Armijo, Campolindo, Vanden, Liberty-Brentwood and Rodriguez High Schools. Colleges they serve are Contra Costa, Laney, and Los Medanos.
On a personal note, the Strawbridge family have been customers since 1987. My son Andrew served as the Athletic Director at both St. Patrick St. Vincent High School (SPSV) and Albany High School and was a loyal customer. Andrew’s direct contact with Star Sports was long time friend Roger Kesteloot. Andrew had coached all of Roger’s sons’ basketball teams while at SPSV. The Kestleloot sons, Evan, Kyle and Ryan, all worked for Star Sports while growing up, and Roger continues on a part time basis even though he now lives in Sacramento.
Obviously, the majority of their business and store foot traffic is dependent on the COVID-19 guidelines being lifted and schools getting back in session.
Carl and Janice have been married for 40 years and have 3 lovely daughters, Hollie, Hilary, and Heather. They are also the proud grandparents of 10 children. As a 33 year old business in Benicia, they are anxiously waiting to return to pre-pandemic business.
I think we all can agree with them.
