by Suzy Alstrin
A distance running enthusiast and member of the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees, Fred Weir, joined an Eagles’ cross-country exhibition run on August 22nd against Tennessee Wesleyan University. Running a 5K alongside the team at Austin and Bea Flint’s farm, Weir’s participation encouraged the Reinhardt men and women to do their best. Austin Flint is also a member of Reinhardt’s board of trustees and Bea Flint is a Reinhardt professor emerita.
“I love having Fred here,” said runner Sarah James (RU-2027). “He’s a great role model and he always supports us and is here for the team. He’s like a second coach and it’s awesome to have him out here.” Teammate Noah Jones (RU-2027) agrees, “Fred’s a good personality to be around. He’s a very positive person and has helped us out a lot.”
Weir also coaches the cross-country team at Horizon Christian Academy (HCA) in Cumming, GA. His involvement in both schools allowed varsity HCA athletes to participate in Reinhardt’s pre-season event. Following the race, his camaraderie with team members became evident with high fives, hugs, and encouraging words.
Weir’s support of the cross-country team began around 2017 when he became a trustee. This season, his involvement began soon after athletes returned to campus. As president of Meadowbrook Restaurant Company Inc, he kicked off the 2024 season with a dinner at one of his Zaxby’s restaurants and gifted the newest Nike racing shoe, worn by Division I program athletes, to all of the Reinhardt runners.
Weir says he also enjoys the benefits of running with collegiate athletes, “I still run competitively for Atlanta Track Club. I started coming out to train with coach Jordan Turner and the team so I’d have some fast guys to challenge me. With trying to live out what we should be doing as trustees, it was a great opportunity to get involved with the kids, build relationships, and encourage and help to develop them. In that regard, it’s been a great opportunity and blessing for me to be able to share experiences with the students. At my age, how many people can say they’ve run a college meet? I hope to be the only trustee in the nation who can compete with college athletes. It’s also an opportunity to bring out my high school runners to experience running at the next level, challenge them, provide a fun memory, and inspire them to come to Reinhardt.”
