Inducted into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame: January 25, 2023
Dr. James R. Reinhardt’s interest in weightlifting began in eighth grade and progressed all through high school. Jim trained at Mike’s Gym and built lasting friendships with his future teammates as they trained and learned techniques crucial to improving their abilities. Upon entering the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), now University of Louisiana, in 1963, Jim was invited to join the weightlifting team.
The USL team attended numerous regional meets from 1965 to 1968 in which they brought home many 1st place awards. One of only three lifters that was on four national championship teams. This led to the team winning the National Collegiate Weightlifting Championship in 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968. Jim’s contribution to those wins in the 148 lb. weight class division are as follows:
1965 – Held at Michigan State University – 3rd Place
1966 – Held at University of Maryland – 1st Place
1967 – Held at University of Southwestern Louisiana – 2nd Place
1968 – Held at University of Southwestern Louisiana – 1st Place
After graduating from USL with a Chemical Engineering degree, Jim worked for two years in his field with Freeport Sulfur Company out of New Orleans. He continued his dedication to weightlifting by joining the team at the YMCA. Determined to continue his education, Jim entered graduate school at the University of Arkansas, where he completed his Master’s and PhD in Chemical Engineering. His passion for weightlifting never wavered during this time; he joined and competed with the University of Arkansas team.
After graduate school, Jim returned to the private sector and worked for ALCOA Aluminum Company near Pittsburgh and remained with that company for six years. In 1983, Jim wanted to be a part of educating the future of his industry, so he accepted a professorship to teach and do research at USL in the Chemical Engineering Department. During his tenure, he also accepted the responsibility of serving as the faculty advisor to the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the faculty advisor for the Tau Beta Pi honorary engineering fraternity as well as the faculty advisor for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Lives in Lafayette with his wife Marie.
Jim never lost his love for weightlifting. During his time at the now University of Louisiana (UL), he coordinated with the strength coach and became a constant figure in the weight room at the UL Athletic Complex, meeting athletes of all sports – he also continued to occasionally compete in meets until he was in his mid 40’s.
Jim retired from UL after 30 years of guiding young minds in 2013. He loves Mardi Gras, dancing and traveling with his loving wife Marie and spending time with his children, Monica and Todd. To this day, he still works out regularly at a local gym as well as his own personal gym he built in the barn behind the couple’s house. Jim will tell you that his passion for the sport he loves, the people and friendships it brought into his life and the lessons he learned from being a part of this incredible endeavor has championed the man he was and still is today.
