Loren Junior Rinehart is remembered as a fixture on the teaching and coaching staffs at Philip Barbour High School from its inception in 1963 until his retirement in 1989. Throughout his years in the classroom, he taught physical education, health, various social studies courses, and promoted safety on Barbour County’s roadways in the latter part of his career as the school’s Driver Education instructor. Many, however, will remember him coaching for all three high school seasons in every one of his years as a Colt mentor.
Following his military service in the United States Army Artillery Branch, Loren returned to Barbour County to pursue a living as an educator and coach. From the mid 1950’s until 1963, he took on coaching duties at Kasson High School and then Belington High School. When Philip Barbour High School opened in the fall of 1963, he joined George Byrer in building the new athletic program and its facilities at the new school located between Belington and Philippi. In addition to serving as assistant coach for the 8-2 Colt football squad during that inaugural year, he became the school’s first basketball and baseball coach during the ensuing winter and spring seasons.
This began a remarkable string of 78 consecutive high school athletic seasons in which he provided stability and leadership for the youth of Philip Barbour. Over this period, he coached football, basketball and baseball, along with several years as the weight training instructor.
Coach Rinehart’s 1969 baseball team became the school’s first Big Ten Conference team champion when it swept a double-header on the final day of the regular season. His 1975 baseball squad capped off a successful season by becoming the first in school history to qualify for a state tournament berth, finally falling in the Class AAA semi-finals by a 2-1 score.
Loren Rinehart was the father of Shawn Rinehart and the late Rickey Rinehart, and was married for 65 years to the late Melba Rinehart. The Trinity Community resident will long be remembered for his dedication to local service and volunteer organizations. Mr. Rinehart passed away on September 26, 2020, at the age of 90.
Following his military service in the United States Army Artillery Branch, Loren returned to Barbour County to pursue a living as an educator and coach. From the mid 1950’s until 1963, he took on coaching duties at Kasson High School and then Belington High School. When Philip Barbour High School opened in the fall of 1963, he joined George Byrer in building the new athletic program and its facilities at the new school located between Belington and Philippi. In addition to serving as assistant coach for the 8-2 Colt football squad during that inaugural year, he became the school’s first basketball and baseball coach during the ensuing winter and spring seasons.
This began a remarkable string of 78 consecutive high school athletic seasons in which he provided stability and leadership for the youth of Philip Barbour. Over this period, he coached football, basketball and baseball, along with several years as the weight training instructor.
Coach Rinehart’s 1969 baseball team became the school’s first Big Ten Conference team champion when it swept a double-header on the final day of the regular season. His 1975 baseball squad capped off a successful season by becoming the first in school history to qualify for a state tournament berth, finally falling in the Class AAA semi-finals by a 2-1 score.
Loren Rinehart was the father of Shawn Rinehart and the late Rickey Rinehart, and was married for 65 years to the late Melba Rinehart. The Trinity Community resident will long be remembered for his dedication to local service and volunteer organizations. Mr. Rinehart passed away on September 26, 2020, at the age of 90.