SPARTANBURG, S.C. – When Limestone University closed earlier this year, it left a significant gap in the lives of many individuals who had attended, graduated from, or worked at the institution in Gaffney, South Carolina. The closure was particularly emotional for those who had deep ties to the university, including its alumni and faculty.

“Devastated,” said Hub City Gym owner Justin Rollins when describing his feelings upon hearing that Limestone University would be closing. “It broke my heart and felt like a death. It was a death, not only to me but to all the alumni, current students, and faculty. I couldn’t even ride by there; it hurt.”

Rollins, a Limestone University graduate, learned that the mascot Bernie’s costume was being sold in an online auction. He knew he had to act quickly to ensure Bernie found a permanent home at Hub City Gym.

Rollins graduated from Limestone Elementary School in 1997 and later earned his degree from Limestone University in 2007. The former elementary school had once served as a field house for the university. Bernie, a 6-foot-tall Saint Bernard mascot, was used to promote Saints athletics and Limestone University, according to the university’s website.

“It was important to adopt Bernie because for me, it feels like I’m keeping the tradition of Limestone going in a small way,” Rollins explained. “Bernie brought a smile to my kids’ faces at football games and events, and I want to keep that going for others. Bernie represented tradition, and I don’t want to see that tradition die. If this is all we have left, then at least we have something.”

On December 9, Rollins learned that he successfully bid on the mascot, giving Bernie a new forever home at Hub City Gym. In addition to Bernie, Rollins also purchased several items of Limestone gym equipment, which will now be relocated to HCG.

Here are some of the gym equipment items Rollins acquired:

• Five cable stations
• Jacob’s Ladder
• Multiple cardio machines
• Leg machines
• Heavy boxing bags
• Wood platform for deadlifts with an engraved Limestone emblem
• VO2 Machine (the first of its kind for public use in Spartanburg)

Now that the equipment has been moved, Rollins wants Bernie to feel completely at home at Hub City Gym.

“Bernie is going to be an integral part in marketing and events at HCG,” Rollins said. “Bernie will be on the floor and around HCG weekly in some capacity to encourage clients and members. He will be at every event such as kickball, dodgeball, and all the special remote events we do. Bernie will be right at home in the Spartanburg community, giving the same joy he did at Limestone.”

Justin Rollins Biography

Justin Rollins has more than 20 years of experience as a certified trainer. He was certified in 2003 and holds NASM and USATF coach certifications. Rollins is known for coaching marathon athletes, seniors, and as a balance specialist.

Currently, Rollins is training 47 client athletes. He is proud to say that 97% of his clients have been training with him since 2016. These clients spend an average of 40 hours per week in the gym with him. His clients come to him through referrals and word of mouth, and he has built a strong reputation for helping them achieve their goals.

When not training client athletes, Rollins is a three-time Boston Marathon runner. Since 2017, he runs 4,000 miles per year without any injuries.

Rollins graduated from Limestone University with a degree in Business Administration. He is the founder of Hub City Gym, All Elite Training by Justin Rollins, and the creator of the Freddy and the Fireman YouTube channel, which focuses on children’s fitness.

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