Don Reinholt sits next to two antelopes and a deer from some of his hunting trips. The display also includes some of his medals from running. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Don Reinholt, Warsaw, has visited every state in the U.S. and has been to a number of different countries. He has served in the Armed Forces, played and refereed basketball, participated in numerous long-distance runs and co-owns and operates, along with his sons, a local business.

Because of his accomplishments and his love for the local community, Reinholt has been chosen as one of the 22 individuals who will carry the Indiana Bicentennial Torch through Kosciusko County this fall.

Of all his activities and accomplishments, Reinholt has perhaps most enjoyed running. He has completed six Boston Marathons, being one of 55,000 qualified runners to participate in the event’s 100th anniversary. He has also completed 50-mile and 100-mile runs, some of which were through mountainous terrain. He has also run 24-hour and 30-hour marathons.

“My addiction has been distance running,” he said.

Besides running, Reinholt has played basketball, including with the U.S. Army Team. This opened the opportunity for him to play in seven different countries. He also refereed high school basketball from 1958 through 1985. He has coached a number of local little league baseball teams, as well.

The irony, Reinholt said, is that despite his active, healthy lifestyle, he still developed a heart condition.

“Saying all that, I ended up with a heart problem, atrial fibrillation, which is a heart rhythm problem,” he said. “I had to have a pacemaker put in in 1999.”

Because of this, Reinholt had to hang up his running shoes, but he still walks daily.

Faith and family are also important to Reinholt. Together with his sons, he owns and operates Reinholt’s Town Square Furniture in downtown Warsaw. He also enjoys hunting as a hobby and takes yearly trips out west.

“I have had a blessed life and when the Lord takes me home, it will only get better,” he said.

He hopes to carry the Bicentennial torch on foot, though he does not yet know which part of the route he will be on.

“I love Indiana and will be so proud to carry this torch, along with my fellow torchbearers through Kosciusko county,” he said. “Thank you, Mitch Reinholt for my nomination and to the committee for my selection. I will be ready.”

Mitch is Reinholt’s grandson, who nominated him for the honor.