You Won't Believe What Happened When Hub City Gym Welcomed the Controversial Limestone Mascot!

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The closure of Limestone University earlier this year has left a significant void for many connected to the institution, which was located in Gaffney, South Carolina. For alumni, current students, and faculty, the news felt like the loss of a cherished community.

“Devastated,” said Justin Rollins, owner of Hub City Gym, when he learned of the university's closing. “It broke my heart and it felt like a death. It was a death, not only to me but to all the alumni and current students and faculty. I couldn’t even ride by there; it hurt.”

As a proud graduate of Limestone, Rollins was particularly affected by the loss. He graduated from Limestone Elementary School in 1997 before earning his degree from Limestone University in 2007. The university had repurposed the former elementary school for athletic events, making it part of his educational journey.

In a bid to preserve a piece of that legacy, Rollins decided to adopt the university's beloved mascot, Bernie, a 6-foot-tall Saint Bernard that had been a symbol of school spirit and athletics. “It was important to adopt Bernie because for me it feels like I’m keeping the tradition of Limestone going in a small way,” he explained. “Bernie brought a smile to my kids’ faces at football games and events, and I want to keep that going for others.”

Rollins found out on December 9 that he successfully bid in an online auction to bring Bernie to Hub City Gym. Along with the mascot, he also acquired several pieces of Limestone gym equipment, including:

• Five cable stations
• A Jacob’s Ladder
• Multiple cardio machines
• Leg machines
• Heavy boxing bags
• A wood platform for deadlifts, engraved with the Limestone emblem
• A VO2 machine, the first of its kind for public use in Spartanburg

With this new equipment, Rollins is eager to integrate Bernie into the daily life 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. Bernie will be at every event such as kickball, dodgeball, and all the special remotes we do.”

Through these initiatives, Rollins hopes to keep the spirit of Limestone University alive in the community. “If this is all we have left, then at least we have something,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of community and tradition.

Justin Rollins has over 20 years of experience as a certified trainer, having been certified since 2003. He holds certifications from NASM and USATF, specializing in coaching marathon athletes, senior fitness, and balance training. Currently, Rollins trains 47 client athletes, with 97% of them having trained with him since 2016, averaging 40 hours a week in the gym. His reputation for helping clients achieve their fitness goals is well-established, primarily through referrals and word-of-mouth.

In addition to his training career, Rollins is a three-time Boston Marathon runner, logging 4,000 miles per year without injury since 2017. He is the founder of Hub City Gym and All Elite Training by Justin Rollins, and he also created the Freddy and the Fireman YouTube channel aimed at promoting fitness for children.

In a time of loss for many, Rollins' efforts to incorporate Bernie into the Hub City Gym signify a commitment to keeping the spirit of Limestone University alive, ensuring that its legacy continues to bring joy to the Spartanburg community.