Falcon Flashback | Jim Reid
Athletic Hall of Fame Spotlight
Jim Reid is a foundational figure in O’Neal athletics. As the school’s first Athletic Director, Upper School Head, and coach, Reid transformed a vision into reality, creating opportunities for students to compete and thrive in sports.
Building O’Neal Athletics from the Ground Up
When Reid joined O’Neal in its early years, athletics were just taking shape. His leadership and determination established the framework for organized sports programs. He coached multiple teams, including soccer and tennis, and worked tirelessly to ensure students had access to competitive athletics. His efforts extended beyond coaching—he built a culture of teamwork and school spirit that continues today.
When Reid joined O’Neal in its early years, athletics were just taking shape. His leadership and determination established the framework for organized sports programs. He coached multiple teams, including soccer and tennis, and worked tirelessly to ensure students had access to competitive athletics. His efforts extended beyond coaching—he built a culture of teamwork and school spirit that continues today.
A Broader Legacy in Athletics
Before his time at O’Neal, Reid served as the founding father of athletics at Sandhills Community College, where he created and developed the school’s first sports programs. As SCC’s first basketball coach and athletic director, Reid started with borrowed facilities and outdoor practices, eventually developing a thriving multisport program. His work was driven by a belief that students deserved athletic opportunities alongside academics.
Before his time at O’Neal, Reid served as the founding father of athletics at Sandhills Community College, where he created and developed the school’s first sports programs. As SCC’s first basketball coach and athletic director, Reid started with borrowed facilities and outdoor practices, eventually developing a thriving multisport program. His work was driven by a belief that students deserved athletic opportunities alongside academics.
Dedication and Impact
Reid’s influence at O’Neal went far beyond wins and losses. He was a mentor, a leader, and a builder of community. His ability to inspire students and rally support from parents and faculty helped shape O’Neal’s athletic identity. A 1983–84 yearbook dedication described him as “a gentleman who possesses the qualities of hard work, dedication, and friendship,” noting his tireless efforts to make athletics a success.
Reid’s influence at O’Neal went far beyond wins and losses. He was a mentor, a leader, and a builder of community. His ability to inspire students and rally support from parents and faculty helped shape O’Neal’s athletic identity. A 1983–84 yearbook dedication described him as “a gentleman who possesses the qualities of hard work, dedication, and friendship,” noting his tireless efforts to make athletics a success.
Honored by the O’Neal Community
Jim Reid’s contributions have been remembered and celebrated for decades. In the 2020 O’Neal Magazine, alumni and former staff honored Reid alongside other influential figures, recognizing his role in shaping the school’s athletic and academic culture. His name remains synonymous with leadership and commitment to student success.
Jim Reid’s contributions have been remembered and celebrated for decades. In the 2020 O’Neal Magazine, alumni and former staff honored Reid alongside other influential figures, recognizing his role in shaping the school’s athletic and academic culture. His name remains synonymous with leadership and commitment to student success.
A Lasting Legacy
Jim Reid’s induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame honors his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to student-athletes. His vision laid the foundation for decades of Falcon athletic excellence.
Join us on Friday, January 9th, as we recognize Jim and 9 other Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees! 3:15 pm reception | Recognition at half-time of the boys basketball game - starting at 7 pm.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks
Jim Reid’s induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame honors his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to student-athletes. His vision laid the foundation for decades of Falcon athletic excellence.
Join us on Friday, January 9th, as we recognize Jim and 9 other Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees! 3:15 pm reception | Recognition at half-time of the boys basketball game - starting at 7 pm.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks
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