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Retiree is a super fan of all things Benton, attends nearly every game

Freddie Rhinehart, 68, offers love and support for Benton students at almost every school game.

BENTON, Ark. — Getting older does not have to mean slowing down.  

This week on THV11, we are highlighting 5 “Super Seniors:” individuals who are redefining aging.

Not only is 68-year-old Freddie Rhinehart a “Super Senior,” he is considered a “super fan” in the city of Benton.   

“If you’ve lived in Benton the last couple or three decades you know Freddie,” said Captain Kevin Russell with the Benton Police Department. 

Freddie Rhinehart is a fixture at almost every single football, basketball and baseball game in Benton. Now, after 34 years with the Saline County Road Department, Rhinehart can be found spending his free time roaming the stands before every game. 

“I’ve been to a lot of sporting events over the last five years and I’ve seen Freddie at every one of them,” said Assistant Principal at Benton High School,  Karen Hilborn. “Everyone calls him the Benton Panther, the number one fan, and I would have to agree with that.” 

Rhinehart said he enjoys small talk with anyone he sees. 

“Freddie will talk to anyone and he will make anyone smile. He loves to tell us about his music and his CD’s that he got. He always asking us if we know about his favorite bands,” said senior, Jade Dorman.

Rhinehart isn’t afraid to ask a friendly face for anything, even for a ride.

“I’ve given him a ride or two downtown and around places and I think everyone does that because he is so well liked,” said Benton High School Head Football Coach, Brad Harris. 

“He don’t meet many strangers. You can see him downtown and everyone knows Freddie. One day I’m sitting to get my license renewed and Freddie walks in and it’s almost like at cheers, ‘Hey, Norm, it’s hey Freddie.’”

Rhinehart attends nearly every sporting event in Benton and rarely misses one. Every year the city throws him a birthday party and Rhinehart even has an award named after him that is presented to student-athletes. 

“Our kids enjoy having him and that's the biggest part of it. He is impacting young people’s lives,” said Harris. “He’s a special guy. We love him here at Benton and are proud to say he is our number one fan.” 

While Rhinehart said any Benton team is his favorite, he also enjoys cheering on the Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys.  

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