Albert Lea High School staff members are working to make sure a former teacher, counselor, referee and basketball coach is forever remembered. 

Teachers Jim Haney and Max Jeffrey on Monday presented their proposal to rename the Albert Lea High School gymnasium in honor of Orrie Jirele to the Albert Lea School Board.

Jirele died in September 2013 of a heart attack while duck hunting on the northwest corner of Pickerel Lake near the dam.

The gym, which would be named Orrie Jirele Gymnasium, would have signage near the concession stands, and a plaque would be on the upper level. The initials O.J. would be painted on the gym floor.

Haney said he still remembers Jirele as an integral part of the high school.

“Orrie was a difference maker in the lives of students and staff,” he said. “I miss him every day. I have his obituary up in my room, and I look at it quite often, because he is the man who was the spirit of that high school for many years, and he made me a better teacher and a better man because he was a part of Albert Lea High School.”

Haney hopes the gym will be dedicated during a Feb. 25 game between Albert Lea and Austin. Jirele is an Austin native.

Jeffrey discussed creating an Jirele scholarship fund, which they hope to fund by hosting an Albert Lea basketball day in the gymnasium to include fourth grade through varsity boys and girls basketball games.

“Orrie really had a connection with our special ed students,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey — a 1990 Albert Lea High School graduate — remembered Jirele deciding to substitute teach the day before he died.

“This was the kind of person he was,” Jeffrey said, adding that in remembering Jirele they hope to inspire students to use Jirele’s passion and commitment.

Funds for the project are planned to come from private sources.

Jirele started working with the district in 1973 and continued regularly until 2002. After his retirement, he continued to help the district in several roles, including as a substitute teacher and as an instructor for Adult Basic Education.

In 14 years as head coach for Albert Lea boys’ basketball, Jirele compiled a 165-108 record. His teams won three Big Nine Conference championships, made three regional finals, and he was named conference Coach of the Year at least once.

Jirele was also boys’ tennis coach.

Jirele was inducted into the Wall of Inspiration at Albert Lea High School in April 2013.

Board member Bill Leland remembered playing for Jirele on the 1977-78 basketball team.

“He was a force in this community and a force with his players,” he said. “I know the impact he had on myself as well as a lot of other players.”

Leland suggested Jeffrey and Haney reach out to people who knew Jirele to raise funds for the project.

Board member Julie Johnson — a 1987 Albert Lea High School graduate — remembered Jirele as a difference maker who made time for each student.

Ciota suggested Haney and Jeffrey return in December for approval.

Typed testimonials from those who knew Jirele were delivered to board members.

“Professionally, Orrie loved the kids and staff he worked with at ALHS,” said Rod Johnson. “Although he treated each of his students with respect and caring, he had a special place in his heart for special ed kids and worked hard at establishing close relationships with them and making them feel important and a part of the school.”

Johnson recalled Jirele giving nicknames for students and drawing a crowd while playing his violin in the hallways each Christmas.

“His passion for both education and music were very apparent to those he came in contact with,” he said.

Special education teacher Shawn Reibe also gave a testimonial praising the contributions Jirele made to his life.

“There are not enough words to describe Orrie Jirele as a friend, teacher, mentor, official, coach, outdoorsman and all-around caring person,” he said. “Orrie substituted in my EBD classroom when I was away. He was a person who took an interest in all students, not just athletes, musicians or honor students.”

Reibe recalled Jirele visiting his classroom before substitute teaching to get to know the students.

“He would take an interest in anything the kids enjoyed and remember to talk to each and every one about it,” he said.