A movement began Oct. 5 to rename the gymnasium at Albert Lea High School after former Tigers coach Orrie Jirele.

Matt Guse, a 1990 ALHS graduate and former co-captain of the boys’ basketball team, is spearheading the task. He said Jirele was an excellent mentor.

“He taught the game very passionately,” Guse said. “I owe a lot to him, and I think a lot of people who played for him do as well for the impact on our lives, pursuing goals and not taking no for an answer.”

The possible name change will require financial support from the community. It will also need to be approved by the Albert Lea School District.

Guse set up an email account to converse with anyone who wants to talk about the gym movement: gym4OJ@live.com. He also set up the Orrie Jirele Scholarship Fund through Wells Fargo bank.