On Feb 25, the ALHS gym was named in honor of Orrie Jirele who passed away on Sept 21, 2013. There was a ceremony in between the boys JV and varsity basketball games to officially name the gym. Several people spoke on behalf of Jirele to share their “Orrie Stories” and unveil the new plaque that will be placed near the gym.

      Orrie “OJ” Jirele was a longtime basketball coach and counselor at Albert Lea High School. He first came to the district in 1973 where he was a counselor and the head boys’ basketball coach. Jirele remained the head coach from 1973-1987 and led the team to three Big 9 Championships. He was also named Big 9 Coach of the Year. After stepping away from the coaching scene, Jirele continued to ref youth basketball games and pass on his knowledge of the game to younger players. Although his basketball achievements are quite impressive, those aren’t the only things Jirele is remembered for.

      “The thing that made him such a unique and beautiful man was his spirit,” Jim Haney said. Haney along with Max Jeffrey were the two that presented the idea of naming the gym after Jirele to the school board.

      Along with being a big name in Albert Lea basketball, Jirele also was known in the town for being a skilled violinist. He often played for church masses, funerals, weddings and other events in the community. Haney recalls him playing his violin at every staff holiday party.

      “He would always play Christmas carols which was really cool,” Haney said.

      Haney described Jirele as a man who was passionate and caring. He was always involved in the lives of students at the school and made a point to always ask kids how things were going. Haney said he left a big legacy at Albert Lea High School and that his spirit is hard to replace.

      “He was the spirit of Albert Lea High School,” Haney said.

      Along with the plaque, they are also planning on putting a sign near the concessions stand that says “Orrie Jirele Gymnasium” and paint it on the wall inside the gym. Once the wax is stripped from the gym floor this summer, they would also like to place his name or initials on the floor by the home team bench.