OC High School Names Sports Complex After Coach Who Suffers From Lou Gehrig's Disease
TUSTIN (CBSLA.com) —Dozens of teary-eyed students, colleagues and friends gathered at a Tustin high school Monday to unveil a brand new sports complex named after a former award-winning soccer coach who suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease.
Barry Turner, 48, was a teacher at Hillview High School for 19 years and the head soccer coach at Foothill High for 23 years before he was forced to step down due to the auto-immune degenerative disease.
The celebrated teacher was wheeled into "Barry Turner Field" at Hillview, which is next to six pristine tennis courts, a softball stadium, and a soccer field.
He's no longer able to speak, but appeared to be crying at the dedication.
"Barry is saying he loves everybody," said his wife, Leanne. "He loves the game of soccer. In fact, he still watches it every day."
Students said Turner did so much for a lot of people.
"It's a great feeling to know he's being recognized for all that he's done. He really deserves it. He's touched many hearts," said Bridgette Serna.
When the ceremony was over, fans stood in line to hug the former "Teacher of the Year."
