Brookville High School dedicates new field house to former principal, coach

The bleachers at Brookville high school were filled Wednesday night. Not for a game, for a person.

A principal, coach, father, and grandfather.

“That's Jim Whorley,” said his childhood friend Lloyd Goode with a big smile on his face. Friends described Whorley as a simple guy with a good sense of humor and a big heart.

Wednesday night was all about Whorley.

“This is almost 10 years in the making,” said Goode. “The community never stopped.”

They never stopped fighting for something Whorley always wanted: a field house.

“He always had a dream of having a field house so we really made his dream today,” said Bert Dodson.

Whorley died in 2008 in a boating accident. The field house in his name took over $500,000 in fundraising, but behind that name is a legacy.

“He was so sincere you could take anything Jim said to the bank,” said Goode.

“He was a tough guy and he persevered with kindness and humility to stay up on top,” said Dodson.

Whorley always felt the students that he loved so much should have a field house. Making the dream happen was a community effort that had a lot of hurdles.

Donors dedicated lockers, plaques and bricks to raise enough funds- all in honor of a man who left a mark.

They are hoping the celebration of Whorley won't stop tonight, but it’s one that will continue for years to come.

“We miss you, we love you we respect you but your name will live as a legacy with your name on the building and the spirit of Brookville HS behind it,” said Dodson.