Glenwood Springs Middle School’s gymnasium now bears the name of the man who spent more than three decades shaping young athletes inside its walls.

Blake Risner, the longtime physical education teacher and track coach, will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. But the GSMS community wasn’t about to let him leave without a tribute.

In a surprise all-school assembly Friday, GSMS Principal Eric Olsen announced that the gym would be renamed the Blake “Coach” Risner Gymnasium in honor of Risner’s 31-year career.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but at the same time, just so much appreciation,” a visibly emotional Risner said after the ceremony.

The event featured speeches from former principals, teachers, and colleagues, along with a tribute video that included messages from students past and present, friends, and fellow coaches. Risner’s parents, children, and old friends joined the crowd, and the middle school band played in celebration.

“I had a feeling something was up when I saw all the teachers wearing their gym uniforms, and they even had me cover a class during sixth period,” Risner said. “But I had no idea of the magnitude until I walked in here and saw my mom, who flew in from Oklahoma, unbeknownst to me.”

Olsen praised Risner’s dedication, telling the packed gym, “It is my honor to announce that this beautiful gymnasium that you have cared for throughout the entirety of your professional career will forever be known as the Blake ‘Coach’ Risner Gymnasium.”

The ceremony also included light-hearted moments, with Roaring Fork Schools Executive Director of Schools and former GSMS Principal Joel Hathaway comparing the total seconds Risner spent in the gym to the distance to Mars and the dollar value of LeBron James’ contract. “Though,” Hathaway joked, “it still doesn’t top the number of YouTube plays for The Final Countdown.”

Hathaway also asked attendees to raise their hands if they had a sibling, friend, or parent who had been coached or taught by Risner. More than 75% of the crowd responded.

GSMS Dean of Culture Rob Buirgy said the decision to name the gym after Risner was unanimous among the school’s leadership team.

“We’ve been planning this since August,” Buirgy said. “Keeping it a secret wasn’t easy—he’s a really smart man.”

Olsen, in his first year as principal, said he quickly recognized Risner’s legacy.

“It’s rare to have someone so closely personify an institution,” Olsen said. “But it’s even rarer to be able to honor someone as deserving as Coach Risner.”

Risner reflected on the moment with humility.

“I think I’ve helped a lot of kids become strong adults in many different ways,” he said. “For people to recognize that is very meaningful for me.”