Even in his 90s, Jim “Coach” Leierer was never far from the sidelines. Though the longtime football coach died in June at the age of 92, his legacy won’t be far away.

The South Whidbey School Board unanimously approved a proposal to rename South Whidbey High School’s stadium the “Jim Leierer Stadium at Waterman Field” at a meeting on Wednesday night. An “organic” community process that involved an outpouring of support on Facebook was enough for the board members to approve the name change. The board deliberated on the proposal in July but did not make a decision.

The stadium will officially be renamed at the first Falcons’ first home football game next fall. Also on that day will be a formal dedication of the name change with a plaque containing the new name of the stadium, board members, and Superintendent Jo Moccia.

Leierer is nearly a household name in South Whidbey’s sports community after coaching at Langley and South Whidbey High Schools from 1953 to 1982. He was also a teacher, drivers education instructor and an active church community member.

The idea was first brought to the school board in July by community member Jon Chapman, but was put on hold until it was determined whether the board of directors had the ability to rename facilities and buildings. A policy adopted by the South Whidbey School District in September granted them that power.

Chapman later created a Facebook page called “Jim Leierer Stadium — Support Team” in an effort to convey support for the name change. Chapman said at the meeting that it reached 12,494 people. There were over 450 likes and 30 comments on the page’s first official post.

Chapman said the approval of the proposal was a result of combined support from the community and those impacted by Leierer.

“It was cool because it was a lot of teamwork,” Chapman said. “I knew the community would get behind it. The superintendent, I’ve got to thank her for getting behind it and the board voting unanimously to do it. That was cool to see.”

Board Director Shawn Nowlin said one of the concerns she heard from the community was whether or not the Waterman family would still be honored for their part in donating land for development of the high school. She said Chapman’s proposal accomplished that and more.

“You found a great way to honor two really active families,” Nowlin said.

Langley resident Nanette Pierson, one of Leierer’s daughters, and community member Viet Ly also played roles in the support movement. Pierson thought her father would have been overjoyed by the stadium being renamed after him.

“It’s an honor,” Pierson said. “He would be so delighted.”

“It means a lot to our family and I feel like the community has just been amazing. It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of comments on Facebook and the appreciation and love for him,” she added.”

It has not yet been determined whether or not the wooden sign on the back of the stadium’s press box that reads, “Waterman’s Field” will be replaced with a sign containing the new name, Moccia said after the meeting. Chapman said they plan to include the Waterman family during the formal dedication at the football game next fall.