Harry Leyland Gymnasium at Butler Catholic School played host to an overflowing crowd Friday evening to honor ... Harry Leyland.

Leyland, who spent 40 years coaching the Butler Catholic boys basketball team through 2007-08, was recognized for his many years of service to the school.

"It's amazing. I'm not surprised anymore," said Hank Leyland, Harry's son. "So many people have told me during my life the influence my father's had on them.

"They love him. I don't know if I captured it in my speech, but what my father did in coaching, he did it because he loves it. He did it with a lot of passion," he added.

Harry Leyland, who suffered a stroke two years ago but had been slowed by a heart attack, bypass surgery and another stroke, all coming in one week last September, was moved by the tribute.

"I knew a lot of the boys who played with him and I didn't expect this much," said Louise Leyland, Harry's wife of 56 years. "It's very overwhelming, very beautiful.

"It couldn't have been held in a better place. My kids grew up in here," she added.

The Leylands have seven children: sons Hank, Mike and John and daughters Margie, Dana, Lisa and Denise.

Son John, who lives in Michigan, and daughter Lisa of Colorado were unable to attend.

The family found about the dedication only Tuesday, but word about Friday's presentation spread quickly.

"We put it on our Website and had the kids spread the word," said Butler Catholic principal Sister John Ann Mulhern. "He's such a special man.

"It just goes to show you what a tremendous impact one man can make. He's dedicated to living with his faith and pass it on to the kids," Mulhern added.

Leyland, 78, who worked at Armco for 41 years, won numerous section championships with the Saints, two diocesan championship titles and two state playoff tournaments,

Along the way, he also coached East Butler and South Side in the Butler Area Midget Football League for more than 50 years, winning 10 league titles. He was inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

His stroke two years ago took Leyland away from the sidelines, but he battled back.

"He was making a tremendous comeback," said Hank.

Then, the stroke six months ago took his voice, although Margie works with him daily on his speech.

"He's overwhelmed by this," said Hank, referring to the gym dedication. "My dad, he believes that when you are given gifts, it was your job to give back without expectations. That's how he's lived his whole life."

Mulhern agreed with that philosophy.

"He had a different style but the same values," said Mulhern. "Winning was not the only thing. Harry was known in the diocese as the yeller, but you knew his bark was bigger than his bite.

"He was respected by coaches and officials. At one point there were 200 schools in the diocese who knew and respected him," Mulhern added.

The evening was part of the school's Basketball Madness, in which the Butler Catholic junior varsity and varsity teams play against former students and parents to close out the season.

They had an extra reason to be thankful this season, as many on hand were exchanging stories about playing for or working with Leyland.

The lives of nearly everyone in attendance were touched by Leyland in some way.

"Go to a basketball game with Harry Leyland and you'll hear him," said Hank, laughing.

"Not only did he teach you basketball skills, but you learned life lessons and applied it to your life. He taught boys to be men."