TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - He trained with Wilt Chamberlain, dreaming of an NBA career. In 1963, Southwestern College’s Don Turner was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors, but a hamstring injury sidelined his dream.
Instead, he poured himself into education, building a legacy that spanned 32 years at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka.
On Tuesday, the school officially honored him by naming the gym after him (The Don Turner Gymnasium), a tribute to the man who shaped generations of students.
“I was proud of Most Pure Heart,” Turner told 13 SPORTS in a sit-down interview. “I could have gone anywhere I wanted to. I thought about being a principal or something, I was just happy what I did.”
For 32 years, Turner wasn’t just a coach — he was the gym teacher who made every student feel welcome. And now, the gym that meant so much to him will carry his name.
“I must’ve done something right. I always felt that way,” Turner said after a deep breath. “I always went above and beyond with what I did. I guess the Lord answered it.”
Dozens of educators have walked these halls, but this gym? This was Don Turner’s “kingdom,” as former students told 13 SPORTS. Naming it after him felt inevitable.
“When we found out that Most Pure Heart was renovating the gymnasium, I think for all of us who had him as our teacher, we thought he was the obvious choice,” Most Pure Heart alum Mark Thompson said.
“Mr. Lorson, he said, ‘What’s your philosophy’? I said, ‘I want to give these kids a well-rounded education,’” Turner remembers telling Most Pure Heart before they hired him in 1969.
“I said, ‘I had a pretty good career in basketball,’ but my dad said, ‘Don’t let it go to your head. Let people brag on you, you don’t do the bragging,’” Turner continued.
In the last few days, former students have shared story after story of his impact.
“He was constantly looking for new ways to get students involved,” Most Pure Heart alum Charlie Applehanz told 13 SPORTS. “New games, he taught us how to do the Hustle. He taught us square dancing. He was one of the people who brought Field Day to Most Pure Heart.”
Even the Golden State Warriors recognized him. Former student Rob Reilly reached out, and the team sent their congratulations:
> “Don, greetings from San Francisco, Mike Dunleavy, GM of the Golden State Warriors. As a former Warrior draft pick to another former Warrior draft pick, I wanted to congratulate you on a great career as an educator and your most recent accolade having the gymnasium named after you. So, we got Coach K court, Phog Allen Fieldhouse and now Don Turner Gym, pretty impressive, that’s good company. Anyway, congratulations, good luck with what’s next and Go Dubs!”
He never bragged, but now the Bobcats are bragging for him. The Don Turner Gymnasium stands as a tribute to a man whose impact will last for generations.
Tuesday’s event also marked the start of announcing some major renovations for the school gymnasium. Most Pure Heart is launching a $500,000 fundraising effort to update the space.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the past two years of the Five Hearts Gala “Fund-the-Need” have already raised $61,000, allowing the school to begin replacing the gym’s “aging glass block windows” in summer 2026.
Anticipated improvements with $500,000 goal:
* Add AC to the gymnasium
* Replace glass block with new windows
* Upgrade the bleacher system on the north wall
* Repair the ceiling insulation
* If the goal is reached, additional funds will go toward stage improvements, which could include stage lighting and a movable wall
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