A "LEGENDARY" school teacher and basketball player will have a sports hall named in his memory.
PE teacher Clarence Wiggins worked at Noel-Baker School, Alvaston, and died last month, aged 58.
He taught for 30 years and had a formidable reputation as a basketball player and was a coach at Derby Trailblazers.
Friend and colleague Matt Shaw, who teaches at the club and school, said naming the sports hall after Mr Wiggins was a "fitting idea".
Mr Shaw, 36, said: "It's very special because he was such a special teacher to so many people across Derby. He was legendary.
"A lot of the pupils will really miss him so to have a hall named after him will be great. It's what the school wants to do to pay tribute.
"The atmosphere at the school has been sad but a lot of people have been sharing tributes to him.
"Pupils have also been upbeat when talking about Clarence and sharing nice comments and memories about him.
"There have been assemblies about him and what people have said has been great. Everybody has been helping each other stay positive."
The coroner's office at South Derbyshire Coroner's Court revealed yesterday Mr Wiggins died of natural causes and an inquest will not be held into his death.
Mr Wiggins is to be buried in America this month but Mr Shaw said a memorial event would be held in a few weeks in Derby, although official plans have not been revealed.
Although he made Derby his home shortly after coming to play basketball in the city in 1983, his widow, CJ Marriott, has decided that his body should return to North Carolina, where he grew up.
Mr Shaw said "hundreds and hundreds" would attend the memorial service.
He said: "It will be good to celebrate what was a fantastic life and I expect it to be packed.
"He will be buried in America and we entirely respect that. But it will be nice to do something in Derby for people to pay their resects."
Derby Telegraph content editor Rachel Butler was in Mr Wiggins' form at Noel-Baker from 1999 to 2004. She said Mr Wiggins was one of her favourite teachers.
She said: "It's a lovely idea and is very fitting. Clarence meant a lot to many people who went to Noel-Baker and who still go there now, and this is a wonderful way to keep his memory alive for future generations."
A Facebook page set up to pay tribute to Mr Wiggins has attracted more than 3,800 likes.
Eddie Wynne said: "Brilliant bloke. So much respect for him, because he gave you so much too. Rest in peace Mr Wiggins."
Hazel Devils-angel Binding said: "The privilege is all ours to have had such an outstanding and inspirational man in our lives. R.I.P Mr Wiggins."
Emily Evans said: "Amazing teacher and person. RIP you will never be forgotten. Love and thoughts are with your family xxx."
Sarah Marsh said: "Fly with the angels. A great man taken too soon. Thank you for touching my boys' hearts xx"
Kerri Pearch said: "His memory will live on in many hearts forever. Good night and god bless Sir xx"
Tracey Day said: "R.I.P Mr Wiggins. My blessings go out to your wife and family x"
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