Denton school board members voted Tuesday to name Denton High School’s renovated field house in remembrance of one of the school’s most respected football coaches.

In a unanimous vote, trustees approved naming the facility the Jim Bateman Athletic Field House. Bateman, who came to Denton High in 1976, became head coach in 1978 and led the Broncos to seven playoff appearances in 16 years, including six consecutive from 1982 to 1987. Bateman, who posted a record of 109-62-4, according to district documents, died last year after battling leukemia.

Prior to Tuesday night’s vote, the board saw a presentation supporting the idea of naming the field house in Bateman’s honor by current head coach Randall Patzkowski. Board members listened to public comments on how Bateman impacted not only Denton but the state, and they were presented with a packet of e-mails from more than 200 people in support of the proposal.

“The motion tonight reflects some strong support within the community,” board President Jim Alexander said following the vote. “The board is pleased to do that. It’s a good choice, and it’s the right thing to do. We hope that by naming the field house in coach Bateman’s honor, that all the players who go in and out of that field house are reminded of the role model coach Bateman represented.”

Plans are being made, district officials said, for a dedication ceremony tentatively scheduled for Nov. 6.

A Fort Worth native, Bateman began his coaching career in 1962 in Knox City.

Under Bateman’s leadership, the Broncos won 24 consecutive regular-season games from 1985 to 1988.

He was named district coach of the year four times and area coach of the year five times.

Superintendent Ray Braswell, who worked with Bateman as an athletic trainer, described him as a man who always looked out for the safety of his students. Bateman was a gentleman, Braswell said, who loved his players and students yet knew when he needed to be tough. Naming the field house in his honor, Braswell said, is a good thing for the Bateman family as well as the district.

“It’s a win-win,” Braswell said.

Bateman was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005. He lost his battle with the disease on March 26, 2008, at age 67. Following his death, the Denton Public School Foundation set up a scholarship in his honor.

About a year ago, Denton High Principal Darrell Muncy and Patzkowski began the nominating process for naming the renovated field house on Fulton Street in Bateman’s honor. Patzkowski said that when he met Bateman more than three years ago, he knew that he was a person of integrity who needed to be honored.

In the nomination packet, Bateman was described as “the winningest coach in the storied history of Denton High School” — a man who gave of his time and his heart to Denton students and the community.

Following Tuesday’s vote, Patzkowski said he couldn’t wait to call Bateman’s wife, who is out of town, with the news.

“I’m just very pleased for coach Bateman and his legacy and certainly for his family. I think it’s a great move for the district … and all the people that he touched,” Patzkowski said. “I’m sure she’s just going to be speechless and overwhelmed.”

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com.