With solely weeks remaining in his time period, District 8 Councilmember Manny Pelaez has submitted a Council Consideration Request to rename the San Antonio Worldwide Airport in honor of lately retired Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
The request is headed for the council’s governance committee. Based on the request, Pelaez labored with town supervisor’s workplace to draft the request, which was filed on Wednesday. The identify change would seemingly mark the primary time in historical past {that a} main airport was named after an NBA basketball coach.
Earlier this month, Gregg Popovich, 76, introduced he could be stepping away from his position on the sidelines to tackle a brand new place because the Spurs’ President of Basketball Operations, marking the shut of a legendary teaching profession that spanned practically 30 years. His announcement got here after a number of latest well being considerations, together with a light stroke again in November and a “medical episode” in April.
The identical day Pop’s retirement was introduced, the group named Mitch Johnson — who had been serving as interim head coach — as his official successor. The next Monday, Popovich formally handed the torch at a press convention, the place he was supported by Spurs icons Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili, who helped him to and from the rostrum.
Pelaez nor representatives from the airport instantly responded to the San Antonio Report’s requests for touch upon Thursday.
The council request states that town has “been profoundly formed and elevated by the outstanding contributions of Coach Gregg Popovich,” including that his “influence on San Antonio is immeasurable.”
“Dedicating our worldwide airport in his identify wouldn’t solely honor Coach Popovich’s outstanding achievements, but in addition function a strong image of San Antovio’s enduring relationship and deep respect for america Air Power and the values it represents,” the request states, referencing Popovich’s standing as a veteran.
Pop graduated from the United States Air Power Academy in 1970, the place he performed basketball, after which served 5 years of energetic responsibility, together with an abroad tour and intelligence work. He remained linked to the sport via the Armed Forces basketball group, ultimately transitioning into teaching earlier than returning to the Academy as an assistant coach in 1973 for 4 years.
“As our metropolis continues to develop and welcome guests from world wide via the San Antonio Worldwide Airport, we consider it might be a becoming and lasting tribute to dedicate this very important gateway in honor of Coach Gregg Popovich,” the request states.
It additionally notes that it might not be a direct change however would as a substitute provoke “the required steps” to rename the airport, which incorporates exploring a naming conference, neighborhood enter, and logistical necessities for such a dedication.
“We consider this gesture could be a significant and enduring technique to rejoice a real San Antonio legend,” it states.
The request has supporting signatures from Councilmembers Sukh Kaur (D1), Adriana Rocha Garcia (D4), Teri Castillo (D5), John Braveness (D9).
