Former students of Geary High School saddened seeing alma mater on fire

GEARY, Okla. (KFOR) — The Geary High school gym went up in flames Saturday night.

Jim Shelton, the Blaine County Emergency Manager said a deputy in the area noticed smoke before things took a turn.

Firefighters from several counties came to help fight the massive fire.

"They did a really good job. We did have some of it escape down into the high school area. It took out the restrooms, a janitorial closet and a little bit of a wall in one of the classrooms," Shelton said.

Shelton also said some of the classrooms throughout the building have smoke and water damage.

A former student of Geary High School was moved to tears seeing his alma mater engulfed in flames.

"I started seeing it on Facebook early this morning, about 3 a.m., when people started texting me. Then I came down to see it. Pretty emotional," said David Wigington.

Wigington was a wrestler at the school and graduated in 1982, recounting the memories he shared with fellow teammates and friends.

Wigington said, "That's where it all started, right there. Behind it was the band room and wrestling room. I had a lot of friends here, and I just hope they can rebuild the school. I hope they can keep it going here."

Shelton said next week's class schedule is not finalized.

"The Superintendent, of course, is working on details of how they're going to have class, which they will have class here. I don't know of exactly if that will be tomorrow or later this week. It just won't be in this building," he said.

Wigington and many in the area were saddened, saying, "It's just sad to see it go."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.