Springville basketball team, and community, helps local family

As Kelly Kirchmann walked back into the high school gym on Sunday, she was welcomed by an entire community. The pep rally is done in honor of the Springville Girls Basketball Team's third straight state title.

"It was a little nerve wracking at first because we were predicted to lose,” Kirchmann said.

The girls beat Newell-Fonda 60 to 49 in the state title game on Saturday. It was afterwards, in the locker room, when Kirchmann first heard a fire destroyed her home.

“I just broke down. I was having such a great day and we were in the locker room partying and my coach came up to me and told me," Kirchmann said.

Her teammates immediately started to comfort her. And on Sunday, words turned into action.

The players and coaches called on the community for donations.

Kelly works as a server at Sally’s On Broadway. The owner will also accept donations for the family.

“That's what this town does it gets them back together and brings them back up,” Sally Deeb said.

And with the help of this extended family, the Kirchmanns won't have to worry about finding a place to stay in the area.

"The basketball family has found a home for them that they will provide for six months,” Deeb said.

"I'm so thankful to live in a town where they do this for us,” Kirchmann said.

And the teenager can focus on things high school students should be doing, like working on a strategy for next season.

"I want to try to make it as far as we can next,” Kirchmann said.

A donation account will also be set up for the family, starting tomorrow, at Exchange State Bank in Springville.