High school in Balgonie, Sask., hosts 'Kruppi Klassic' in honour of paralyzed teacher
'This is the spirit of Greenall. We're all here for Kelly,' says assistant coach
The gym at Greenall High School in Balgonie, Sask., filled with a sea of white shirts on Friday, at a special tribute game for the basketball coach and teacher who was left paralyzed after a fluke accident in January.
Kelly Kruppi, 46, tripped and fell headfirst into a wall during a basketball game, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Then, after a surgery to repair his injuries, Kruppi suffered a stroke. He remains unresponsive.
The school community has been rocked by the news, and decided to rename its junior basketball tournament, taking place this weekend in the town about 30 kilometres east of Regina, the "Kruppi Klassic."
"This is our first attempt as a school to have a tangible way to say, 'Hey, Mr. Kruppi, we're out there for you. We're hoping for the best for you, and we just want you to know that the whole school stands behind you,'" said Greenall principal John Harvey before the game began.
"There is no one who would be more passionate or would be more present to play basketball today than Kelly would be," he said.
Hundreds of students and supporters donned white T-shirts with phrases Kruppi is known for saying for the opening game on Friday. Before play began, players from Greenall's senior and junior basketball teams presented signed jerseys to Kruppi's wife Erryn and their children Hanna and Leyton, who then joined the Greenall players on the bench.
Kruppi has been teaching and coaching students for 22 years at schools around Saskatchewan. Harvey described him as a committed basketball coach who has turned many students into capable athletes.
"The most important thing is that we rally around and we stick together with the Kruppis." said Harvey. "There are so many people who love them and want to support them and we are here to do just about anything we can to do that."
Cory Blair, assistant coach for the school's junior boy's team, said Kruppi strived to bring out the best in his players.
"Just an easygoing guy. Down to earth, super good human being who cares about kids," he said. "He really wants the best effort out of you. Win or lose, work hard."
Blair said he was shocked when he heard the news of Kruppi's injuries, almost to the point of disbelief.
"Your life can change in a moment," he said. "How does this happen to such a good human?"
Like Harvey, Blair is worried about Kruppi's health. He is hopeful that community efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $90,000 as of Friday afternoon, will make a difference.
"Kelly's quality of life going forward is going to be a challenge," he said. "This event is just another piece of that puzzle to try to raise some more money and awareness for the family, and show support."
"When tragedy happens, it's awesome that humans step up. And this is the spirit of Greenall. And we're all here for Kelly."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
