Kirsten has the floor

Jason Campbell told the audience at the dedication of the Kirsten Campbell Court that he was pretty sure his sister was not with them in spirit Oct. 7, as the Chicago Cubs were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates. "She is in Pittsburgh with a Budweiser at a Cubs game," Jason said.

Jason was just as sure that his sister was present when his daughters were playing volleyball on the court.

Oct. 7 was an emotional roller coaster for the Campbell family – as two dedications were performed to commemorate the life of their oldest daughter and sibling – and for guest speakers to talk about what the community center gym meant to them.

The family sat together, holding hands and Jason and D'Ron Campbell brought a part of Kirsten with them. They shared it with each other during the dedication – wiping their tears on a pink bandanna. The bandanna symbolizes Kirsten, who was always wearing a "do-rag" on her head. The pink bandannas were given to those who attended the reception last year after Kirsten's funeral.

Sarah Burton, a junior at Saratoga Middle/High School (SMHS) was one of the guest speakers in the afternoon. She said it was an important event for the community and the schools.

Sarah said many of the students have benefited from the gym, and when Kirsten attended school, it served as the high school gym.

Kirsten was described by Sarah as a stellar athlete who excelled in basketball, golf, track and volleyball. "She once scored 29 points in a basketball game to contribute to Saratoga's victory against Lyman 52 to 51," Burton said. "It is very fitting that this court be dedicated to Kirsten as she was an amazing athlete that really valued this gym."

Considering Sarah is only 17 years old, it does not take long to realize she never saw Kirsten play high school basketball.

Later, Kathleen Campbell shared with the Saratoga Sun she had loaned Kirsten's scrap book to Sarah, containing her memories and newspaper articles about her sports career in high school.

Seniors Nina Ford and Aaron Kerbs spoke at the evening dedication. Ford explained how the gym was important to her. "It's a well-known fact that is gets cold here," Nina said. She has used the gym and equipment to prepare for a triathlon every year. The first year Nina competed, she was the youngest competitor to finish the triathlon.

Aaron said he was impressed with how $95,000 was raised to replace the gym floor and recognized the community he lives in invests in ideas and people.

"After the countless hours I have spent in this gym – shooting, dribbling, running ... I can personally say that this environment is beneficial to all," Aaron said.

Tonya Bartholomew, who grew up using the gym, and returned to Saratoga after being away for several years said the building belongs to the community.

The gym functions and symbolizes opportunity and togetherness, Tonya said.

"This gym floor symbolizes legacy. From the many baskets Kirsten Campbell shot in this gym to the hoops shot by our current Utah Jazz teams, a legacy of hard work and dedication to community is born and continues to carry on," Tonya said.

"I am humbled to have been served by this gym in my early education years, and now to be one who serves," Tonya said. Tonya added she knows the town will thrive because of the beautiful facility and endless opportunities it has to offer.

She described the local businesses and people in the Platte Valley as hardworking, risk taking and generous people who believe in making this community a better place, leaving a legacy of opportunity.

Jason Campbell spoke last, and thanked the community for their support. "This would not have happened without you," he told the audience.

For the Campbells, there are a lot of memories in the Platte Valley Community Center gym.

Jason said for Kirsten, she would never miss another game, as she would be there in spirit. The first game his girls played in the gym was an emotional day for them. This day was too.

After the dedication, people approached the Campbells with hugs, thanking the family for having Kirsten.

Doug Campbell, Kirsten's father, said without the support of the community, their business would no be here, and they believe in giving back to the community.

That relationship was evident at the number of people who showed up to show their support that Wednesday night.