The boys basketball game at Greeley West on Tuesday against Poudre was more than just a basketball game. It was the definition of Spartan Pride throughout the staff and students who went to the game and supported not only the team, but assistant principal Ms. Amy Zulauf and her family.  Zulauf’s husband, Kyle, is in his second battle with pancreatic cancer.

It was a heart-warming event for the many staff members in attendance who showed love and support; this support meant a lot to the West community, including the Zulauf family.

Mr. Stephen Paulson and Ms. Kelly Stephens, who were both in attendance for different reasons (Paulson as coach and Stephens as supporter) both found the the camaraderie and support necessary and beneficial to the family. “It means the world to me; I just love Ms. Zulauf and I just think it’s awesome the whole staff and school have been so supportive to her and her family. Also it’s cool that the girls and boys basketball teams are also supporting,” Stephens said.

“I think part of the reason I love being at West is because the staff truly cares a lot about each other and the students support the staff and the staff supports the students and when something isn’t right, everybody supports one another and that’s what makes West a good community and a great place to work .” Paulson said.

Senior Oscar Flores who has a personal connection to Zulauf and chose to read the statement to the family and all in attendance before the game. He was asked what it meant to him to read the statement. “I chose to read the paper because ever since my freshman year I’ve just been close with Mrs. Zulauf and she has always been just a fun and helpful person to be around and she made my four years here at West all the better,” Flores said.

Ms. Kory Zulauf, who is Kyle’s sister,  said, “It meant a lot to our family to have the Spartan family behind us. It’s been very overwhelming but truly touching to us all.”

Donations were also taken for the Zulauf family at the boys game on Tuesday and the girls game on Friday. The boys game raised nearly 700 dollars and the girls will raise more money again tonight.  So turn out to the gym tonight, wearing purple and supporting the Zulauf family.