Tuesday night’s high school basketball game between Dover and Life Christian Academy was no ordinary matchup. Held at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Hamilton Field House, the event wasn’t just about the score—it was about celebrating the miracle of life, honoring the heroes who made it possible, and raising awareness for life-saving measures like CPR and AEDs.
The two teams had faced each other earlier this month when tragedy struck. Dover sophomore Randy Vitales collapsed on the court, suffering cardiac arrest due to an abnormal heartbeat. In the critical moments that followed, it was a combination of quick thinking, training, and teamwork that saved his life.
Coaches from Dover immediately began CPR while a Logan County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer, William “Mr. Z” Zdrojewski, and Life Christian senior guard Magnus Miller joined in to assist. The coaches applied an AED, which delivered a life-saving shock to restore Randy’s pulse. Moments later, Guthrie EMS arrived, and Randy was transported to OU Children’s Hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator.
Doctors continue to monitor Randy as they work to understand the underlying cause of his cardiac arrest, but his recovery has been nothing short of remarkable—a testament to the power of preparation and community support.
Tuesday’s game was about more than basketball. It was a celebration of those who stepped in to save Randy and a fundraiser to help his family with mounting medical bills. Dover collected donations in lieu of admission, and game officials generously donated their pay to the cause. UCO graciously offered the venue free of charge, creating a space for the community to rally around the Vitales family.
Dr. Bill Worden, the Medical Director for Heartland Medical Direction, underscored the importance of AEDs, holding one as he addressed the crowd. “This is what saved Randy’s life that day,” he said, emphasizing that while AEDs are required in schools by state law, the commitment of communities like Dover and Mulhall to prioritize them makes a critical difference.
Worden presented Challenge Coins displaying the acronym ROSC—Return of Spontaneous Circulation—to honor the individuals who played a role in saving Randy. Those recognized included:
- William Zdrojewski, LCSO deputy and school resource officer
- Guthrie Fire Chief Dane Lausen
- Deputy Chief Blake Braden
- EMT Jake Zserdin
- Paramedic Clayton Davidson
- The Dover coaching staff
- Magnus Miller, Life Christian Academy senior guard
“All these individuals together saved a life,” Worden said, commending their swift action and selflessness.
The night served as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR training and access to AEDs in schools and communities. It also highlighted the incredible strength of a community coming together in the face of adversity.
For Randy Vitales and his family, the outpouring of support was a beacon of hope in a challenging time. For everyone in attendance, it was a lesson in the life-saving potential of preparation, teamwork, and compassion.
As the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t just a game that had been won—it was a celebration of life, resilience, and the extraordinary power of community.
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