Black River Students, Coaches Honored by Ashland County Sheriff for Saving Teammate’s Life
ASHLAND – A group of Black River High School football players and their coaches were recognized Thursday evening by Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider for their lifesaving actions during a summer team gathering.
Sheriff Schneider, of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, presented awards to students Zane Bungard, Chase Gallagher, and Trenton Delesky, along with coaches Andrew Brodwolf, Michael Hazlett, Aaron Munyan, and Kyle Clark, during a ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office Annex.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nowlin, the first responder on the scene that day, recounted the incident. The Black River football team had gathered at a coach’s residence for food, swimming, and fellowship when one of the young athletes began struggling in the water.
“The Black River High School football player swam out too far, got out of breath, and couldn’t keep himself afloat anymore. He yelled for help,” Deputy Nowlin said.
Bungard, Gallagher, and Delesky reacted instantly, swimming to their teammate’s side and pulling him from the water. Once on shore, they quickly realized he was not breathing. The boys immediately began performing CPR until the coaches took over, continuing resuscitation efforts until emergency responders arrived.
“Their quick actions saved his life,” Nowlin emphasized. “If they hadn’t acted when they did, we’d be talking about a very different outcome today.”
Sheriff Schneider praised the courage, teamwork, and fast thinking of both the students and coaches, noting that in his more than three decades in public safety, it was rare to see such a successful rescue.
“In 35 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen someone in that condition walk out of the hospital,” Schneider said. “But everything clicked that night—the right people, the right training, and the willingness to step in and help. That’s what saved a life.”
He added that the actions of the students and coaches reflected the strong sense of community and responsibility that makes Ashland County proud.
Following the incident, the experience inspired broader action. Coaches arranged for full CPR training for the team, resulting in 19 players earning certification in July with help from University Hospitals.
The students and coaches received certificates of recognition from the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association for going “above and beyond the normal course of action” to preserve a life.
“Your actions send a message to others in our community,” Schneider told them. “You showed that ordinary people can step up in extraordinary circumstances—and save lives.”
