Months after their quick actions to resuscitate a player during a cardiac event at practice, Locust Valley High School coaches Elliot Aramayo, Andrew Bock, Brian
Lorusso, Ben Martinez and Andrew Siegel received Lifesaving Awards from the American Red Cross organization.
The coaches leapt into action during a practice on Nov. 17, when senior Francesco Allocca collapsed on the court. They expertly performed CPR and operated the AED located right outside the gymnasium, helping Allocca regain consciousness before being taken away in an ambulance. Allocca has since recovered and returned to school, grateful for every new day because of his coaches’ efforts.
“In athletics, we talk a lot about preparation, teamwork and leadership,” Locust Valley Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “On that day, these coaches showed exactly what those words mean when it mattered most.”
The Lifesaving Award is presented to individuals whose actions reflect the highest standards of courage, professionalism and care for students using skills
taught by the American Red Cross, such as first aid, CPR, using an AED or epinephrine auto-injector. Francesco Allocca and his mother, Pia, thanked these coaches again at the Locust Valley Central School District offices.
“Every decision, every moment, every act of calm under pressure was essential,” Jose Dominguez, the CEO of American Red Cross on Long Island, said. “Their
actions remind us that heroes walk among us everyday and sometimes they wear whistles around their necks.”
