Second-year student Zora Williams is using her voice to bring more mental health and nutrition programming to San Diego Mesa College. Williams was elected president of the college’s Associated Students (AS) for the 2024-2025 academic year and serves as the college’s student representative on the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees.
Sometimes, you hear a story that makes you want to know more. Kevin Gonzalez has such a story. The last time this story was updated, San Diego Mesa College student Kevin Gonzalez was a 15 year-old heading off to Massachusetts to complete his high school education. In the ensuing years, he has travelled to the other side of the world, built houses, but remained in close contact with his Mesa College professors and connections he made while on campus.
The San Diego Community College District has appointed four new student trustees for the upcoming academic year. Dalia Ramirez (San Diego City College), Zora Williams (San Diego Mesa College), Hailey Hua (San Diego Miramar College), and Haydee Zuniga (San Diego College of Continuing Education), will be sworn in during the June 20 SDCCD Board of Trustees meeting.
September 22, 2022
San Diego - On Sunday, September 18, 2022, San Diego Mesa College Athletic Trainer and alumnus, Yuki Matsuzawa, along with two students and a coach, helped save the life of a 66 year old athlete, who collapsed on field after his event during the annual Senior Games Track Meet held on campus at Merrill Douglas Stadium.
When the senior runner collapsed, Mesa Student-Athletes - who were closest to the participant - ran over to help first. Student-Athletes Sidney Garcia and Azucena Hernandez immediately called 911, and ran to get Yuki Matsuzawa, the Mesa College Certified Athletic Trainer for the event, for additional medical aid. Upon arrival, Yuki checked for responsiveness and breathing. The man was initially breathing, but disoriented and barely responsive. While trying to get more information and communicate with the man, Yuki noticed that he had stopped breathing and no longer had a pulse.
Yuki immediately applied the AED and began chest compressions for CPR, and ensured that EMS personnel were on their way from the previous 911 call. Yuki continued CPR for one minute until the AED advised for a shock, which Yuki applied after ensuring everyone was clear of the patient. Yuki continued CPR for another minute until the man began breathing again and regained consciousness. Coach Sean Ricketts and others followed Mesa’s Emergency Action Plan and helped guide the paramedics and firefighters through the gates and onto the track. The EMS crew took over from there and the senior was stabilized and recovering at Sharp Hospital later that day.
According to coaching staff, Yuki Matsuzawa's swift actions and emergency medical training as a Certified Athletic Trainer undoubtedly saved this man's life. The senior runner has recovered well and even earned a medal, placing second in the Men’s 65-69 age group.
On Monday, Senior Games Commissioner, Gary MacDonald stated in a note to Trainer Matsuzawa, “You did an outstanding job coordinating the emergency care that he needed Yuki. I’m glad to hear he is ok. One of the EMT’s told me that what you and the others did prior to their getting on-site saved this man’s life! You are indeed a hero and life-saver! I am grateful that you were the Athletic Trainer for this year’s Senior Games. Thank you for everything you did yesterday.”
Yuki, along with the student-athlete volunteers have been commended and recognized by President Ashanti Hands for their quick response and the high-quality medical care provided during the event.
“Yuki, Sidney, Azucena, and Sean are shining examples of the beauty of doing the right thing, at the right time. The instinct and care they displayed speak to their humanity and is proof that as people, our presence matters. They were there with a purpose and their presence saved a life,” stated President Hands. “They represent Mesa’s commitment to excellence and we are so proud and thankful for how they chose to show up, in service of others on that day.”
This situation, and Yuki’s actions speak to the importance of having Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC’s) present at all athletic events. ATC’s are highly qualified healthcare providers trained in emergency preparedness and response, ready and willing to provide care and serve the needs of our students, athletes, staff and community.
Tags: Exercise Science, Athletic Training
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Director of Communications
jnkearns@sdccd.edu
(619) 388-2759
Ryan Shumaker
Dean, School of Exercise Science, Health Education & Athletics
rshumaker@sdccd.edu
San Diego - On Sunday, September 18, 2022, San Diego Mesa College Athletic Trainer, Yuki Matsuzawa, along with two students and a coach, helped save the life of a 66 year old athlete, who collapsed on field after his event during the annual Senior Games Track Meet held on campus at Merrill Douglas Stadium.
San Diego, CA – In Fall of 2022, San Diego Mesa College will offer California's first ever community college-based Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate Program with approval by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). The National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaching exam is the gold standard certification in health and wellness coaching and is offered by the Board of Medical Examiners.
Each year at the STAR (STudent Athlete Recognition) Awards Ceremony, a special award is reserved for a student-athlete who embodies the Olympian experience by demonstrating scholastic and athletic excellence, leadership, community involvement, inspiration, and team spirit. Samantha Schmidt, a sophomore and swimmer at Mesa College, was awarded the 2018 Super Star Award for her dedication to - and passion for - her academics and sports lifestyle.
