From Nestucca High School Principal Emily Chadwick 6/18/25:
Dear Nestucca Families, Staff & Community,
There are moments in a school’s life that define who we are — moments that rise above the day-to-day and reveal the strength of our character, the heart of our students, and the power of preparation, compassion, and connection.
Recently, during an optional summer workout, our assistant football coach, Frank Elsasser, experienced a sudden medical emergency. What followed was an extraordinary response — a combination of skill, teamwork, and care that ultimately saved his life.
Three of our student-athletes — Teagan Slavens, Zeth Chapin and Brady Hurliman — stepped up to administer CPR. Teagan, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, was able to assist paramedics with specialized knowledge gained through his training. Working alongside Head Football Coach Michael Ward, Volunteer Coach Kenny Hurliman and Assistant Coach Jimmy Kiser, these individuals acted quickly and effectively when it mattered most. Brady located and retrieved the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) — a vital move that helped turn the tide.
Paramedics later shared that the students’ immediate actions — including CPR, AED use and calm coordination — directly saved Coach Elsasser’s life. They also noted that only about 10% of incidents like this result in such a positive outcome.
I want to recognize that everyone on the field that day is a hero. Beyond those rendering direct aid, the other student-athletes — Jameson Dougherty, Eli Love, Owen Love, Abraham Munoz, Kenji Nixon, Tyler Ricks, Ned Samed, and Sargent Samek — demonstrated incredible naturity, composure, and empathy. Their calm presence and willingness to give space were essential to the response. Sometimes being a helper means stepping back, listening and trusting others to do what needs to be done. Our students modeled this beautifully. I could not be more proud of how every young person on that field rose to the moment.
These actions reflect the values we strive to instill in our students and the practical training they receive through our programs. As part of their health classes, students have the opportunity to become certified in CPR and first aid. Tevin Gianella, our Health and Wellness teacher and Athletic Director, is a certified CPR instructor through the American Heart Association and leads this vital instruction. While we hope these skills are never needed, their importance was powerfully demonstrated that day.
We are also grateful to the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District for their rapid and professional response, care and transport.
In our Nestucca community, we often talk about what it means to be part of a true learning environment — how we care of each other, look out for one another, and rise together. What happened on that field was more than a response to a crisis — it was a real-time reflection of the values we hold dear.
We will soon formally recognize those involved and I hope you’ll join us in honoring their example. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Coach Elsasser and his family as he continues his recovery.