Chance Rescue Unites Rival High School Football Teams

It could have been anyone on the Catalina Island beach that day a few months ago when Gary Skinner suffered a heart attack and fell and hit his head.

But it wasn’t, according to this account shared by Ray Moore, athletic director at Vista Murrieta High School.

As “good fortune” would have it, Moore said off-duty Los Angeles County firefighter Dave Wallander, whose son plays varsity football for Vista Murrieta High School, was the person who came to Skinner’s rescue by giving him CPR.

“This act was credited as saving Mr. Skinner’s life,” Moore said.

The two men were reunited on midfield prior to the kickoff of the Vista Murrieta – Chaparral varsity football game on Friday, Nov. 8, because coincidentally, Skinner’s daughter, Michelle Zides, teaches at Chaparral High School. Further, his son-in-law, Mike Zides, is an assistant principal at Chaparral.

“Chaparral and Vista Murrieta teams of all sports have an intense rivalry and battle in the athletic arena every season of every year,” Moore said. “This story bypasses the issue of rivalries and competition and re-sets life’s priorities as to what is really important.

“The entire Puma and Bronco families are so thankful that Mr. Skinner and Mr. Wallander met on that fateful day a few months ago. It shows that a ‘higher power’ roots for all people!”

Zides wrote this detailed letter as an expression of his gratitude:

My name is Michael Zides and I am the Assistant Principal at Chaparral High School in Temecula, Ca. My wife, Michelle Zides, teaches here at Chaparral High School as well. On many occasions the Chaparral Pumas compete against the Vista Murrieta Broncos in the Southwestern League. This story is not about competition. Michelle and I wanted to take a moment, as Pumas, and thank a very special Vista Murrieta Bronco.

Four months ago Michelle’s father, Gary Skinner, was vacationing with his family on Catalina Island. One early morning, while on the beach, Gary suffered a major heart attack. His heart stopped and Gary fell face down splitting his head open on a rock. Luckily, as fate would have it, an off duty firefighter was on the beach vacationing with his family. Screams for help went out and this firefighter jumped into action and performed CPR on Gary. Once the paramedics finally arrived they credited this firefighter with saving Gary’s life. This firefighter’s name is Dave Wallander. Dave, his wife, and children live in Murrieta. Dave’s son attends Vista Murrieta High School and plays varsity football for the Broncos.

Friday, November 8th, was a very special night. Yes, the Chaparral Pumas played the Vista Murrieta Broncos for the Southwestern League Title. Yes there were over 5000 fans in attendance at Chaparral Stadium. What made November 8th such a special night was that my wife and I, my father in law Gary and his wife Linda, along with Dave and  Wallander and his wife Tami all went out to dinner before the big game. Before the game started I was able to quiet the crowd and tell this incredible story to the entire stadium. Both Gary and Dave walked out to the 50 yard line, shook hands, as both the Puma and Bronco fans rose to their feet in a standing ovation for both men. The colors were presented and the national anthem was played as the two men stood at attention and were honored.

On behalf of me, my wife Michelle, and our entire Chaparral Puma Family we wanted to say “Thank You” to a local hero Mr. Dave Wallander. Thank you for your quick actions, your heroics, and saving Gary’s life. God Bless you. Go Pumas! Go Broncos!