Allegheny Student Athlete Turns Life Saver

Jul 17, 2007

TRUMBULL, Conn. - Matt Cellini is used to rescuing the fortunes of his teammates on the gridiron, serving as the starting fullback for the Allegheny College football team; however, the 20-year old junior from Trumbull, Conn. was needed in a rescue of a much more serious matter this past week.

Cellini serves as a summer lifeguard in the city’s Beach Memorial pool club. At about 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, Cellini joined fellow staff members in performing life-saving efforts to revive the life of a drowning girl.

The youngster, whose name was not released by city officials, was submerged under water for about 15 seconds before being pulled out by another lifeguard. Cellini and his colleagues then proceeded to administer CPR for two minutes before the girl regained consciousness.

“It kind of goes along with what I hope to do in the future,” said Cellini, who plans to become a doctor upon graduating from Allegheny.

The girl was then rushed to the hospital and kept overnight for observation, but was considered in fair condition. The life-saving effort came as a blessing to the Connecticut region, which saw five drowning deaths occur over the past several weeks.

As for Cellini, he returns for his third season of Gator football early next month. Last season, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry with one rushing touchdown. All six of his carries resulted in either a first down or a touchdown, while also leading the way for a 1,000 yard rusher and contributing in the passing game and on special teams.

It is more than likely that he will return to fall practice with a renewed outlook on life

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