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A Buckeye Local High School student remains hospitalized after he went into cardiac arrest during basketball practice last Thursday.

Basketball coach Joel Nau said the student was running laps when he collapsed.

"I ran over and saw his condition on the ground. He was lying there and pretty much out of it," Nau said.

Nau told other students to summon the school nurse, Mary K. Mayle, who was in the gym coaching volleyball. Mayle instantly grabbed a defibrillator and rushed to the track.

"After one shock we started CPR again and (in) probably 15 to 20 seconds the student started breathing again and had a very strong heartbeat," Mayle said.

Mayle and Superintendent Mark Miller said they are thankful the school district keeps defibrillators in every building.

"These are fantastic," Miller said. "Without these devices ... instead of celebrating and being happy and joyful for this child we could be preparing for a funeral."

Miller said there were no signs that the student he had a heart condition. He said the student's father said the boy is doing fine and could be back in class by next week.

The school will hold a special ceremony next week to honor the coach and nurse for their heroic efforts.