FULSHEAR, Texas – Inside the Fulshear High School gym on Tuesday morning, Al Burgess was back on campus.
Burgess was not at Fulshear to work a game but instead the longtime basketball official returned to face and process a moment that nearly took his life.
On December 2, during a boys basketball game, Burgess suddenly collapsed on the court. At that point every second mattered. Athletic Director Stephen Hill, Assistant Trainer Jessica Blain and Officer Charles Crocker stepped in without hesitation.
Burgess’ heart had stopped and it was then that instincts and training took over.
“I knew it was serious,” Fulshear AD and Head Football Coach Stephen Hill told KPRC 2. “I told our Assistant Trainer Jessica Blain that we were not going to let him die on our watch.”
Working together, through CPR and a defibrillator, an electric shock was delivered within one minute and 40 seconds. That teamwork saved Burgess’ life.
“I’ll forever be thankful to everyone who stepped in to save my life and allow me to be here today,” Burgess told KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy.
Off the court for now, Tuesday was yet another victory as Fulshear faculty sang to Burgess celebrating his 72nd birthday.