- Myles Copeland played Division III college basketball at Trine University
- Copeland is now a firefighter who also plays basketball for the Toledo Glass City of The Basketball League (TBL)
- During a game, a referee collapsed, and Copeland saved his life thanks to administering CPR
The NBA is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world today. So, it is no wonder their players are heroes to so many people.
Basketball players can inspire someone to work hard, to never give up their dreams, and to build confidence. That’s one of the perks of being a professional athlete, especially in a league like the NBA.
But unfortunately, not every basketball player can make the NBA. Most college basketball players miss out on the pros and go on to lead everyday lives. This doesn’t mean they can’t still be heroes.
In the case of former college basketball player Myles Copeland, he has become a true hero in the life of a referee. This is the story of how, even if you don’t achieve your dreams initially, you can find success in another career, one that teaches you the techniques to save a life…
Myles Copeland: College Baller Turned FireFighter And Hero
Myles Copeland played college basketball at Trine University, a private university in Indiana. Trine University is an NCAA Division III school, and Copeland made the most of his opportunity.
In three years at Trine, Copeland played in 79 games, starting 54, averaging 16.2 points per game on 47.4% shooting. These are not bad numbers, but of course, they weren’t NBA-ready numbers, so Copeland had to move on from that dream.
After college, Copeland became a firefighter in Toledo, Ohio. The job of a firefighter can be stressful and dangerous, yet very rewarding. Whenever you get a call, you put your life on the line to save someone.
The job also teaches valuable skills that can help save someone’s life, even when you aren’t called for a fire. This happened to Copeland and it occurred while Copeland was continuing his first dream, which was playing basketball.
On top of being a firefighter, Copeland continued to play basketball, this time as a member of the Toledo Glass City of The Basketball League (TBL). It was June 2022, and after finishing a 24-hour shift as a firefighter, Copeland drove four hours away to Jamestown, New York, for a playoff basketball game.
Copeland’s Glass City squad was playing the Jamestown Jackals, and they were looking to get the win. Toward the end of the first quarter, as Copeland sat on the bench, his goals for the night would change, from wanting to win the game to wanting to save a life.
John Sculli was a referee in the game, and he suddenly collapsed to the floor toward the end of the first quarter. This was when Copeland took action.
Copeland hopped off the bench and rushed to Sculli’s side. There, Copeland realized Sculli wasn’t breathing, and he had no pulse. Copeland immediately administered CPR.
“It was kind of instinctual. It surprised me how quick I was able to switch into that mode, especially being in a basketball game,” Copeland said. “But with being a firefighter, when you’re off the job, you’re really not off the job. You still got to keep an eye out for the community and what’s going on around you.”
Sculli was rushed to the hospital, and it was discovered that he had a blockage in his heart, which caused him to pass out. He had surgery and survival, thanks to Copeland’s quick response.
“I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for him,” Sculli said of Copeland.
Copeland truly was the MVP, as his story has inspired people from all walks of life, including firefighters and basketball players. Oh, and even though it might not be as important, Copeland’s team, who were trailing in the game when Sculli collapsed, rallied back to win the game.
If that isn’t a fairy tale ending, then I don’t know what is.
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