May 7, 2007

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Marco Zucconi, a student athletic trainer at San Diego State University, has been named the Mountain West Conference Commissioner's Award recipient for 2007.

The Commissioner's Award is bestowed upon an individual who, through dedicated effort and service, has achieved a singularly distinguished accomplishment during the current academic year that has significantly enhanced the Mountain West Conference or a member institution. Zucconi, nominated for his role in the medical assistance efforts of an accident victim, is the second recipient of the Commissioner's Award. Chris Hill, the director of athletics at the University of Utah, was the first recipient in 2004.

On September 29, 2006, Zucconi was with members of the San Diego State cross country team in Salem, Oregon, as they participated in a pre-meet workout prior to competing in the Willamette Cross Country Invitational scheduled for the following day. As the student-athletes and coaches were standing at the starting line, they observed a man in his early 20's speeding down a large paved hill on a skateboard. The young man lost his balance and tumbled uncontrollably down the hill, remaining motionless upon reaching the bottom.

Having witnessed the accident, Zucconi ran to the site of the accident with his medical kit to render aid. As the man started to seize, Zucconi assessed his condition, stabilized his head and instructed onlookers to call 911 for medical assistance. While waiting for help, Zucconi monitored the man's vitals and provided medical updates to the 911 operator. Upon the paramedics' arrival, Zucconi briefed them on the man's status and assisted in putting him on a stretcher and into the ambulance.

A junior from Novato, Calif., Zucconi is majoring in exercise nutrition with an emphasis in athletic training.