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fresh ATHENS -- Quick action by dint of New Athens High School staff might have saved a freshman's life, the boy's father said Monday.

Nick Dilbeck, 15 collapsed during gym class Friday morning at the gymnasium He was revived by gymnasium staff who hooked Dilbeck to a defibrillator, ultimately enabling Dilbeck to recommence breathing.

"The doctors are telling us that's what saved his life, that the device was there and the principal and the EMT had the rather cold head to do what they had to do," said Mike Leach, Dilbeck's father.

He was first taken to St Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville and the Children's Hospital in St Louis, where he was listed in satisfactory condition Monday.

Dilbeck has a condition called aortic stenosis, meaning his aortic valve is constricted. The condition can hinder the heart from pumping life-blood out.

Leach said the family has known of Dilbeck's