The crowd at last night’s varsity basketball games between Perry and Ballard was decked out in pink, and everyone was on their feet for a celebration, during a busy night at Perry High School.

The game heralded the annual Coaches vs. Cancer event at Perry, with several fundraisers going on before and during the game to benefit Relay for Life of Dallas County. In addition to that, there was a special presentation between the boys and girls games that acknowledged the contributions of several Ballard and Perry fans in saving the life of referee Bernie Rangel of Perry. Rangel’s heart stopped during a 7th grade basketball game at Perry Middle School on January 17th. However, thanks to the quick thinking of everyone involved and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), his heart resumed beating prior to the arrival of the paramedics.

Rangel was in attendance for the celebration, and received a standing ovation from the crowd. He then offered his heartfelt thanks to each individual who helped save his life. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks also offered his thanks, saying that the fans who stepped up turned a potential tragedy into a life-saving triumph.