Casa Grande's Triola suffers heart stoppage

Casa Grande cross country coach Carl Triola remains hospitalized at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart stoppage while running Sunday morning.

Triola, who teaches at Miwok Valley Elementary School in Petaluma, is slated to become Casa Grande's track coach this spring after serving as an assistant for the team. He reportedly collapsed on a Santa Rosa trail in or near Annadel State Park.

Sheryl Roberto, who formerly coached with Triola, said she was told by someone close to him that a cardiac care nurse was the first person to encounter the fallen runner on the trail. The nurse performed CPR and immediately called for an ambulance. Roberto was told that emergency technicians had to defibrillate Triola, but that his heart restarted on the first attempt.

Chris Mason, a former Casa Grande runner, is posting daily updates on the school's cross-country Web site (www.casaxc.com).

On Monday evening, the page read, in part: "Carl was taken out of a drug-induced coma this afternoon. His wife shared with me that he is conscious and recognizes her, and was able to squeeze her hand. A breathing tube had not been removed, so he was unable to speak as of this evening. At this time, we are optimistic about his situation, but his condition is still serious."

Mason said Monday night that doctors had removed Triola's breathing tube and that he was talking with family.

By Monday night, a message board linked to the cross country page had as many as 75 posts in support of Triola.

"Coach Triola, I would like to let you know that my family and I are thinking of you and praying that you may have a speedy recovery," said one message, apparently from Casa runner Dominique Ratto. "You are the most kind-hearted coach I have ever had! Get well soon!"

Triola and his wife, Victoria, live in Santa Rosa.

Triola, 39, is an avid runner and fitness buff. No one interviewed by The Press Democrat on Monday was aware of previous heart problems.

At Casa Grande on Monday, Assistant Principal Dennis Harrington led a meeting of students and administrators. Track and cross country athletes remained at the school Monday evening, where they had access to counselors.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him," athletic director Rick O'Brien said of Triola. "It shocked all of us at Casa."

You can reach Staff Writer Phil Barber 521-5263 or phil.barber@press democrat.com.