“They’re the reason I’m here”: Laney parents who saved New Hanover coach’s life throw out first pitch

Jennifer Jones and Jennifer Foster are proud Buccaneer baseball moms. But, they are also nurses. A rivalry did not get in the way of a heroic act that has bonded the three for life.

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – March 27th, 2024 could have been one of the saddest days in New Hanover County Athletics history. But it wasn’t – thanks to two first responders.

New Hanover and Laney were in the middle of the first of two annual baseball matchups when commotion struck – the Wildcat’s first base coach had collapsed in the top of the 5th inning. New Hanover assistant baseball coach Justin Wishon lost his pulse on the field for a few minutes.

“They’re the reason I’m here today,” said Wishon about Jennifer Jones and Jennifer Foster, who performed CPR and other lifesaving measures. “I’m here with my family. I’m here with these high school kids and I’m doing what I enjoy best.”

34 days later, Jones and Foster were honored as heroes, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the rivalry game. The two nurses immediately sprang into action. Both say every second matters when a pulse stops.

“I wasn’t looking at the field at that moment. I just happened to glance down and looked back up and heard everyone screaming,” said Jones. Even though it lasted minutes, she said it felt like hours. “At that moment I hopped up and ran on the field.”

“That’s what I was trained to do. That’s my passion. We were on the field before we even had a chance to realize what was going on.”

“It’s just instincts. Someone needed my help. It’s instinct to go out there and assess the situation and do what’s needed,” said Foster.

“As a nurse we take an oath to help people. If someone needs help, that’s our job.”

According to the American Heart Association, one in ten people whose heart stops survive. Those odds double or triple if CPR is administered immediately, like in this case.

“I wasn’t feeling well at all that day, but certainly wasn’t expecting that,” said Wishon. “We are in continuous correspondence. Again, I wouldn’t be out here if it wasn’t for them.”

Jones and Foster did not know Wishon personally before saving his life. Now, the three communicate regularly.

Laney and New Hanover is a historic local rivalry with little to no love lost between players and fans. A 2022 basketball game had to be played on Facebook after an incident in the crowd sent fans running for the doors. Football games are notoriously chippy. But all school pride went out the window to save a life.

“On the field, we’re rivals,” said Jones. “Laney vs. Hanover – it’s always something. But when it came to that moment, it didn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t matter what background what your affiliation is or what’s going on – if someone needs help, that’s our job.”

There are many ways in the Cape Fear area to become CPR certified. Here is a page to classes around Wilmington.  “I’ve had to perform the Heimlich on my daughter,” said Foster. “It’s very important to get certified. You never know when it will be needed.”

Wishon would also like to thank the Laney baseball program, including head coach Justin Bradley.