He's one of the most colorful characters in college basketball. And it sure was great to see Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles today at Millett Hall in Oxford. Coles was laughing and relishing his "big chance".
His chance to live.
Ten years ago, Coles suffered a near fatal heart attack during the MAC Tournament Championship. Paramedics revived him on the court. And just last month, he underwent a complicated, 14-hour quadruple bypass surgery at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield.
The health issues forced him to miss the end of the regular season and the conference tournament in Cleveland. But he's back to work, for about 2 1/2 hours a day. Coles even walks the concourse at Millett to get his blood going.
He admits the upcoming season will "probably" be his last in Oxford. But if he's able to get through the season, and finish it out, Coles admits he can walk away just fine with that.
Cards and well-wishes keep pouring into his mailbox at home. From fans, former players, colleagues, and complete strangers. Even the Ohio University Bobcats sent something, a sign that rivalries can take a backseat in circumstances like this. "It means a lot to be cared about," he said, "My wife's in the process of answering all of 'em."
Not one person in his family ever suggested he step down, Coles says. And, from the information he gets, Coles should be able to get back to the quality of life he enjoyed before the most recent heart procedure.
He's so good for college basketball. And an even more enjoyable guy to talk to.
-Zach
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment