Oklahoma Head Coach Jack Spates Recovering From a Mild Heart Attack

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John Fuller (TheMat.com)
12/04/2002


Norman, Okla. - Univ. of Oklahoma head coach Jack Spates suffered a mild heart attack on Monday evening and is currently in an area hospital recovering. He is scheduled to undergo an angioplasty at 11:30 a.m. Central Time this morning.    Sooners assistant wrestling coach Barry Weldon stated that "he was fully aware of what was going on the entire time."    After the heart attack, Spates was taken to the emergency room where it was discovered that one of his arteries was 100 percent blocked. There is also partial blockage in his other arteries.    "Coach Spates is recovering well and is already anxious to get back with his team in the wrestling room," Weldon added.    Spates is expected to return to his coaching duties before the end of the season. More details will be provided as they become available.    During his tenure as Sooner head coach, Spates has developed 16 wrestlers who have earned All-America honors 25 times. four-time All-Americans and national champions John Kading and Michael Lightner. The Sooners placed third in the nation last season after capturing the Big XII team title. He was named the 1999 Big XII Coach of the Year after his team won their first Big XII title since 1985.    Before Oklahoma, Spates served as the head coach at Cornell Univ., where he powered a 74-14-1 dual record in his tenure.    Spates has four children: Jessica, Jeremy, Justin and Jenilyn.    If you wish to send Spates a card or your thoughts and prayers, mail them to:    Oklahoma Wrestling Office  180 West Brooks  Norman, OK   73019