Hendrick survives heart attack

[KB]

Hendrick survives heart attack; hopes to return Monday

Posted July 23, 2008 by Brett McMurphy

On Monday, new University of South Florida defensive line coach John Hendrick hopes his life can return to normal.

And that means he can resume coaching – three weeks after suffering a heart attack.

On the evening of July 1, the 48-year old Hendrick had completed his usual workout of walking and running for about 90 minutes. He had then begun his regiment of pushups and situps when he said he felt something in his chest and neck.

“I knew what was happening,†Hendrick said.

Hendrick told his wife, Katherine, and was able to quickly get to the hospital.

Hendrick, who had passed a full physical 10 days earlier, had two stents inserted into his arteries and was told he had 85 percent blockage.

“I’m blessed there was no permanent damage,†Hendrick said. “It was a blessing that it happened now instead of later when there was maybe 95 percent blockage.

“I’m blessed God smiled on me. I’m able to open my eyes every day.â€Â

A three-year starting defensive lineman at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979-81, Hendrick is beginning his 27th year coaching, including eight seasons as an assistant at Mississippi State.

In 1991-92, Hendrick worked with USF coach Jim Leavitt on the Kansas State staff.

Since his heart attack, Hendrick said he has slowly built up from walking five minutes a day to 35 minutes a day. He hasn’t been cleared to drive yet and has rarely ventured into the Bulls’ football offices.

Hendrick said he’s eager to return.

“I’m excited about our guys,†Hendrick said. “Our inside guys [on the defensive line] are young guys, but we have the ability to have a pretty decent group.

“I look forward to getting back to work. I really like the guys on our staff. I miss dealing with the players. I’m looking forward to coming back.â€Â

Hendrick said he’s received calls from all over the country since his heart attack. He’s eagerly awaiting his visit to the cardiologist Monday. If cleared, Hendrick said he’ll return to work Monday.

“I’m ready to go back to work and do what I love to do – and that’s coaching,†Hendrick said. “I can coach football on the moon.â€Â

[JoeB]

Good news that he got to the hospital that fast.  Hope he's able to come back to full strength by the time camp rolls around.  Alot of yougnsters and transfers coming in on that DL this year.  Need someone to Coach them up.

[TRUTH D. Antagonist]

prayers to him for a full and speedy recovery.

[Bullschmutz]

wow i am surprized news like this can stay hidden for so long

[Matt]

wow i am surprized news like this can stay hidden for so long

it usually depends on how 'public' the people involved want it to be.  now, if it was during the season and one of our coaches were noticable absent for an extended period of time we would know about it.  but due to the timing and lack of daily contact the media has with the program at this point of the season it was kept under wraps longer.

and geez, what is brett doing writing a positive story about USF.  all this guy does is bash our program...  :   

[Rizman]

He has to have high Cholesterol or something that is causing the build up.  Needs fiber in his diet I think.  I pray for him.

[Matt]

its scary when you read about a 48 year old who seems to be in pretty fair shape having something like this happen to him. 

[usfbulls2004]

hopes he makes a full and speedy recovery.