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USF Assistant Cleared To Return

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 19, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida DL coach John Hendrick, who suffered a heart attack July 1, returned to practice Monday after being cleared by his doctors Saturday.

"Ah man, you don't really realize how much you miss something until it's not there," Hendrick said after Monday's second practice was cut short by rain. "I think the biggest thing was being back around the players, being back in the atmosphere.

"I was going a little stir crazy sitting at home and not doing much. I'm happy to be back with the guys and really looking forward from this point on to see how good we can get everything worked out."

Hendrick, 48, underwent three stress tests and was initially diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. However, Hendrick said doctors believed he had a "conduction problem, the electrical system of your heart." Instead, Hendrick had a "pacemaker problem," allowing him to return with medication.

"It's a big help, but he's got to go slow," USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "We're glad to have him back. We've got another set of eyes there watching and DE coach Kevin Patrick doesn't have to watch as many people."

STILL WAITING: Junior college CB Theo Wilson still has not been ruled academically eligible, USF coach Jim Leavitt said.

ODDS AND ENDS: Freshman DL Cory Grissom (high ankle sprain) will be "out a while," Leavitt said. Freshman OL Jeremiah Warren (high ankle sprain) also remains out. ... Ks Delbert Alvarado (groin) and Maikon Bonani (groin) have not been kicking during practice to rest their injuries. ... Despite Tropical Storm Fay, USF will practice as scheduled this morning. ... Playboy magazine listed DE George Selvie as an All-American, but inadvertently left USF out of its Top 50 rankings. USF was supposed to be No. 28, Playboy sports editor Gary Cole said.

Brett McMurphy

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