Coach Paul Blair Stricken with Cancer
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, September 24. PAUL Blair, head coach of the Little Rock (Ark.) Dolphins, has been stricken with cancer.
He is currently being treated at the St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock where he reportedly is undergoing chemo and radiation treatment.
Blair, who had been complaining of extreme pain in his neck and upper back, collapsed on Monday and was taken to St. Vincent's where an examination revealed a large tumor in his neck. The tumor had cracked two of his vertebrae.
One of the most popular coaches in the U.S., Blair has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA). In 1996, one of his swimmers, John Hargis, made the US Olympic Team. Hargis, now an assistant coach at Penn State University, went on to win Olympic gold, swimming fly in the prelims of the 400 meter medley relay.
Though Coach Blair said yesterday "I'm going to beat this thing," he needs the prayers and support of his many friends from around the world. He can be reached at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Room 4094. The phone number is: 501-660-3000.
— Phillip Whitten