Servite Basketball Coach Larry Walker Hospitalized

Larry Walker, Servite High School basketball coach for the past 17 years, was listed in stable condition Friday in the intensive care unit of St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, after being admitted earlier this week.

According to Betty Walker, Larry’s mother, he began passing blood Wednesday and was admitted to St. Jude, where it was discovered Walker was bleeding internally.

“We don’t know what it is,” Betty Walker said. “Four doctors have been running all kinds of tests, but no one knows right now.”

Walker, 43, who decided in March to relinquish his position for one year because of health reasons, had his spleen removed about eight years ago. According to John Walker (no relation), one of two coaches who will replace Walker next season, he has been susceptible to infections and illnesses the past five or six years.

“He had a relapse in his illness,” John Walker said. “What is causing the symptoms, we cannot say at this time. Larry is a very private person, and he wants concentration to be on the (Servite Classic Summer) tournament, nothing else.”

Walker is the chairman of the ninth annual Servite tournament, which began Friday and continues through Sunday at Servite High. Betty Walker shuttled between St. Jude and Servite Friday, keeping tabs on both her son and the tournament.

“Larry is in good spirits,” she said. “He even asked for a tournament shirt.”

Walker guided Servite to five Angelus League titles and 13 Southern Section playoff berths during his 17-year tenure. He had a 295-149 record and was named the league’s coach of the year six times.

Walker is expected to return to the team for the 1988-89 season, and assistants John Walker, former Servite freshman coach, and Tom Hamilton, former sophomore coach, will coach the varsity next season.