Master’s Hankinson May Undergo Surgery for Intestinal Disorder

The Master’s College basketball Coach Mel Hankinson is suffering from a colon infection and might miss two months of the season.

The condition of Hankinson, 79-56 in four years as the Mustangs’ coach, was diagnosed in October as diverticulitis--an infection of the colon, which is part of the large intestine. Hankinson might undergo surgery next week if the drugs prescribed for him remain ineffective.

Assistant Mike Huff is the interim coach. Hankinson, who is also the school’s athletic director, has not seen the Mustangs (1-1) play or practice this season.

Since they made the diagnosis a month ago, doctors have administered combinations of antibiotics to combat the ailment, but the drugs have been ineffective in controlling the intense pain and fever.

Hankinson said doctors are allowing him one more week of drug therapy before resorting to surgery. The minimum recovery time for such an operation would be three to four weeks.

Hankinson has been bedridden because of the pain.

“It’ll humble you in a hurry,” he said. “Two weeks ago I tried to walk around the block and I really couldn’t do it. I really want to get back.”