Heart Attack in Game Fells Miami of Ohio Coach

Miami of Ohio Coach Charlie Coles collapsed Saturday after apparently suffering a heart attack during his team’s Mid-American Conference tournament game against Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Doctors attending the game spent 20 minutes reviving Coles on the floor before he was transported to a hospital. After being listed as serious, Coles’ condition worsened to critical but stable late Saturday night.

Coles, 56, suffered a heart attack previously and had bypass surgery during the 1985-86 season when he coached at Central Michigan.

He collapsed with 11:23 left in the first half. The game resumed about two hours later, with Miami winning, 67-63.

*

Anthony Boone became the first Mississippi basketball player--and only the second athlete in school history--whose jersey number was retired.

The No. 41 jersey was retired at a pregame ceremony honoring Boone and two other Mississippi seniors--Southeastern Conference scoring leader Ansu Sesay and sixth-man Joezon Darby--playing their final home game at Oxford, Miss. The No. 13-ranked Rebels defeated Auburn, 74-67.

Only two other athletic numbers have been retired at Mississippi: the No. 18 football jersey worn by Archie Manning and the No. 41 that Jake Gibbs wore as Rebel baseball coach.

Boone, who has overcome four knee operations during his college career, became teary-eyed when a huge replica jersey was lowered from the rafters. The chant “Booooooone” cascaded from the student section.

Even though his averages of 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 91 games are modest, Boone gained immense respect because of his numerous comebacks from injuries and hard-nosed play.

“I was really shocked, I had no idea,” Boone said of being honored. “I have had my ups and downs, but that is life. God has been good to me and I have too much support to give up.”