Miami of Ohio Coach ‘Alert’

Miami of Ohio Coach Charlie Coles was alert and able to meet with his staff and some players Sunday, one day after he had an apparent heart attack during a Mid-American Conference tournament game.

Doctors attending the game at Western Michigan spent 20 minutes reviving Coles on the floor before he was transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich. He was listed in critical but stable condition Sunday afternoon.

“He regained consciousness last night. He’s breathing on his own and has a very steady blood pressure,” a school spokesman said Sunday.

Coles, 56, was able to meet with his assistants and the team captains Sunday and also read a newspaper. Doctors were considering whether Coles would need surgery.

Assistant Ray Martin has been named acting coach while Coles recovers.

*

Alvin Brooks was fired as coach at Houston, effective April 3. He will be paid for the remainder of a contract that was scheduled to run through April of 2000.

The Cougars are 9-19, 2-14 in Conference USA, in Brooks’ fifth season as coach. They will play in Wednesday in the conference tournament.

“It is clear that there is a need at this time to engage new leadership to revitalize interest and national competitiveness in our basketball program,” Houston Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk said.