Iron-willed Pat Summitt faces the scariest diagnosis there is
Pat Summitt after winning the 2005 SEC tournament. (AP photo)
Cancer would be one thing. People of all ages get cancer, and famous coaches are people, too. Jim Calhoun has had it. George Karl has had it. Jim Valvano and Vince Lombardi died from it.
Cancer is bad, but with most cancers you figure you stand a fighting chance. Pat Summitt doesn’t have cancer. She has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and in her two-minute videotaped statement to Vol Nation she was brave enough to mention the scariest word there is.
That word: Alzheimer’s.
Pat Summitt is 59. She’s among the half-dozen greatest coaches in the history of college basketball. Auriemma, Knight, Krzyzewski, Smith, Summitt and Wooden — there, in alphabetical order, is your list.
She has been the best thing about Tennessee sports for nearly four decades. I met her in 1977, back when she was Pat Head. Already in her third season as the Lady Vols’ coach, she was coming off a silver medal as a player for the U.S. women’s Olympic team, and even a raging dunce like yours truly could tell she was driven in a way only the best and brightest are.
Women’s college basketball was an afterthought then. The NCAA didn’t crown its first women’s champ until 1982 — anyone recall the old AIAW tournaments? — but from the first, Summitt and her Lady Vols comported themselves as if they were the UCLA of Wooden and Alcindor and Walton. Her teams played the hardest, were possessed of the best fundamentals and took the games the most seriously, and so what if she had to wash the uniforms herself afterward?
She has won eight NCAA titles and 16 SEC championships. Her teams have reached the Final Four 18 times. Over the years people have often wondered if the great women’s coach would have succeeded coaching men, and the answer has always been easy: She’d have won coaching fire ants. She’s that good at what she does.
But now she has early onset dementia. She plans to keep coaching, to try medication and “mental exercises” — doing puzzles before going to bed, that sort of thing. But the reason Alzheimer’s is the most terrifying of all diagnoses is because there’s no cure. You get worse and worse until you forget who those people around you are. You forget who you are.
Dean Smith, whose name appeared before Summitt’s in our above alphabetical Valhalla, is suffering from “a progressive neurocognitive disorder that affects his memory,” according to his family. But Smith is 80, and he last coached in 1997. Pat Summitt told Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post she’d like to keep coaching for three more seasons; at the same time, Summitt conceded there was a time last season when she couldn’t remember what play to call.
In her taped statement, Summitt said she’ll ask her three assistants to do more, but what she faces isn’t just a question of delegating. So long as she coaches now, she’ll be viewed in a way no coach has ever been. For decades we’ve watched her patrol the sideline and clap her hands and loose the Summitt Stare, but now, as cruel as it sounds, we won’t be thinking, “There’s the coach who has won more college games than anyone of any gender.” We’ll be wondering if she’s OK.
Then again … this is Pat Summitt. In September 1990 she’d flown, while nine months’ pregnant, to Pennsylvania to visit a prospect named Michelle Marciniak. Summitt went into labor, and en route home the pilot offered to land the private plane in Richmond.
The Lady Cavaliers of Dawn Staley were then Tennessee’s bitter rival. “I am not,” Summitt famously said, “having this baby in Virginia.”
Tyler Summitt, now a walk-on for Tennessee’s men’s team, was born in Knoxville. Six months later, the Lady Vols beat Virginia in overtime for the NCAA title.
Pat Summitt’s will can bend steel, but this is Alzheimer’s she’s facing. Proud as she is, I don’t believe she’d protest if we say a prayer.
By Mark Bradley
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186 comments Add your comment
flatrock
August 24th, 2011
12:57 am
Very nice piece, Mr. Bradley. God bless Pat and Tyler. Tell dementia to bring lunch- Pat won’t quit without one helluva fight…
PatFan
August 24th, 2011
1:24 am
Pat Summitt is one of the sharpest, classiest, most impressive people I have ever met. She treats everyone she meets with the utmost respect. She not only is one of the greatest coaches ever in any sport, she wins the right way and represents her university and her players well at all times. Best of luck to her.
Sue Henson
August 24th, 2011
1:34 am
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Who's Your Daddy
August 24th, 2011
1:58 am
Mark that’s an article your Daddy would have been proud of!
Ginger
August 24th, 2011
2:49 am
Very grave diagnosis. Prayer is very needed. Dementia is a global term and Alzh. is more disease specific. Parkinson’s can have a memory loss component as well. Nevertheless–any of these neurological diseases that can affect memory among other things are just terrible. Prayer is needed. One of the smartest things Coach Summit can do is form a prayer group that she gives regular email updates to for specific prayers and when she is unable to update the group on prayers needs–have a family member do this. There are meds that help some–but as the disease progresses the meds don’t help as much. I have seen cases 1st hand where the patient improved because of specific need based prayers–not cured mind you, but prayers answered in a way by God that improved daily living for the patient and all of those around the patient. She should include as many people as possible in this prayer group….Maybe she should do a blog or web page…The sports world is wonderful with lots of good folks that can send up prayers…It will be a rough road for her.
-Ville Ranger
August 24th, 2011
3:14 am
My dad fought in WWII, raised 8 children and was tough as nails. He had Alzheimers the last 8 or so years of his life. There is NOTHING to compare to watching a proud independent person you love lose their dignity and waste away in fear and confusion…it’s heart breaking.
Summitt’s diagnosis: Onset of dementia | Philadelphia Inquirer | 2011-08-24 – Philadelphia Inquirer | What's New US
August 24th, 2011
5:01 am
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Eveeryday Joe
August 24th, 2011
5:10 am
One of the strong person of character, anyone can admire. Prayers and thoughts are with you, Coach.
how2fish
August 24th, 2011
7:03 am
I’d like to wish the best to Coach Summit and her family, our prayers will be with them and the Volunteer Nation . God’s speed Coach.
Zacky from Tennessee
August 24th, 2011
7:05 am
As a person blessed by going to church with Pat Summitt and knowing her from a distance, I fully agree with the statements of her being an amazing, classy and inspiring person. She fully appreciates all of our prayers.
God bless you Pat, you have done, and will do, marvelous things with your life.
Marvin Mangrum
August 24th, 2011
7:15 am
The story did not bother me until I read your story. Man I am so sick of you, sorry, so sorry, it is difficult typing with tears in my eyes.
Herschel Talker
August 24th, 2011
7:19 am
It’s sad to see anyone come down with this. The Bulldog Nation wishes her and her family the best.
Andrew
August 24th, 2011
7:39 am
Mark,
I’ve enjoyed your writing since you were in my hometown at the Lexington Herald-Leader. Very sad news about Pat Summitt… we will say prayer indeed. I’ve got to take exception, however, to your list of the ‘half-dozen’ greatest coaches. No way you can have this list without Adoph Rupp. My money says bump Coach Knight, replace with “The Baron” and then I think you’ve got it right. No question that Ms. Summitt belongs on that list, perhaps at the very top next to Coach Wooden. Great lady.
Too Easy
August 24th, 2011
7:49 am
Tough luck; took my mother. And, KY homer guy: Where’s Rupp?
Dave
August 24th, 2011
7:53 am
My grandfather had the disease your title of the article says it all.
Buzz 2011
August 24th, 2011
7:59 am
The GT nation will pray for Pat………….
AU Tiger
August 24th, 2011
8:22 am
Very well done, Mark.
Pat at the Summit
August 24th, 2011
8:31 am
Coach Pat has reached the Summit dozens of times but this will be her most difficult climb according to medical experts. Let us all pray for a cure within the next 2-3 years. My mother has it and my mother in law died from it. Please support the Alzheimers Association.
Rickster
August 24th, 2011
8:38 am
Mark – This is a column that would make Furman Bisher proud.
SalChristy
August 24th, 2011
8:49 am
Dear Coach Summitt,
As a GSU alum, just want to let you know that I have admired you for so many years for your ability to be at your task, season in and season out. You are an inspiration to all of us, including those not from the world of sport. It is heartening to see Atlantans & Georgians shower you with praise, gratitude & best wishes. It invigorates me to see hope & faith in fellow Georgians, something we need a lot of in these tough times.
I also want to thank Mr. Bradley for an incredible job in updating us on Ms. Summitt’s condition & also, your column on Ernie Johnson, Sr. It feels good to know that our town has a writer who can give the best blokes in our nation, a run for their money. Kudos to you, sir. Your column on Coach Summitt has inspired me to learn more on this affliction & take stock of my health & my life.
HernDawg
August 24th, 2011
8:50 am
Mark,
With all due respect, Alzheimer’s is awful but ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease is hideous too. In that case the mind stays but the body goes. It usually ends in paralysis and death by suffocation and teh patient is totally aware but can do nothing about it. So, to me, ALS would be the scariest. Just one guys opinion.
Bless Coach Summitt and her caregivers, it will be a long, tough journey.
Dawg Trainer
August 24th, 2011
8:54 am
Excellent read. My dad has dementia. There’s good days, and then there’s the bad days. No matter. EVERY day he’s still here is a bonus day for me. Seems like 2011 has been a rough year for us Vols, and now comes the cruelest blow of all. But if anyone can show us how to shoulder the yoke and carry on…it’s Pat.
bornlive&dieallvol
August 24th, 2011
9:00 am
The rock of Tennessee Athletics. Pat Summit is Tennessee.
No import.
She is the modern General Neyland.
No,nevermind
she is TENNESSEE.
God wiil keep U strong coach.
Gator Mike
August 24th, 2011
9:04 am
Mark, very good article. This is truely sad. I have always admired Coach Summit who is all class. Watching her and her Lady Vols is always entertaining. She has done more for women’s sport than anyone.
She is in our prayers.
phil
August 24th, 2011
9:06 am
A sad, sad thing to hear for this Dawg fan too. I’ve always respected this lady for what she’s been able to accomplish, even at our expense year after year after year.
There is nothing that can be done, in spite of what you hear about this and that. Early onset can often be rapid as well, but with any luck, perhaps hers won’t be. Regardless, if she gets through one more season, or even two, her coaching career won’t be much longer. It is what it is.
I’m sorry for her most of all and her family…
Call it like it is
August 24th, 2011
9:16 am
Wow words escape me. In a world where we read about players doing this and doing that, bringing shame to their school, you never saw that with Pat or her players. She “is” one of the greatest coaches the game will every see or know. I was really hoping she would become AD of Tennesse. Man this just sux. Fight on lovely lady, fight on.
bucket
August 24th, 2011
9:23 am
Great article about a great lady and coach. Our prayers are with Coach Summitt.
DawginLex
August 24th, 2011
9:24 am
She is way too young to be hit with this.
There is a lot of work going on toward a cure and even a pill to take to prevent it.
My prayers go out to her.
A Brave in Minnesota
August 24th, 2011
9:31 am
Reading stuff like this just sickens my heart…….very sad news to hear!!
I am a Georgia Bulldawg fan, but as a true fan of sports, this is news you don’t ever wanna hear about such a wonderful coach and one of the best there ever was.
To Coach Summitt, her family and all of the friends and fans of the University of Tennessee……my thoughts and prayers go out to you all!
Larry Munson
August 24th, 2011
9:36 am
She has pimentos?
I don’t get it.
Lou Gerhig
August 24th, 2011
9:46 am
I died of Lou Gerhig’s disease……Imagine those odds.
Joey
August 24th, 2011
9:47 am
Good stuff, Mark.
Also congrats on your reverse jinx on Heyward. Perfect timing! 3 for 4 with a grand slam!
UK Hoops Fan
August 24th, 2011
10:09 am
Growing up in Kentucky it is hard to not always bleed blue. However, I grew up a Pat Summitt fan and have always admired what she has done, and continues to do, for women’s basketball. It is with pride that I, and many other fans, give her a standing ovation every year when she walks on that court in Lexington. She is a living legend..in a class all by her self. Fight hard, Coach Summitt, the prayers of many in the Bluegrass State will be with you. Excellent article, Mark…proud to say I am from your hometown!
bob
August 24th, 2011
10:30 am
Well done Mark! I was fortunate enough to see Coach Summitt’s work up close while working in the media in the early 80s. This woman is Bobby Knight in a dress. She is a tremendous coach, a tremendous leader, and a tremendously strong willed woman. We can only hope that medical science can offer her some relief for this terrible disease.
MountainDawg
August 24th, 2011
10:42 am
May God bless Coach Summitt & her family during this tough time. She’s one of the best basketball coaches of all time.
Get over Coach K being called great.
August 24th, 2011
10:42 am
Hey DA,
Yeah 11 appearances and how many teams has he had ranked in the top 5 that did not make the final four. It’s percentages you idiot. He is not a great coach.
joe
August 24th, 2011
10:47 am
Godspeed Coach Summitt, if anyone can handle this, it’s you.
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 24th, 2011
10:48 am
Stop with the prayers and the blessing form god to her and her family. If this god you all worship were so good, would he/she allow this to happen?
You really want to help? Put science back in public schools. Get kids interested in it so one day, they might be able to find a cure for this.
Religion never cured a disease……Science has.
Get over Coach K being called great.
August 24th, 2011
10:53 am
Didn’t she have a large impact in IX passage. Isn’t that where the revenue producing sports (what people are most interested in seeing, that is men stuff) having to share it with the lower revenue producing sports, women stuff).
Now I like women’s gymastics and volleyball because I am a man, not because they could hold a candle to the man’s game. Here is the problem. Watching women is like watching Andy Roddick, a proven 2nd tier player that has consistently flopped when playing higher ranked opponents. Hey Pistol Pete your prognostication was way off.
Large Orange
August 24th, 2011
10:53 am
Mark….thanks for a nice article on Pat. She is a great coach and a wonderful person. I know she will fight this “thing” with her last ounce of energy. If anyone can beat it…. its her.
dean
August 24th, 2011
10:57 am
At the nursing home a man visited his Alzheimer’s-afflicted wife every day. She did not know who he was. The man was asked, “Why do you visit her every day? She doesn’t remember you.” The man replied, “But I remember her.
I hope someone remembers Coach Summit.
Prayers from a Dawg.
God is Good
August 24th, 2011
10:59 am
@ The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
You must be one lonely empty individual. Obviously your parents did not love you enough to take you to church and give you a solid moral religious foundation. By the way, “bedpan” sure sums you up.
Hmmmmm
August 24th, 2011
11:01 am
The article negelted to mention that Coach Summitt also has RA, a debilitating disease in it’s own right. Read the WAPO article by Sally Jenkins. It will make you cry.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/pat-summitt-tennessee-womens-basketball-coach-diagnosed-with-alzheimers-disease/2011/08/23/gIQADEuDZJ_story.html?hpid=z3
Larry Munson
August 24th, 2011
11:05 am
I announced the UGA games for 20 years with advanced Alzheimer’s and did just fine. Did I mention that I announced the UGA games for 20 years with advanced Alzheimer’s?
Get over Coach K being called great.
August 24th, 2011
11:07 am
Hey God is good.
Ask the Bahamas about god after Irene (a lowly Cat 3) storm passes over. Ask Mexicans who got hit by Hurricane Mitch about God. Will take parts of country 50 years to recover. Yep, a loving god.
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 24th, 2011
11:10 am
@ God is Good….
Typical christian hypocrisy. Passing judgement on someone you don’t know.
We didn’t need church to learn morals and love. It is in the human soul. We only needed church to pass judgement cast hate on those we did not understand.
LaTavius J.
August 24th, 2011
11:15 am
@ The Human Bedpan.
So if you or a family member is in a terrible accident, and barely clinging to life with no hope, will you just tell the Dr’s. to pull the plug? Say hello to Lucifer for me. Sounds like someone pulled your plug many years ago.
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 24th, 2011
11:16 am
What is your point?
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 24th, 2011
11:18 am
Besides another christian passing judgement?
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 24th, 2011
11:19 am
It appears my remarks are being censored?