Former Xavier women's basketball coach has cancer
For immediate release . . . August 31, 2006
|
NEW ORLEANS — Janice Joseph Richard, whose .824 winning percentage is the highest
of any coach in the basketball history of Xavier University of Louisiana, has been
diagnosed with breast cancer. Richard (pronounced REE-shard) was granted a medical leave of absence by her current employer, San Jose State University, to focus on imminent chemotherapy. She has been the Spartans' women's basketball coach the past seven seasons. Richard, 42, complied a 159-34 record in six seasons (1992-98) as the head coach of Xavier's women's basketball team. In her final five seasons, the Gold Nuggets swept the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships. She is 93-106 at San Jose State. "I have a big fight ahead of me. I have to focus on this mentally and physically," Richard said. "My doctor told me malignant tumors have been found and that I must begin chemotherapy in September. There is no timetable on the length of time treatments will take place, but I do know I will need surgery. I have to take care of this condition now." San Jose assistant Greg Lockridge will serve as the interim head coach during Richard's medical leave. |
|
