George Johnson, coach at Ben Lippen, was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon, according to school spokeswoman Christy Lambert.
Lambert said in an e-mail to coaches, \"I have just gotten off the phone with the coach himself. He told me that the doctors came in his room late this afternoon and he told them he was about 10 days past due for conditioning his track team. The doctors told him he was free to go home. They released him! Unbelievable! Coach said it was another miracle of God.\"
Lambert also mentioned the family was driving to home in Columbia Friday morning.
Lambert concluded, \"What an amazing turn of events. Coach sounded very weak but also very grateful for the outpouring of love and support he\'s received. He said he felt very \"kept\" by your prayers. I have printed out all the e-mails I\'ve received and will give to him at home tomorrow (instead of in a hospital room in Charleston!). Again, I am sure any notes of encouragement would be appreciated.\"
Hall of fame coach surgery complete
Hall of fame coach George Johnson\'s melanoma surgery has concluded, according to Ben Lippen spokeswoman Christy Lambert.
\"He is a loved and respected man, there is no doubt about that,\" said Lambert. \"I am relieved and very thankful to report that I have just heard from George\'s wife, Helen. The surgery was a wonderful success, taking only a fraction of the time originally thought. The doctors didn\'t have to go nearly as deep as they anticipated - a fact that perplexed them! Our prayers were heard! Continue to pray for complete healing and recovery.\"
Hall of fame coach undergoing surgery
Ben Lippen hall of fame cross country and track and field coach George Johnson is undergoing melanoma surgery Wednesday morning at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Christy Lambert, the school\'s spokeswoman said in an e-mail to coaches Tuesday afternoon.
\"The surgery is expected to take from 10-12 hours,\" said Lambert. \"It is extensive and extremely serious.\" Lambert mentioned the surgery is scheduled to begin around 10 a.m. \"I am requesting that you remember George and his sweet wife in your thoughts and prayers during the next few days and weeks. Please join the Ben Lippen family in praying for protection of coach\'s life and for complete healing.\"
Johnson coached at Brookland-Cayce from 1959-1989, taking the coaching position at Ben Lippen in 1989. Johnson is a founding member of the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (Source: sctrackworld) and was inducted into the hall of fame on April 17, 2001.
The Falcons\' boys cross country team captured their 11th consecutive state title on October 28, 2006.
\"Coach was just in here (Ben Lippen) before leaving for the hospital,\" said Lambert. \"He is so very upbeat and positive. I can tell he is nervous but he kept saying he is going to be back for track practice soon.\"
Ben Lippen is a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association.
The SCTCCCA winter coaches meeting is this Saturday in Columbia.
Read more about melanoma at webmd.com.
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