George Washington University Athletics
GW's McKeown To Undergo Knee Surgery Monday
12/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 17, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington head women's basketball coach Joe McKeown will undergo surgery at the GW University Hospital on Monday to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.
McKeown, 50, was participating in a drill at Thursday's practice when he suffered the injury. "I went in for a Jordan-like lay-up and felt a pop," said McKeown, who is in his 18th season at GW and 21st overall.
However, McKeown was back patrolling the sideline against Auburn on Saturday via the use of a crutch. "I figured I couldn't keep up with the game, officials, timeouts, and stuff [if I sat down], and I didn't want to mess up. It's swollen like a grapefruit anyway -- it can't get any worse." While hampered by the injury, McKeown still roamed the bench with the same vigor he has exhibited for the past 17 seasons and led the Colonials to a 62-51 victory over the Tigers, his 395th win in Foggy Bottom and 463rd overall.
The operation is scheduled take place at the renowned GW Hospital on Monday, where United States Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) underwent brain surgery on Thursday and former President Ronald Reagan and Vice President Dick Cheney have received care.
McKeown will be fitted with a full-length cast following the surgery and will be slowed for six- to eight-weeks. However, he does plan to make the trip to San Diego, CA, later this month (Dec. 28-30) for GW's next two games at the Surf 'N Slam Hoop Classic.
