January 2, 2009
Lucia to Miss Game
CHN Staff Report
Minnesota coach Don Lucia has been battling an undisclosed illness, and will miss the start of the Dodge Holiday Classic at Mariucci Arena, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported.
Lucia has not been attending practice regularly this week. If he does come to the game tonight, he will be in the press box, not behind the bench.
Assistant coaches John Hill and Mike Hastings will handle the coaching duties as the Gophers play Brown tonight.
According to Minnesota sports information director Jim Strick, the illness isn't necessarily serious, but Lucia doesn't know the exact nature of it yet. He is being private until he finds out more, after undergoing recent tests.
The players resumed practice Monday after a two-week break. Lucia's only appearance was on Thursday, for a video session.
