Arizona reports a thumbs up on Andy Lopez’s heart surgery. Photo by Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The triple bypass heart surgery for Arizona Wildcats baseball coach Andy Lopez “went well” Monday, according to a release from the athletic department.
“We are all thrilled to hear that Andy’s surgery went well,” athletic director Greg Byrne said in the release.
“He is receiving great care from the medical team, and we all wish him a complete and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to him and his family as he begins the recovery process.”
Lopez, 59, was hospitalized late last week. He was being held in intensive care following surgery.
He is expected to return to coaching and will be entering his 13th season at Arizona with a record of 437-267-1 with the Wildcats, highlighted by winning the 2012 College World Series.
Arizona started fall practice Monday and has media availability planned for Tuesday.
The athletic department notes that his family is appreciative of the support received in recent days, but respectfully asks for no visitors at the hospital.
Here is some reaction on Twitter …
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Former Arizona pitcher:
So happy that @CoachAndyLopez surgery went well and hoping for a speedy recovery #bestcoach
— Kurt Wolfgang Heyer (@KurtHeyer) October 7, 2013
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Forget the rivalry for a moment and please keep @ArizonaBaseball @CoachAndyLopez in your thoughts as he goes into heart surgery Monday
— ASU_Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) October 5, 2013
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Former Arizona media relations director:
If anyone has the inner strength, outlook and combative focus for bypass surgery, it's Coach Andy Lopez. He's in good hands.
— Tom Duddleston (@TomDudd) October 5, 2013
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The “Voice of the Wildcats:”
Wearing my CWS shirt today in support of coach Lopez. Praying for a speedy recovery. #AZVoice pic.twitter.com/8cmMb41yzW
— Brian Jeffries (@catspbp) October 7, 2013
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Current UA pitcher:
Prayers go out to Coach Lopez today #faithfirefocus
— Mathew Troupe (@MathewTroupe) October 7, 2013