Former Missouri State, Saint Louis University coach Charlie Spoonhour awaiting lung transplant

Spoonhour awaiting lung transplant

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Charlie Spoonhour, the popular basketball coach known for his homespun humor and success on the court, is on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

Spoonhour’s son, Jay Spoonhour, told the Springfield News-Leader on Tuesday that his 71-year-old father began coughing and feeling ill about a month ago. Doctors at Duke Medical Center diagnosed him with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which requires a transplant.

Spoonhour will remain in Durham, N.C., until a match is found and the transplant is completed.

Spoonhour had a 197-81 record in nine seasons at Missouri State, a 122-90 record in seven seasons at Saint Louis University, and a 54-31 record in three seasons at UNLV.