Yamamoto 'doing great' after heart surgery

By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Mililani High boys soccer coach Jeff Yamamoto, who underwent double bypass heart surgery on April 24, is apparently headed for full recovery — he already has recovered his sense of humor.

"I'm thrilled to be able to read about myself in the sports section of The Advertiser, instead of the spiritual media or the obituaries," he said. "Thank God for dedicated lifeguards, firefighters and modern medical technology."

Yamamoto, 45, whose Mililani teams won the past three state championships, suffered a heart attack while taking his usual lunch-time swim on April 21. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center, stabilized and underwent surgery three days later.

"I was discharged from the hospital on Sunday April 27. I was barely walking Sunday morning and they pushed me out the door that afternoon," Yamamoto said. "I had my doubts about my discharge, but now I realize that was the best thing that could have happened.

"The hospital and the staff were nothing less than outstanding. I have a new appreciation for ICU nurses.

"I look forward to returning to Mililani High School. I'm sure the new perspective I've learned from this experience will help our team."

Yamamoto's Mililani boys teams won the past three state high-school championships, and he was state boys soccer Coach or co-Coach of the Year in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

"I announced to our team after last season that Steve McGehee and I will be co-head coaches," Yamamoto said. "Steve deserves this promotion and recognition. Maybe I had a premonition when I made this decision. Looking back now, I'm really glad I did.

"I am doing great and hope to see everyone soon."

Coaching Openings

• Iolani — head girls volleyball coach. Contact Athletic Director Carl Schroers at 943-2208. Fax resumes to 943-2399 or mail them to Schroers at Iolani School Athletic Department, 563 Kamoku St., Honolulu 96826. Deadline today.

• Maryknoll — boys and girls volleyball coaches for varsity, junior varsity and intermediate teams; varsity softball coach/coordinator. Send resumes to Pattie Heatherly, athletic director, Maryknoll Schools, 1526 Alexander St., Honolulu 96822. Fax 952-7371 or e-mail athletics@maryknollschool.org.

The deadline is Monday.