TUCSON, Ariz. — A legendary Tucson coach is fighting a new battle.
Dick Tomey's family confirms the former University of Arizona football coach was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. They say he's undergoing more testing this week at a hospital in Houston.
"We (Coach and his family) greatly appreciate all the people who have reached out to help in so many ways and all the expressions of love and well-wishes being sent our way from so many people," the family said in a statement. "Following Coach Tomey’s example, our family is feeling very grateful and hopeful for a positive outcome."
Tomey is the all-time winning football coach in the school's history. He was the team's head coach from 1987 to 2000.
Arizona Athletics also released a statement on the coach's diagnosis:
“It saddens us to confirm Coach Tomey is undergoing treatment for a cancerous tumor. Coach Tomey is an iconic figure not only in our football family, but also the University of Arizona and Tucson community. Our thoughts are with Coach Tomey, his family and loved ones, and we wish them all the very best during this difficult time.”
