Simpson Surgery Goes Well

                DENVER - Surgery on Mark Simpson Monday morning was deemed a success by his doctors, as the University of Colorado's head men's golf coach since 1977 has apparently fought a winning battle against lung cancer of which he was diagnosed last fall.

Simpson, 54, underwent three hours of surgery at Presybeterian St. Luke's Hospital and had the lower lobe of his left lung removed, along with some lymph nodes in the region.  He had undergone four rounds of chemotherapy prior to the surgery, with the dose shrinking the cells to virtually nothing.  He was conscious and cognizant of the results early Monday afternoon. 

"We'll get the results of the pathology tests in about three days, and then we'll know for sure, but things look real promising," said Valorie Simpson, Mark's wife.  "His doctor said he gets all A's and his prognosis is good.  There was no indication that the cancer had spread.  I can't say enough about how wonderful our surgeon (Dr. Richard Parker) is."

Simpson will remain hospitalized for four-to-seven days and then get about a week of bed rest at home before returning to coach the Buffaloes in the Big 12 Championships at the end of the month in Houston.  In his 28th season coaching the Buffs, he has presided over 417 events, fifth most in school history.