Iowa State's Fennelly To Undergo Treatment For Throat Lesion

ISU women's basketball coach Bill Fennelly will undergo treatment for a cancerous lesion on his vocal cords, the team announced Thursday evening.

Fennelly, 54, will undergo radiation treatment for five weeks, starting later this month. The statement said doctors expect a full recovery. The 17-year coach of the Cyclones will continue coaching through the course of his treatment.

"It is important for me to face this health challenge head on and continue to work with my staff and student-athletes," Fennelly said in a statement. "My family and I appreciate the support of our friends and Cyclone Nation."

In 2005, Fennelly underwent throat surgery to remove a similar growth in his throat that caused voice loss. At the time of the procedure, doctors prescribed regular checkups for about five years to watch for the condition's return.

"I've been really lucky," Fennelly told the Daily before the beginning of the 2005 season. "When you hear the c-word, you get scared and I was a little scared, no question.

"The thoughts and prayers of so many people, it was humbling. You know that a lot of people care about you, but you find another level of that. I'm not home 10 minutes from the hospital and [former ISU football coach] Dan McCarney's at my house. Things like that mean a lot to you and your family."

The coach, a Davenport, Iowa, native, made a full recovery and returned to the sidelines without missing any time.

The Fennelly family is no stranger to health scares. Bill's son, Billy, was found to have a congenital heart defect at age 8.

Fennelly has long stressed the importance of family values in coaching his team and has compiled a 354-160 record in 16 years at Iowa State. Prior to his time in Ames, he coached at the University of Toledo for seven years, compiling a 166-53 record with the Rockets.

The Cyclones have been to 12 NCAA tournaments under Fennelly, advancing to two Elite Eight and three Sweet 16 appearances.

Fennelly will have no further comment on the matter, according to the cyclones.com statement.