Gunter will continue to
participate in film sessions, practices and game preparation at her own
discretion. The decision to lessen her work load was made after consultation
with her doctor and discussions with LSU athletics director Skip Bertman and
senior women's administrator Judy Southard.
"Sue has an existing lung
problem that has been worsened by acute bronchitis," said her physician, Dr.
James Osterberger. "How she feels varies from day to day, which is typical of
this condition. As she improves, that variance will diminish and her well-being
will become more consistent."
Long-time assistant coach
and former Tiger All-American Dana "Pokey" Chatman will serve as acting head
coach in Gunter's absence.
"Sue Gunter will still be running the women's basketball program at LSU,
but right now the most important thing is for her to gain some continuity in her
health," said Bertman. "The strain of day-to-day full time coaching duties is
not conducive to recovery from a health condition like this. I have every
confidence in Pokey Chatman, Bob
Starkey and Carla Berry to manage the team
under Sue's direction."