Newman’s Mike Papoccia suffers heart attack, awaiting bypass surgery

STERLING – Mike Papoccia, legendary Newman Central Catholic High football coach and the school’s current athletic director, suffered a heart attack Tuesday and is in Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital awaiting triple bypass surgery.

That’s according to a post on CaringBridge.org by his daughter, Lauren Celestino, and tweets from his Newman football family.

“We were in hopes that Dad would have triple bypass surgery upon arriving at Good Samaritan. Because of the weakness of his heart, the doctor postponed the surgery until he is stronger and more stable,” Celestino wrote this evening.

“They did another angiogram and put a stent in to help gain blood flow and strengthen his heart. Things are hour by hour, but the staff at both CGH [Medical Center] and Good Samaritan have been amazing at keeping us up to date as no one is allowed in to be with him.”

He was listed in fair condition Wednesday night.

Papoccia, of Sterling, a 1970 Newman graduate, retired as the Comets’ coach in December 2018 after 39 years at the helm, recording the fourth-most wins in Illinois high school football history.

He remained as AD.

“Father Paul White came to visit us and of course had the wisest words,” Celestino wrote. “We need just 1 yard to get a first down. We don’t need to get the touchdown (surgery) right now. Just keep getting 1st downs.”

On Thursday morning, Papoccia’s son Brett wrote that Papoccia was more alert and responding to doctors’ questions with nods and hand squeezes. Thursday afternoon, Brett wrote the following update on CaringBridge.org:

“We were able to speak with my dad on Zoom today! His eyes were open and he was nodding that he could hear us. It was so great to see him and get the acknowledgement that he knew we were there. … He still has a few hurdles yet to get over, but the doctors are pleased with the direction he is heading.”