Newman’s Papoccia showing improvement after heart attack

STERLING – Retired Newman Central Catholic High School football coach Mike Papoccia continues to shows signs of progress at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove after suffering a heart attack a week ago today.

Papoccia, Newman’s current athletic director and a hall of fame football coach, was moved out of the Critical Care Unit Sunday. He was able to get out of bed, with assistance, and sit in a chair. He also was able to visit with family via Zoom, and watched the Super Bowl.

On Monday, Papoccia’s wife, Mary, and their daughter, Katie, were able to visit in person – his first in-person visit with family since his admission 6 days earlier.

Papoccia, 69, also worked with a physical therapist and a throat therapist, who is helping him to swallow more efficiently.

It is hoped he will be transferred to a cardiac rehabilitation center toward the end of this week for about a 2-week stay. Papoccia’s heart will be monitored for about 3 months to decide what type of surgery would be best to help his condition.

His AD duties are being handled by his assistant, Paula Passini. Newman extracurricular activities are on pause until Feb. 22 because of COVID-19.

Fans can follow his progress and leave well-wishes at CaringBridge.org, where his family is posting updates.