HOUSTON (Jan. 18) - University of Houston head swim coach Ginger Hurley will miss one and possibly both of the Cougars' two meets this weekend after undergoing an emergency appendectomy early Wednesday morning (Jan. 17). The Cougar head coach, now in her fifth season at the helm of the UH swim program, was hospitalized on Tuesday before undergoing the procedure at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Hurley has returned home to recuperate, but is doubtful to be on the deck for the upcoming Cougar meets this Friday and Saturday (Jan. 19-20). Assistant swim coach Jeff Helms will step in for meets at Texas A&M on Friday and at home vs. Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.

"I would like to make these meets but I'll have to play it by ear," Hurley said from her home on Thursday. "Friday is the meet against my alma mater and Saturday is our team's final home meet of the season, so this was going to be a big weekend. I am completely confident in Jeff so that's not a concern. I just want to return to work as soon as possible."

The meet against Texas A&M begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Aggie Swim Center in College Station. The contest against Louisiana-Monroe starts at 12 noon in the UH Natatorium. Saturday's meet is the final home competition for the swim team this season. The Cougar seniors will be recognized before the meet.