CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinoi...

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois coach cut short Spoo will miss at least the first four to six weeks of the football season to have surgery for an undisclosed medical vexed question the school's athletic director announced Wednesday.

Spoo 68 is scheduled to have the surgery Tuesday in St Louis. The coach is entering his 20th season at EIU.

"Our speculations and prayers are with coach Spoo and his family at this time," athletic director Rich McDuffie said in making the announcement. "We are confident this will be a prosperous surgery and anticipate Coach to reply to the team as early as he feels ready."

McDuffie, citing privacy, said neither the institute nor Spoo would comment further forward his condition.

Spoo missed brace days of practice last week to have a "minor medical procedure" performed at a St Louis hospital on the contrary returned Friday. He was not anticipateed at practice Wednesday but planned to attend sessions the tranquillity of the week until leaving for the hospital through the weekend, said assistant head coach Mark Hutson who will handle the team in Spoo's absence.

Hutson also declined to discuss the surgery

"Coach's professionalism, his toughness and his attitude have been a big part of this program for many years," Hutson said. "We will have to conclude ranks and move forward."

Eastern Illinois, 9-3 last season, is ranked 14th in The Sport Network's preseason Division I-AA person this fall.

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