Lack of sleep and seizures

Southern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill has returned to full duties, less than a week since being released from a hospital after having another seizure he says may be linked to his recent sleep problems.

In announcing his complete return to the program Tuesday, the 45-year-old Kill said he has had difficulty sleeping since he had a small tumor removed from one of his kidneys in January. His doctors are working with him to alleviate discomfort so he can rest properly.

"I want to assure everyone at the university and the entire Saluki nation that I am doing everything I've been told to do by my doctors," Kill said in a statement. "I feel like I have a lot still in me. If I ever thought I was a hindrance to the program, I promise I'd step away."

Kill was released from a St. Louis hospital Oct. 26, four days after having a seizure after the taping of his weekly television show at WSIL-TV near Carbondale.

The seizure was the latest for Kill, who also sustained one on the sidelines of a game last year and another one in November 2001. In both cases, Kill returned to the sidelines in time for the next game.

While hospitalized briefly after last year's seizure, Kill was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He continued coaching without telling the team, and had a tumor removed from one of his kidneys after the season.

Kill watched Southern Illinois' 27-17 victory Saturday at Missouri State from a stadium suite and did not actively coach the Salukis (6-2, 3-2 Gateway).

On Tuesday, Kill said his health issues are being treated by a local doctor and a St. Louis specialist, who the coach said "told me the seizures are brought on by fatigue and lack of sleep."
"My case is not unusual," Kill said.

Kill said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and fans.

"I have read every card and note," he said. "I wish I could send a personal response to each one, but right now I need to give all of my energy to our players and help them prepare" for Saturday's game at Youngstown State (7-2, 4-1 Gateway).