Clendenen taking medical leave for surgery

Gordon Lee teacher and head volleyball coach Ed Clendenen began a medical leave of absence from the school on Monday. He will undergo a two-part procedure in early September to remove a brain tumor. Clendenen said on Sunday night that the tumor was discovered nearly 18 months ago. “I put off the surgery as long as I could,” he said. “I wanted to at least get volleyball season started and get my classes going to make things easier on the folks that will be taking over for me while I’m gone, and I wanted to have some time with the kids before I left.” He added that doctors have told him his prognosis for recovery good. “The doctor thinks there is a good chance the tumor is benign,” he continued. “He’s confident it can be fully removed with surgery. I’m still not sure how long I’ll be away because there are still a lot of questions and not a lot of answers about my timetable for recovery. We’ll just have to wait and see how it goes. “But I have a good feeling and a good attitude that everything will be fine. Hopefully in is a couple of months, everything will be back to normal.” Clendenen is in his seventh season as the Lady Trojans’ volleyball coach. Assistant coach Janet O’Neal will take over in the interim. “I’m really blessed to work with her,” Clendenen said. “We’ve been great partners the last few years and we’re on the same page, so I know the team is in the right hands. And we have great kids on the team. I don’t expect them to miss a beat. I think they’ll put forth even more effort.” Clendenen has led the Lady Trojans to three straight area titles, setting school records for wins in a season each time. Last year’s team went 35-5 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three seasons. He also coaches boys’ basketball and boys’ golf at the school. Principal Clay Crowder said students, players, and fellow faculty members all think very highly of the longtime Gordon Lee coach. “He’s been very successful with all of his teams and has taken them all to new levels,” Crowder said. “But he’s just as good of a teacher as he is a coach. He does a tremendous job in the classroom. We’re all praying that everything goes well and that he’ll get back as soon as possible.” Many people were unaware of Clendenen’s medical situation until last Thursday night when the last

he broke the news to team. The news quickly spread throughout the Gordon Lee community, prompting many to send words of encouragement through phone calls, text messages, e-mails, and his