Former UK coach Mumme reveals he has cancer

Herald-Leader Staff Report

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Former University of Kentucky football coach Hal Mumme confirmed to the Herald-Leader Monday that recent tests revealed he has prostate cancer.

"Hopefully they caught it in time," Mumme said. "The prognosis is good."

Mumme said he started feeling ill during fall camp of his final season at New Mexico State, where he was fired as head coach in December. Doctors initially ran tests and treated him with antibiotics. Mumme's condition worsened, and he decided to take another course of action after the season.

Mumme's wife, June, was treated for breast cancer at UK's Markey Cancer Center in 1996.

"The Markey Cancer Center took great care of June when she was there," Mumme said. "There's only a limited number of places to get treated. We're really glad to be able to get this done in Kentucky."

Mumme will make a formal announcement on Tuesday about being treated, according to a news release from UK.

Mumme will have Dr. Stephen E. Strup, chief of urological surgery at the Markey Cancer Center, on hand at the news conference to describe his condition and treatment.

Mumme, known for his "Air Raid" offense, was the head coach at Kentucky from 1997-2000, with a record of 20-26. He left the university amid a recruiting scandal that ended with the football program being placed on NCAA probation.

He was fired by New Mexico State after the Aggies lost seven straight games to end the season 3-9. Mumme finished with an 11-38 record at NMSU.