Mike Turpin has had a busy five months. The longtime coach returned to Turlock Christian High School in August to lead the Eagles football program. Going straight from one season to the next, Turpin was preparing to coach the Ceres High varsity girls basketball team when tragedy struck.

Turpin was experiencing headaches and finally had it checked out just before Thanksgiving.

“They admitted him when he went in and they did surgery the next day,” said Ceres High athletic director Shawna Nunes . “He’s doing better. He’s beginning therapy."

Chad Hammond ,Turpin’s assistant, will serve as leader of the Ceres Bulldogs for the remainder of the season. The status for the Eagles offseason program is uncertain. 

Hammond dropped off a poster Ceres High players made for Turpin earlier this week at Memorial Hospital.

“The kids haven’t forgotten him,” Nunes said.