Softball: Lotief misses Texas State trip for medical reason

Kevin Foote, The Advertiser, March 28, 2015

UL softball coach Michael Lotief was not able to make the trip to San Marcos, Texas for the three-game Sun Belt Conference series this weekend against Texas State due to a medical issue.

It is unknown when Lotief will be able to rejoin his No. 8-ranked Ragin’ Cajuns.

UL associate head coach T.J. Hubbard will assume the head coaching role until Lotief is able to return.

The university issued a statement just prior to the start of Saturday’s 1 p.m. doubleheader to address Lotief’s absence.

It read, "Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns softball head coach Michael Lotief did not accompany the team for its three-game series with Texas State as he is attending to a personal medical matter back in Lafayette. We ask that you respect his privacy during this time. The University will provide further updates next week."

Lotief, who began battling cancer officially diagnosed as "carcinoma of the naso-pharynx" in 1983, has been experiencing throat infections over the last four months. He underwent a procedure on Wednesday on his esophagus to try to allow him to swallow routinely, but it was unsuccessful.

The next step for Lotief is to see a specialist.