Brian Hess, son of former LSU point guard and Pistol Pete teammate, Tommy Hess (’68-’72), began his head coaching career in December of 2005 when he coached his team to victory in the Barbe Basketball Tournament. Exactly one year later, returning to Lake Charles to defend their title, Brian and his team were in a tragic accident which left him in a coma for over four months. The past 3 1/2 years have been a difficult journey for Brian and his family. He was in the hospital for more than 6 months and is now at home continuing his recovery. Through God’s grace, Brian has greatly improved. At the time of our 1st golf tournament, February 19th, 2007, he was unresponsive. The doctors did not give much hope. Today, Brian is completely alert and aware. For the past 3 years, Brian has worked hard to recover through Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Through these local therapies and attending 3 sessions of intense therapy in Monroe at Melanie Massey's PT Clinic, God has allowed Brian to go from using a wheelchair, to a walker, and now this year, Brian is walking with a mobility cane. A task we couldn't have imagined a year ago! It is our prayer and belief that Brian will completely recover from this accident, but we know it will take time.

To read Brian's full story and follow his progress since the accident, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianhess.