June 09, 1999
Texas A&M quarterbacks coach Ray Dorr has been diagnosed with amyothrophic lateral sclerosis, Aggie head coach R.C. Slocum announced on Wednesday.
Dorr recently underwent medical tests in Houston that determined he had ALS, which is commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease."
"Words cannot express my concern and sympathy for Ray," Slocum said. "He is a wonderful person and a great coach. Obviously, his work with our quarterbacks played a key role in our Big 12 Championship last year. We speak often in our program about reacting in a positive way to negative situations and Ray has been a great example for us all. He has a great attitude and plans to continue to coach our quarterbacks while he battles this disease. Normally, this is a personal matter, but I felt it appropriate to make an announcement of Ray's condition so others could lend their support to him and his family during this difficult time."
Prior to coming to Texas A&M in 1997, Dorr coached at Kentucky (1993-96), Southern California (1988-92), Southern Illinois (1984-87), Washington (1975-83), Kent State (1971-74) and Akron (1967-70).
"It's an honor to work for an institution like Texas A&M that cares so much about its people," Dorr said. "I thank Coach R.C. Slocum for allowing me to coach as long as my health permits. Coaching football is something that I love and I am looking forward to this challenge. Because of all the prayers and support I've received over the past months, now I know what it means to be an Aggie."