ATCHISON, Kan. - It's hard to imagine Benedictine College football without Larry Wilcox, its coach for more than three decades and the man in whose honor the Ravens' football stadium is named.

But the Ravens today start their season without Mr. Wilcox, who underwent open-heart surgery on Thursday and is recovering at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

"We're all concerned and praying for him," said Stephen Minnis, Benedictine president. "You take a guy like that, so dedicated to the college, it's a huge void for us.

"He basically came here in 1968 and never left. He's worn a lot of hats."

Mr. Wilcox's impact reaches far beyond the football field. In his tenure with the Ravens, he's also been a physical education teacher, dorm director, athletic director, and head coach for baseball, golf and softball. Once, Mr. Wilcox - a Benedictine graduate himself - even donated his full salary back to the college for an entire year as an act of charity.

"He's meant so much," said Charlie Gartenmayer, the Ravens' defensive coordinator and a longtime friend of Mr. Wilcox. "It's very difficult to put into words what he has contributed to Benedictine College and the students who have attended this school and the community at large."

The college didn't release details about Mr. Wilcox's condition or what necessitated the surgery.

But Mr. Wilcox was expected to be moved out of intensive care and into a regular room on Friday, Mr. Gartenmayer said. He's recovering in good condition, and should be released by the end of next week, Mr. Gartenmayer said.

The typical recovery time is six to eight weeks,

Those closest to Mr. Wilcox expect him back on the Benedictine campus as soon as possible.

"He'll be back. I don't doubt that in the least," Mr. Gartenmayer said. "What I'm more concerned about is that he'll be back before he should. That's just the type of man he is."

In the meantime, Mr. Gartenmayer will serve as interim head coach. Quarterback coach Fran Johnson will take over the offensive coordinator duties until Mr. Wilcox returns.

And the Ravens' football team will open its season - at 6 tonight against William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. - understanding a little better than usual, as Mr. Wilcox often teaches, that there are far more important priorities in life than sports.

Sports Editor Scott Pummell can be

reached at scottp@npgco.com