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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 17, 2006 Crater coach Cable slowly improves By DON HUNT Mail Tribune Crater High teacher and coach Rich Cable, who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident last month that left him in a coma, is slowly improving while recovering at Providence Medford Medical center, his wife said Wednesday. Cable, 39, was injured on July 11 on Modoc Road as he was heading toward his home in Sams Valley. He continues to be in intensive car and is being fed intravenously but is slowly being weaned from a ventilator, Nichol Cable-Novasio said. Cable was scheduled to have a portion of his skull replaced Wednesday that was earlier removed to relieve pressure on his brain. "His eyes are open, he's more awake and he's mostly breathing on his own," Cable-Novasio said. "And he responds to me. He knows who I am." Advertisement The Crater coach has yet to speak but seems to respond to verbal commands by nodding or shaking his head, his wife added. Cable-Novasio has stayed by her husband's side almost nonstop since the accident and in recent weeks has massaged his arms and legs. "I work him out several times a day," she said. "I'm encouraged. I think he's doing awesome." Cable's 17-year-old daughter, Tiffany, who lives in Bend, has also been by his side much of the time and has helped Cable-Novasio take care of her three donkeys, two dogs, two goats and one cat. Cable also has a 15-year-old son from a previous marriage. "We don't have a prognosis — they really don't give them with brain injuries," Cable-Novasio said. "It's impossible to plan, but you have to, anyway." Cable-Novasio hopes her husband can be moved to a rehab and trauma center in Seattle for intensive physical therapy but must first show a certain level of cognitive function. "He needs to pass an assessment test from his doctors," she said. Cable has taught computer and accounting classes for the past seven years at Crater High. He was the school's head football coach in 2002 and 2003 and was an assistant in 2000 and 2001. He also has been an assistant coach on the school's state championship wrestling team. Cable had ridden motorcycles throughout the 13 years he's spent with his wife without an accident, she said. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews