by Harry Hall

This is a continuation of the feature on Flower Mound Marcus coach Steve Teleneux in the April 2003 issue of Inside Texas Running. For the complete story on Teleneus, pick up a copy of that issue of ITR.

Flower Mound Marcus Cross-country coach Steve Teleneus' heart attack at age 43 was a surprise because, while his cholesterol was borderline high, he was a regular exerciser, didn't smoke, and had no history of heart disease in his family-or so he thought.

After the attack, which occurred at a high school cross-country meet last October 26, he found out differently.

"My maternal grandfather died of a heart attack at age 46," says Telaneus, "but the family attributed it to his being a diabetic, overweight, and an excessive drinker."

However, he since found out that his mother had two sisters who died from heart disease at ages 49 and 50.

Since then, he has begun eating better, watching his cholesterol, and making visits to his doctor for regular max treadmill tests.

He is making tremendous progress in his recovery. And he is aware that he is one of few who survives such an ordeal.

"Only two percent of those who suffer a heart attack at my age and with my family history survives," he says.