Health concerns force Shields out as Vic coachKATHY SHIELDSTORONTO — University of Victoria women’s basketball coach Kathy Shields announced she was stepping down due to ongoing health concerns.Shields, an eight-time CIS coach of the year, has been unable to perform coaching duties since being diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine, a condition that resulted in two spinal fractures and left her on long-term disability from the school. The diagnosis came after' eight months of treatment for breast cancer that resulted in her first leave of absence from the team in 2001.“This is a very sad day for me,1' Shields said. “I care deeply about the UVic program and have enjoyed 25 great coachingyears at this school.“My back condition is such that I simply can not continue to coach at the university level. I know it is the right thing for me to step aside and allow UVic to move forward in appointing a full-time coach.”Shields led the Vikes to 14 Canada West titles and eight national championships, earning her a place in the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame. The former national team player was on the coaching staff for Canada’s fourth-place entry at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. /CPYour Flooring SpecialistCarpal, Vnyi. Cerar^ Tue and Laminate*N/V'l LesBrandon725-3588