Indiana University football coach Terry "Hep" Hoeppner lost his bout to a brain tumor and passed away this morning in Bloomington, he was 59.
In just two years, Hoeppner had been instrumental in bringing respect back to the Indiana football team. Although his record was 9-14, the proper steps were being taken to steer the ship in the right direction and make the Hoosiers an athletic program who could tout football and basketball as successful programs. While putting his personnel pieces in place, Hoeppner worked on building a schedule that would get him exposure in his area and the recruiting showed.
His second season in Bloomington brought him wins over Michigan State, Iowa and at Ron Zook's Illinois team.
Hoeppner was loved by his players. Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger, who played for Hoeppner at Miami (OH) likened him to a second father. Quite the token of respect, if you ask me. Hoeppner coached the RedHawks for six years, taking the school to two bowl games. He was also an assistant there for nearly two decades.
Condolences to Hoeppner's family and the Indiana program.