Down in Bloomington, back in the day, watching the Indiana Hoosiers play awesome football seemed like wishful thinking. That is, until ex-Miami (OH) University coach Terry Hoeppner arrived on the scene. And it didn't take long for fans to fully embrace him & see that he truly cared about improving a program which was seen as one of the Big 10's laughingstocks while Cam Cameron was on the sidelines running things.

Hoeppner's death at the age of 59 (from complications caused by a brain tumor) earlier today is not only heart-wrenching, but also one of the toughest losses anyone on the IU-Bloomington campus could ever have, period. He was one of the Big 10's most respected coaches (as well as respected by his IU fanbase) & was dedicated to the program, showing his willingness to rebuild what his predecessors left as ruins from seasons past. And his expertise (which included almost 20 years with Miami of Ohio) served as immediate notice that he was on a mission to turn things around @ Memorial Stadium & though IU had a 5-7 record last season (& was one win short of bowl eligibility) Hoeppner was on his way to doing just that.

Even Purdue head coach Joe Tiller had these things to say about Hoeppner, words about the man which proved he was indeed respected - and this, even from the head coach of one of IU's fiercest rivals during the regular season: "I know that Hep was a fierce competitor, and he battled an unforgiving disease..." And Terry Hoeppner, indeed, echoing Tiller, was a fierce competitor; despite all odds against a formidable disease, he kept fighting courageously until the end. If there is anyone to keep in your prayers/thoughts this week, the Hoeppner family definitely needs plenty of both. Terry will be missed by not only IU fans, but countless others as well.