Indiana University Athletics
Home Isn't Always Where the Heart Is
10/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 19, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Being raised in the heart of Buckeye country, senior offensive lineman Adam Hines and freshman kicker Joe Kleinsmith are no strangers to Ohio State football. Growing up surrounded by the rich Ohio State football tradition, Hines and Kleinsmith followed what many in the Buckeye state call sacred, but now are Hoosiers and proud of it. Being on the opposite side of the ball, both Hoosiers have a lot to prove to the program they grew up loving.
Hines, a 6-2, 315-pound left guard, attended Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio, where he was rated the 99th best offensive guard by Rivals.com his senior season. For the Hoosiers, Hines has appeared in 40 games during his career, including making 39 consecutive starts for IU.
"I grew up an Ohio State fan, no doubt about it," Hines said. "Around where I'm from, if you aren't a Buckeye fan it's a sin. OSU is everyone's team in Ohio after all of the success they've had."
Hines has been a rock on the Hoosier offensive line. Entering the Iowa game, Hines has helped Indiana average nearly 158 yards per game on the ground.
Like Hines, Kleinsmith also grew up in a popular Ohio State fanbase in Lakewood, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. The kicker has been surrounded by the tradition and aura of Ohio State football and has several former teammates and friends who will be on the other sideline on Oct. 22.
"I absolutely was an Ohio State fan growing up," Kleinsmith said. "Everyone I know is. Where I'm from, you are born to love Ohio State. It's a great football school. I have so much respect for their program."
Kleinsmith is not the only St. Edward's High School graduate on the field today. Ohio State right tackle Alex Boone and Kleinsmith are best friends and former high school teammates.
"We are best friends, and we now are at two rivaling Big Ten schools," Kleinsmith said. "He is starting as a true freshman, and he's an awesome competitor. The win would be great because whoever wins will get to rub it in the other's face for the whole next year."
Even though the duo are products of cities in Ohio which have a large Buckeye fan base, neither one of them regret coming to Indiana. Hines in particular does not regret a thing about being a Hoosier.
"When I go home," Hines said "people ask me if I regret not going to Ohio State and my answer hasn't changed. I don't regret a thing about coming to Indiana. I've had a great experience at IU. The people and the opportunities I've had have been phenomenal. If I said I would change anything about my time here at Indiana, I'd be lying. I am thankful everyday that I'm a Hoosier."
