Indiana University Athletics
Two Sport Standouts
4/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Being a two-sport athlete while growing up is something that many young kids are able to do. However, to compete in two sports as a collegiate student-athlete is something that is rarely accomplished due to the demands it places on a person. This year, four members of the Indiana football team are doing that very thing, and each have been successful thus far.
Along with football, wide receiver James Hardy plays for the IU basketball team, wide receiver Marcus Thigpen and defensive lineman Greg Brown compete on the track and field team and quarterback Graeme McFarland is on the IU baseball team. While all four student-athletes enjoy the sports they play, each admit the task is very challenging.
"I feel time management is the biggest obstacle when you play two sports," said Brown who is a redshirt freshman on the football team. "Knowing you have to be at football practice, track practice and then you have to get in your academic studies. The toughest thing to juggle I think is time management.
"There are some conflicts with track and football," Brown continued. "There is a little bit of pressure, but the coaches for both of my sports get together and work out the conflicts and I just basically do what they tell me."
All of the players say the new football coaching staff was open and receptive to them playing dual sports at Indiana. That is in part because Coach Hoeppner himself was a two-sport star at Woodlan High School in Fort Wayne, Ind.
"I think, especially at Division I, all these sports are very demanding," Hoeppner said. "I think basketball, baseball and especially track are great compliments to the game of football. I ran track so I know it really helps with football and it does not conflict as much as baseball and basketball."
It is rare the two-sport stars at IU get to take advantage of time off, but when they do, it is time to relax. Competing in two high-level sports can be demanding, so the players take any opportunity to unwind when they have a chance.
"It was a little overwhelming when I first got here," Thigpen said. "My legs get sore and track is demanding on your body as is football. I really like to relax when I have time off."
"I am going to try to take as much time off as my body needs," Hardy added. "When I am not in a season over the summer, I still try to keep in shape. During the school year, it is important for me to relax when I have the time."
Each dual sport athlete on the football team has made contributions to their respective "second" sports. In track, Thigpen has achieved season bests in the 60 meters (6.79) and 200 meters (22.02) at the 2005 Big Ten Championship. Brown has performed well in the field events, hurling a season-best 52-1.25 feet in the shotput at the Tyson Invitational and reached a best of 53-2.75 feet in the weight toss.
Added Hoeppner about Thigpen: "Marcus may be the fastest player I have ever coached. He is really exciting when he gets his hands on the ball."
Hardy, a true freshman on the basketball team and a redshirt freshman on football, played well for the Hoosiers' hoops team. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native competed in 23 contests for IU, starting three times. He made his first collegiate start at top-ranked Illinois on Feb. 6. For the season, Hardy averaged 1.7 points and 1.8 boards in 10.7 minutes per game.
McFarland made only two appearances for the baseball team in limited action last season. However, baseball head coach Bob Morgan is expecting a lot out of McFarland in the future and sees him as potentially "one of the top guys on the mound" for the Hoosiers.
Despite having little free time, all four have good attitudes and that is exactly what you need when attempting to play two varsity sports in college.
"I love their attitudes," Hoeppner said. "I remember from high school going from one sport to another, there is a physical adjustment period. They have to catch up and are a little behind things right now, but they are smart players and gifted. I am looking for good things from them."
