Indiana University Athletics
Hep Speaks to Greeks
4/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University Athletics invited every fraternity and sorority president to attend the Hoosiers' April 7 spring football practice that concluded with dinner and a speech from first-year head coach Terry Hoeppner in the Hoosier Room at Memorial Stadium.
Twenty of IU's Greek System leaders were on hand for the Hoosiers' two hour practice followed by dinner. After dinner, Coach Hoeppner spoke to the presidents about how an enthusiastic student crowd can serve as the Hoosiers' 12th man this fall. Hoeppner also offered the presidents the opportunity to share any ideas on increasing student attendance at football games.
Hoeppner has already established two new traditions for the program. Two hours prior to every home game, the coaching staff and players will depart the team buses and walk through the tailgating crowd to Memorial Stadium. In addition, after each IU victory, the coaching staff and players will sing the school fight song to the student section.
Kristen Lizer, a representative of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, said that the students appreciate Coach Hoeppner's willingness to get students more involved.
"I think he is doing a great job reaching out to people and tonight was a lot of fun," Lizer said.
Hoeppner stressed how it is important to get people to the games, but even more important to get the team involved with the community.
As Indiana enters the last week of spring practice, Hoeppner is pleased with the Hoosiers' attitude.
"It isn't going to happen overnight, but it will happen because (the team) believes, and we need for you to believe," Hoeppner said.
He has made at least one person a believer already. Brennan Boland of Phi Sigma Kappa is already anticipating next season.
"I have been a die-hard fan the last few years," Boland said. "Seeing Coach Hoeppner here is exciting,"
Hoeppner closed his presentation with some strong advice.
"Get on the bandwagon early to make sure you can get good seats," Hoeppner said. "We will deliver on the field, and we need for you to deliver in the stands."
