Indiana University Athletics
Terry Hoeppner Speaks at Football Banquet
1/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 18, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner is recovering comfortably at home after Dec. 27 surgery to remove a tumor from his right temple. Coach Hoeppner made an appearance at the Hoosiers' 2005 awards banquet on Jan. 15, and here is a trancript of his comments:
"I have never been one for big entrances, but I had set this as a goal to be a part of this. I achieved this goal, and I have so many people to thank, which is part of the reason that I wanted to be here.
No. 1, is my 'associate head coach' (points to his wife, Jane). I want to tell you, starting with IU President Dr. Adam Herbert. He called me a short time after surgery and said, 'That's another reason you came to IU, for the best medical care in the world.' He's not wrong about that.
When I came to Indiana, a guy named (athletics director) Rick Greenspan said, 'I need somebody to partner with me,' and I have tested him on that. Rick has been fantastic, and I can't thank him enough.
With the president that we have, the athletics director that we have, and the staff that I have, it has given me such a peace of mind that we're going to get this thing done - recruiting, the winter (conditioning program) - is all thanks to a great staff. They say that a sign of a great organization is that they can function with you or without you, and well, we passed the test. Recruiting is going well, and Coach (Mark) Wateska has put together a great conditioning program. We are counting on all of the players to double their efforts and make sure that this is the best winter yet.
To the other coaches, graduate assistants, quality control guys, to as we call them, 'the Tiffany Girls,' that's an inside joke. (Director of Football Operations) Harold (Mauro), (Coach Hoeppner's assistant) Barbara (Thompson), (IU Athletics Event and Suite Coordinator) Mary Beth (Richardson), thank you for putting this (banquet) together. You find out how many friends you have, how important family is, when something like this happens.
I have been in the office all but one day since I have been out of the hospital. This was important, the banquet was important to me because this senior class is very important to me. Unfortunately, the timing did not work between all-star games, graduation, jobs starting, (offensive guard) Brandon Hatcher is working in Alaska. So, not everyone could be here. I'll always have your back just as you had mine. We did not get what we wanted this season, but we still accomplished a lot, and it was because of you and the strides we made. Part of your legacy is that you got things going in the right direction. Everything that happens from here on out, we'll never forget you. I'll always thank you for this year.
On a personal note, Wow! Talk about a wakeup call, now. The old joke, 'at least it wasn't brain surgery.' Well, this was brain surgery! (laughter from crowd). This truly does get your attention and helps you keep your priorities straight. I have been on the run, first at Miami and now Indiana. I have loved every minute of it, but this was that punch in the mouth that said `you're going to slow down.' This is one of the best things to happen to me, because all of the Hoosier fans, and I love `em, they were hollering all season that I need to get my head examined, and they were right! (laughter from crowd).
I do feel, I do feel, so good. Hey, (points to his wife, Jane), she has a pretty nice house. I have been finding my way around there. I have spent more time there in the last two weeks than the whole last year. My organization is organized, and I will be a better man and a better coach because of this experience. As Dr. Herbert said, I came to Indiana to get the best medical attention in the world. With the facilities that we have here in Bloomington and in Indianapolis, I haven't been, but the doctors have been very surprised every step of the way. You find out what your priorities are, you find out what's important. I'm going to be better for this, and I can't wait to get back."
For people that have sent me cards, notes fruit...wow, a lot of fruit. You can't imagine how much I appreciate it. It's humbling.
(Speaking to the team) Guys, last piece of advice. Find yourself a good woman like her (points to Jane). Because someday, you're going to need her. (applause).
Thank you for indulging me for a few minutes. It means a lot for me to be here. I'm sorry that I missed my first banquet, but I'll remember this one, too. It is going to be a great 2006. No problems, just opportunities. The Hoosier Nation is excited, the leadership at all levels, great staff, the team we have coming back. The seniors are going to be proud.
I'll close with this. Parents (in attendance at the banquet), your sons get the best medical care possible here. Dr. Andy Hispkind, if it weren't for him, I would have tried to gut this thing out. He made me go in. Dr. Greg Fox, and the big fella, Dr. Larry Rink, (trainer) Dean (Kleinschmidt) and his staff. Thank you for all of the love. We have felt it.
God bless you all, and Go Hoosiers!"
