Indiana University Athletics
Catching up with Tom Nowatzke
4/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 10, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former IU standout Tom Nowatzke, who is currently on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot, took time out of his busy schedule to speak with IUHOOSIERS.com about his current life as well as his thoughts on the current football program. He also provides some advice to current student-athletes and talks about his outside interests.
What are you currently doing, and what does it entail?
TN: I have been in the semi-trailer sales business ever since I came to Detroit. I started in 1966 with Brown Trailer and then I represented Great Dane for almost 30 years. I don't represent them anymore, but I am still a dealer. I sell new and used equipment like a car dealer. Semi-trucks and semi-trailers, that is what I do.
What are your thoughts on being included on the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot?
TN: I was on it last year and then three years ago. I look at the list of people and say, `Wow.' It is nice to have your name mentioned with all of those people on that list. The Carl Ellers and the Troy Aikmans and so on.
What are your outside interests?
TN: I play golf. I love my snowmobile. I have a Harley, an Ultra Classic 203, that we ride every now and then. That is more of a pleasure thing than anything else. I have two boys that are freshmen in high school in Saline, Mich. I am involved with them. Saline is a class A school, it is the largest high school in the state. They are freshmen this year and will be sophomores next year. Both of them are 6-3. They are looking me in the eye. I also go to most of the Lions games and go to Tigers games as well.
What do you think about the excitement surging around the program right now with Terry Hoeppner and his coaching staff?
TN: I saw Terry up here when I was on the field. I think he is the best one that they have had in a long time. I really like him. Each time they come by Michigan, I meet with the team. I was really impressed with Terry and his program. I think that if he is allowed to stay there long enough, that he'll bring the program back to some kind of normalcy.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a current student-athlete?
TN: Go to class. Take as many diversified subjects as you can. Rarely will you end up going where you think you are going as a major. Don't take the easy way out. That is the advice I would give them. I graduate in four years and I was very lucky to play football. I was able to take different things. I took one transportation class, and that is where I ended up.
