Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers at Big Ten Media Days
7/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 24, 2008
Gallery | Lynch Quotes 
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CHICAGO - Indiana head football coach Bill Lynch, defensive tackle Greg Brown, kicker Austin Starr and running back Marcus Thigpen wrapped up their first day at the Big Ten Media Days.
Lynch kicked off the day addressing the non-television media at 11:45 a.m., while the Big Ten Network interviewed each of the players. At 12:15 p.m., Lynch joined the players for over an hour of television interviews before filming a Big Ten Network commercial and taping an interview with Big Ten Network studio host Rick Pizzo.
Additionally, Lynch taped a segment for the Big Ten Network's Greatest Games series. The Hoosiers' thrilling 31-28 victory over No. 13 Iowa in 2006 will be featured this season.
The players are free for the remainder of the evening and Lynch will attend an alumni function at Joe's Bar downtown.
On Friday, the two-day event concludes with print interviews beginning at 8 a.m. followed by the 37th Annual Kickoff Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Below is more on today's Media Day from IUHoosiers.com contributor Jeremy Gray.
Predictably, Lynch and the players were upbeat about Indiana's prospects in 2008, but they offered interesting and compelling reasons for their optimistic outlook. Here are the main themes that the Indiana delegation reiterated throughout the afternoon.
Injuries Made Indiana Stronger: Several key Indiana players suffered minor injuries during the spring and many younger players were able to get reps during spring practice. Coach Lynch believes that this will be the deepest Indiana team in a long time and that the spring helped several of his athletes. Depth has been a huge issue in recent years, but Indiana seemingly has shored up a long time weakness.
Bigger is Better: Coach Lynch and the players repeatedly praised strength and conditioning coach Mark Wateska. Thigpen played at 182 pounds in 2007 and will head into the season opener at 207. Coach Lynch believes that Wateska in some ways is the most important coach on the team. "Nobody spends more time with the players than Mark. They know he's a football guy and one of the best in the profession." Lynch also said that both lines are leaner and stronger than a year ago.
Defend the Rock: While the coaches and players are eagerly anticipating playing eight home games in 2008, all spoke of the importance of holding serve at home. Lynch was concrete in his belief that home games are of paramount importance. "Good teams win at home. Ohio State doesn't lose in Columbus. USC has lost at home only once in five years. We have to Defend the Rock".
Thigpen the Fashion Icon: Running back Marcus Thigpen, without question, wore the most memorable suit at the event. The sport coat was an extra long, plaid patterned collision of silver, black and white. Media members, teammates, opposing players, and Bill Lynch made repeated references to the jacket throughout the day. According to the more traditionally dressed Greg Brown, Thigpen has several more high octane numbers in his closet. It begs the question, what would he wear if Indiana made it to the Rose Bowl?
