Hep calls out to students

For the first time since he was hired Dec. 17, 2004, new IU football coach Terry Hoeppner spoke to the student body Monday night at Alumni Hall.\nWhen Hoeppner arrived with his wife Jane, they were greeted with a standing ovation from nearly 200 students in attendance.\nThroughout the 25 minutes Hoeppner spoke, he discussed his plans for success -- most importantly having the student fans become the "12th man" in Memorial Stadium.\nThe new traditions Hoeppner plans bring include "The Walk" and another school song to sing at the games to counter Ohio State's "Hang on Sloopy."\nIn addition to having players out in the community -- like from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the College Mall -- there are plans for an afternoon school program with the elementary schools called "Recess with the Hoosiers."\nMaybe the most evident aspect of Hoeppner's address was the enthusiasm, said sophomore Andrew Magdovitz.\n"Enthusiasm is everything," he said. "His enthusiasm is big and he needs to carry this team... I really see a coach that is going to bring IU in the proper direction for football."\nA main point of emphasis for Hoeppner, before he opened up to questions, was that IU wouldn't quit on his watch.\nHoeppner said that the fourth quarter would be the Hoosiers' time, and because of their conditioning, they would put teams away in the final period rather than let victories slip away. In his last 24 games where Hoeppner entered the fourth quarter tied or in the lead, his teams were 23-1.\nHaving the opportunity to get Hoeppner to speak in front of the students was important and should have a positive effect in the coming months before the season starts, said junior Stephan Jerabek, the campus and community director for the Union Board.\n"I thought he did a really good job energizing everyone about the program for next year, I think a lot of people are going to get excited and pumped for the season to get started," Jerabek said. "I think that attendance was pretty good for a program that hasn't historically been doing so hot, but I think at this time next year this room will be standing room only after coach Hep gets his hands on the program for a little while."\nThroughout the question-and-answer portion of the event, Hoeppner continued to unveil new things to bring to the program including guest coaches appearing on the sidelines during the spring football games. Currently only one coach has been solidified for the April 15 game at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium -- IU President Adam Herbert.\n"I thought it was very motivating," sophomore Ryan Nietert, a Student Athletic Board Member said. "He brings a lot of enthusiasm to the football program and he's got some great ideas to turn the program around. The main thing (the SAB) is trying to do, is to get all the tailgaters over into the stadium ... and have the student section have a good time inside the stadium."\nHaving a coach who is a winner and ready to make IU a winner is what it is all about, Magdovitz said.\n"We have a proven leader, we have a leader that has credentials in winning," Magdovitz said. "I saw a guy tonight with a bowl ring -- I just want a bowl. I want a winning record and a bowl. Give me the Independence Bowl, the dot-com bowl, I don't care. Let's just go to a bowl game and get our program in the right direction."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.