The Rock still stands

It’s been more than four years since late IU coach Terry Hoeppner took a piece of limestone and made it into a symbol.

It’s been more than two years since Hoeppner died, before he could see his team reach a bowl game.

But in the years since, the Rock still acts as the stationary mascot for the football program.

Before every home game, the football team touches the Rock.

“Coach Hep started something, and it’s just carrying on and getting stronger and stronger every year,” senior cornerback Ray Fisher said.

Both Fisher and senior defensive end Jammie Kirlew said the Rock means more to them now that they are seniors and have been at IU since the Rock was introduced.

“Every game reminds us of (Hoeppner),” Fisher said. “Before every game I pray and say something about him.”

IU is famous for lacking a traditional mascot; someone to dress up in a furry costume and wave to the students.

Instead, the team has a personal reminder of a man who gave his last years to the Hoosiers.

“He told me when I got here as a freshman, he pointed me out and said, ‘You know what? You’re going to be a leader before you leave here,’” Kirlew said. “That was something special to me that I always kept close. And it turned out to be true. I’ve always had that leadership in me, and I’m a leader now on the team. It definitely reminds us of Coach Hep.”

Hoeppner came up with the idea for the rock after an off-season meeting in 2005. Walking outside in the sunset, Malibu Grill owner John Bailey noticed that Memorial Stadium looked like a big rock the way the sun hit the stadium. 

In a 2005 IU Athletics press release, Hoeppner said, “All along, I felt that this program needed a unique identity, something that the players and fans could relate to.”

Kirlew said “The Rock” is an important part of the football tradition.

“You must touch the Rock,” Kirlew said. “It’s a reminder that you’re home, you have the home-field advantage, your fans are here. This is your house. This is where you practice everyday, where you sweat, bleed.”