Coach Hep Challenge honors former coach

This Saturday will mark the third-annual Coach Hep Indiana Cancer Challenge, in remembrance of the late Terry Hoeppner.

The former IU football coach passed away in 2007 because of brain cancer, leaving his legend behind. The challenge was created to raise money for cancer research.

“On a regular basis, I’m reminded of people who are inspired by him, and most of those people haven’t even met him,” Coach Hep’s widow, Jane Hoeppner, said. “It was because of the presence he had and the attitude he lived out of just never, ever quitting.”

The challenge provides a variety of opportunities for people to participate in running, cycling or walking events of varying distances, with each event beginning at Memorial Stadium. The morning will culminate with a two-kilometer walk in which all participants are welcome.

Registration will begin at 6 a.m., and the event will end with an ice-cream social from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This year, people in the cycling event and 5K run can participate in the walk if they are back in time,” said Jennifer Hurtubise, the Cancer Challenge’s marketing director. “We want this to be more of a family-friendly memorial walk.”

Participants in the Cancer Challenge should acquire pledges to support the cause, Hurtubise said. Funds from the event will benefit the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis and Bloomington Hospital’s Olcott Center for Cancer Education.

Hurtubise said team recognition and awards will be given in several categories. The team that raises the most funds, for example, will receive one 2010 IU football ticket per team member and a tailgate with Jane Hoeppner before the game.

“This is the first year we’re actually having the event while students are in town,” Hurtubise said. “We’re really looking for a big student turnout and hope they come out to support the event. It’s a great way to end the semester.”

Other prominent IU sports figures will be attending the challenge, including former IU football players James Hardy, now a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, and Tracy Porter, a cornerback for the 2010 Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints.

Hurtubise said all participants receive a pair of red shoelaces upon registration and are encouraged to wear them throughout the event to symbolize ties to cancer research.

“(The Challenge) is a tribute to Coach Hep and to the fact that he still continues to motivate people,” Jane Hoeppner said. “I’m still motivated on a daily basis.”