161 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(05/19/05 1:15am)
After bringing the women's swimming and diving to new heights in her seven years at IU, Dorsey Tierney has decided to change posts and take a co-head coaching position at Auburn University effective June 1. \nIn her time at IU, nearly 100 Hoosiers claimed All-American certificates. Swimmers also claimed nine individual titles and two Big Ten relay titles.\nWhile Tierney helmed the Hoosiers, the team made steady progress in the Big Ten and on a national level. IU was 47-17 in dual meets, claiming the Big Ten title in 2003. The Hoosiers also received their best finish ever at the NCAAs with a ninth place finish this season.\n"We appreciate Dorsey's dedication and commitment to the Indiana women's swimming and diving program," said Athletics Director Rick Greenspan. "We wish her the best, and will begin our search for her successor immediately."\nTierney will be taking a step forward at her new job as she joins one of the top programs in the country. Auburn has won three national titles since 2002, winning back-to-back-to-back from 2002-2004. This past season, the Tigers finished second at the NCAA Championships. In the same time span, Auburn has also won three Southeastern Conference titles. \nThough Tierney is slated to take the post June 1, Auburn would not comment regarding her position.\n"We cannot formally say anything right now," said Auburn sports information director Dan Froehlich. "We are currently finishing up the process."\nThough the Hoosiers will be losing their coach, much of the team will be returning -- only two players are \ngraduating.\nAttempts to reach Tierney were unsuccessful by press time.
(05/15/05 11:39pm)
The first time No. 37 IU met No. 28 Wake Forest University Feb. 12, the Hoosiers dominated and won 6-1.\nThe Hoosiers found out the hard way how tough it is to beat a team for the second time, as they dropped their first round match in the NCAA Tournament in the final set to Wake Forest 4-3 Friday in Lexington, Ky. at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex.\nThis problem wasn't unfamiliar to IU (14-12) as the Hoosiers had a double dip with Michigan. Like with Wake Forest (14-11), IU won the first time around, but lost the rematch against the Wolverines.\nIU coach Lin Loring knew from the outset it would be tough to knock off the Demon Deacons a second time, he said.\n"It is just tough to beat a good team twice," Loring said. "It was the same thing that happened with Michigan. It is tough when you are dead even with a team."\nEven though the Hoosiers and Demon Deacons came into the match with nearly identical records, the match looked anything but balanced. \nAfter No. 2 seed Wake Forest seized the doubles point, winning at No. 1 and 2, they quickly took control of the match in singles play.\nWith the Hoosiers, the No. 3 seed, needing to win four of the six singles match to advance to the next round, they quickly fell behind, losing the first set in four of the six.\n"It is pretty tough to come back when you get down in this type of tournament, said freshman Brianna Williams. "Everybody tried to pull their weight as much as possible and we got as far as we could."\nWilliams certainly pulled her weight by winning her first match in the NCAA Tournament, winning in three sets over Jenna Loeb 2-6, 6-0 and 6-4. The win was the No. 20 of the season for the Tampa, Fla. native.\nWithin minutes of Williams' win, sophomore Laura McGaffigan evened the match up for the Hoosiers with her win against Alex Hirsh 7-6 (5) and 6-3 at No. 3. With the win, McGaffigan finished the season with 27 wins in singles competition, a team high.\nThough her team lost, picking up her first NCAA Tournament win against an unfamiliar opponent was a good feeling, she said.\n"(The win) felt pretty good, especially since it was a close match," McGaffigan said.\nThe wins at No. 3 and 5 along with sophomore Cecile Perton's win in convincing fashion at No. 6 set up a showdown in the final match at the No. 1 spot to advance to the round of 32.\nSenior Dora Vastag split the first two sets with No. 33 Karin Coetzee of Wake Forest, setting up the climatic third set. After rallying to win the second set, Vastag quickly fell behind against Coetzee 5-0. Despite the deficit, Vastag made up ground quickly, cutting the margin to 5-4. However, Coetzee lived up to her national ranking by winning the sixth set and in turn getting revenge from their match earlier in the season.\nAlthough Vastag couldn't come away with the win, her teammates are proud of the way she battled back, McGaffigan said.\n"I definitely think (Vastag) played amazingly," McGaffigan said. "She is just one of those players that she will step it up. We are all really proud of her to make it 5-4."\nDespite the loss the team is already looking to next season and the possibilities, Loring said.\n"Next year they will have men and women finals at the same time. It will be motivation to get to the Sweet 16 next year," he said. "We feel with five of our top six coming back and the four new girls coming in -- we expect to be really solid next year"
(05/09/05 1:45am)
Throughout his collegiate career, senior Jeff Overton has been racking up achievements and titles. One big one was missing -- but he got it Sunday as he became the Big Ten Champion in men's golf in Madison, Wis.\n"(Winning) is really emotional for me right now," Overton said. "I was walking down 17, and I was thinking I had a chance to win. I just about had tears coming out of my eyes. This is a very special victory for me."\nIn addition to being the Big Ten champion -- the first for IU since Shaun Micheel, the 2003 PGA Championship winner -- Overton was also named the 2005 Big Ten Golfer of the Year, a repeat performance from 2004. \nAfter two days of solid play, resulting in a 14-under-par 130, Overton was primed to make a push for his eighth career individual title at IU.\nAt the start of the day Overton was tied with Michigan State's Ryan Brehm and stayed that way for much of the afternoon. Through 14 holes, Overton maintained just a one-shot lead.\nOverton made his move as he birdied the 15th hole and eagled the 16th. Those holes, combined with a bogey on 16 for Brehm, gave Overton a lead he would not relinquish the rest of the day.\nEven with the importance of the back nine play, Overton felt the difference maker was a 230-yard shot with his 4-iron on the par-5 ninth hole, he said.\n"That was a big momentum swing," Overton said. "I think it really put me in a position to win. I was just attempting to go as low as possible to get our team the championship, and I ended up hitting a great shot into the green."\nThe Hoosiers, like Overton, were in prime position to make a move for the Big Ten title, their first since the 1997-1998 season.\nBut IU couldn't maintain the same play that had guided them to a tie atop the leaderboard after 36 holes. Overton was the only player to finish with a score under par in the final round. The Hoosiers finished five shots back of Michigan State and one ahead of third-place Northwestern.\nDespite the third-day performance not living up to the prior two, IU coach Mike Mayer was proud of his team's second-place finish, he said.\n"It was a great run," Mayer said. "We put ourselves in a position to win and just came up a little short."\nOverton has made it a habit this year of being in position to win on the final day of play. In his past four tournaments, including the Big Ten Championship, Overton was in position to take home the title. In two of those however, the Pinehurst Invitational and Boilermaker Invitational, he led going into the final day only to lose it and finish in second place.\nAfter watching Overton progress over his four years to a nationally acclaimed golfer, it only seemed natural for him to go out on top in his final Big Ten performance, Mayer said.\n"This (also) was a fitting end to Jeff Overton's Big Ten career," he said. "He is a deserving champion and one of the best players to ever play in this league, without question"
(05/06/05 5:34am)
For more than 6,900 seniors Saturday, "Pomp and Circumstance" will be the most important song of the day. However, for the five seniors on the IU baseball squad, it's "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" as the Hoosiers face off against Michigan State 3 p.m. Saturday at Sembower Field.\nThough the seniors were given the opportunity to join the rest of their graduating class and walk, there is only one thing on this group's mind -- winning.\n"Graduation is pretty important, but winning is pretty important too," said senior pitcher Brian Lortz. "So we are trying to put an emphasis on that."\nWhile the weekend has big implications for most seniors, so does the Hoosiers' series with the Spartans (17-22, Big Ten 6-10).\nIU (22-22, Big Ten 5-15) is currently residing in last place in the conference standings. The only way the Hoosiers can ensure a spot in the Big Ten Tournament is to make it into the top six.\nBecause the team is looking at must-win games down the stretch every game has added significance, said senior first baseman Corby Heckman.\n"We know right now we have to get close to .500 to get into the Big Ten to get into the tournament," Heckman said. "Being 10 games under with 12 games left we pretty much have to win every one of them. So it is huge to win a series or sweep a series."\nIn order to get the wins the team needs and move out of the cellar, the Hoosiers will have to do something they have failed to do all season long -- play a complete series.\nFinding a rhythm before the season is over could pay big dividends as the last three conference series opponents for the Hoosiers have a combined conference record of three games under .500.\n"It is either we hit good and we don't pitch or we pitch well and don't hit," Lortz said. "If we can put both of those together and play some defense, I don't think we would have a problem beating anybody."\nGetting a bat on the ball could be the best strategy for IU, as the Spartans boast a .300 batting average, but are the worst pitching team in the conference with a 5.53 earned run average. Since MSU is known more for its hitting than pitching, right fielder Joe Kemp said the team could be in for a slugfest. \n"They are usually a pretty good hitting ball club," said Kemp, who leads the team with eight home runs. "We know we've got to score some runs."\nEven though it might be tough to deal with all the graduation activities surrounding campus this weekend, the team is concentrating on one thing, Heckman said.\n"I'm not really worried about the graduation thing. I don't really feel like I'm graduating until baseball is over," he said. "I don't think anybody wants to be caught up in that all day long and you want to keep your focus on baseball right now"
(05/06/05 2:33am)
It is over.\nThe four-year quest that seemed as though it would never get off the ground and would possibly never end is grinding to a screeching halt this weekend. \nAll of this, the speed at which school whizzes past, comes as no surprise. Long ago, before the days of Taco John's and Ramen Noodle feasts, I learned that as you progress in your education, time itself begins to speed at a dizzying pace. \nCollege, the place we go to expand our knowledge provides every one of us with the opportunity to be something.\nThe opportunities when college begins are endless -- the dork in high school can suddenly become the coolest kid on campus. Time in college seems infinite. But as the hourglass trickles the sand granules, those limitless opportunities dwindle by the day.\nThe chance to take that class, eat at that restaurant and ask that girl out fade and what is left are missed opportunities.\nRather than leaving IU with bitter feelings about things that never came about, take a chance. Although the knowledge I obtained from classes is the reason I came to IU, the most valuable thing I gained from college are the experiences I gained from taking a chance.\nAfter sitting back for two years, I finally decided to take a chance of my own. That chance was joining the Indiana Daily Student. As a sophomore, when I entered the newsroom for the first time, the only emotion that came over me was fear. \nNow two years later, the only fear regarding the newsroom is being kicked out. The IDS provided me with more experiences in my senior year than my first two years of school combined. Traveling across the Midwest and suffering through the ups and downs of two sports only added to the experience of writing and reporting. The experience outside of the classroom, meeting people and experiencing sports history happening before my eyes, is the most rewarding thing college has offered me.\nTaking the chance to try something new and getting the reward the most important thing my four years have taught me.\nAs seniors embarking on the rest of our journeys, wherever they may take us, the thing that binds us together are the experiences college life has given us.\n So as the final days of college whiz past, make some new experiences. Take a chance. Do something you've dreamed of, tell that special someone how you feel and eat that dinner you have always wanted.\nI only hope the memories I have made over the past four years don't fly away as fast as my time here at IU has. College is a short time in our lives, and the memories we make from it will last us a lifetime. \nSo if you haven't made some great memories, do it now. Because the last piece of sand will have fallen by Saturday afternoon and then it will be over.
(04/28/05 9:59pm)
Throughout Saturday and Sunday more than 250 players saw their professional football dreams come true as they were selected in the NFL Draft. Though only one Hoosier was selected in that process, four other IU players now have a chance at professional careers.\nTight end Aaron Halterman and safety Herana-Daze Jones and quarterback both signed free agent contracts with NFL teams. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Chris Jahnke and quarterback Matt LoVecchio will attend mini-camps with pro teams.\nOne former IU football player, wide receiver Courtney Roby, was drafted in the third round by the Tennessee Titans with the 68th overall pick.\nHalterman, a Center Grove, Ind., native, is set to join the Houston Texans, a team already loaded at the tight end position. In Halterman's final season he caught six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown.\nAlthough there is depth at the position, all Halterman really wanted was a shot to play, he said.\n"I'm really happy about (signing with Houston) and am looking forward to the opportunity," Halterman said. "It was a huge weight off my back; all I wanted was an opportunity."\nAfter leading the Hoosiers with 110 tackles this season, Jones knew he had a shot at making it to the NFL. \nAlthough he was not drafted, he was already guaranteed that he wouldn't be left without a place to play this Thursday. After talking to a number of teams, including the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, Jones decided on the Cincinnati Bengals, signing with them earlier this week.\nWith all the workouts during the past few months, Jones said he felt that Cincinnati was the best place for him.\n"They brought me in for a visit, one of 24 (visits) they can bring players in on," Jones said. "I got to know their staff pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with the situation. They don't have a strong safety, and I feel it is the best situation for me."\nTwo more players on the offensive side of the ball found a spot as well. LoVecchio, originally a transfer from Notre Dame, landed with the Giants after passing for more than 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004.\nJahnke, a player who often protected LoVecchio, was snagged by the Minnesota Vikings. Jahnke played every position on the offensive line for IU and ended his college career with 35 consecutive starts.\nAttempts to reach both LoVecchio and Jahnke were unsuccessful at press time Tuesday.\nThere is still the possibility of more Hoosiers landing in the NFL before the start of team mini-camps, the first workout for rookies. Mini-camps are held Thursday through Sunday. Both defensive lineman Jodie Clemons and wide receiver Travis Haney were listed on the NFL's draft board and could land as free agents.\nGetting the chance to stay close to home and near his family is a reason that Jones, a Louisville, Ky., native said was attractive in his decision.\n"It makes it very appealing, because me and my family are really close," Jones said. "(Going to the NFL) is a dream come true. You have worked hard for all your career to play in the NFL. It is a blessing, because not a lot of people get the chance."\n-- Contact Sports Editor Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/25/05 6:07am)
After sitting in front of a television for more than seven hours Saturday afternoon, a lifetime's dream became a reality for former IU wide receiver Courtney Roby, who was selected 68th overall in the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.\n"I was excited," Roby said. "It is definitely a dream come true. I'm just ready to get to work."\nThe Indianapolis native will have the opportunity to get plenty of action in his rookie season. Roby, the highest of the three wide receivers drafted by the Titans, will join a squad with only two receivers on their current roster in Drew Bennett and Tyrone Calico.\nEven with the competition for playing time, it isn't a major concern, Roby said.\n"There are only two receivers there at Tennessee," he said. "You need more there; an NFL team usually keeps six on the roster. (Fighting) for playing time doesn't concern me at all."\nAs Roby joins the Titans, he comes into an offense that throws the ball -- a lot. Tennessee ranked ninth in the NFL last season in passing with just less than 4,000 yards.\nThe greater opportunity for playing time is one of the reasons Roby was happy to land with them in the third round, he said.\n"Hopefully I can fill (the void of third receiver)," Roby said on the Tennessee Titans Web site www.titansonline.com. "It gives me a great situation to compete for a starting position when I come in."\nRoby is the second wide receiver to be drafted from IU since 2002, when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Antwaan Randle El in the second round. Randle El originally played quarterback at IU but made the switch once he joined the NFL.\nIn his four-year stay in Bloomington, Roby gave the Titans and the rest of the league plenty of reasons to draft him.\nDuring his senior season, Roby broke both the career catches mark and yards receiving mark with 170 and 2,521 yards, respectively.\nThat achievement factored into the decision-making process to pick the multitalented receiver, said Titans coach Jeff Fisher, according to the team's Web site.\n"Courtney had some good numbers in average per catch," he said. "We didn't draft a possession receiver. We drafted (Roby and Brandon Jones from Oklahoma) to make big plays down the field. Whichever one picks up the offense quicker, we'll probably be able to move them inside."\nWhile at IU, Roby's dominance wasn't limited to the gridiron as he starred in track. His speed made Roby an even more sought-after prospect. During the NFL Combine, Roby posted the second-fastest 40-yard time of all the receivers.\n"Roby is really, really fast," said Tennessee General Manager Floyd Reese on the Titans' Web site. "He's a 4.29 (40-yard dash) kind of guy."\nAs a rookie, Roby said he knows much will be expected of him. In addition to wide receiver duties, Roby is expected to play special teams, something many rookies do.\nNow that Roby finally has achieved his dream of making it to the NFL, he can now concentrate on catching passes from Titans quarterback Steve McNair, he said.\n"It was very stressful on the days up to the draft, and now that it is over, I can breathe easier," Roby said. "I don't think it has hit me yet that I'm in the NFL. I think it will once I get a chance to sit back and think about it."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/19/05 5:55am)
In a department that is trying to balance both winning athletics and success in the classroom, a panel of IU athletics administrators -- both student and professional -- found out there are no simple answers.\nIU football coach Terry Hoeppner knew only one way to describe the future of the Athletics Department.\n"We're all in this together," he said.\nThe topic that garnered the most attention was the difficult task the Athletics Department faces in trying to pay equal attention to both athletics and academics.\nThe panel, including Hoeppner, Faculty Athletics Representative Bruce Jaffee, women's cross country coach Judy Wilson, Associate Athletics Director of External Affairs Tim Fitzpatrick and Student Athletic Board President Elizabeth Roush, discussed attendance in all 24 varsity sports, the athletics fee and advertising in Assembly Hall.\n"Our first goal is 100 percent graduation," Hoeppner said, about his football program.\nJaffee stressed that trying to balance the two is the most important issue plaguing the department. He said this was especially true in regard to some Big Ten schools that have a larger athletics budget and focus less on academics.\nBut the Athletics Department could still benefit from more revenue. As a part of increasing the amount of money that IU has in its budget, the marketing of all events is important, Fitzpatrick said.\n"When I came here I was amazed at the untapped potential," he said. "With coach Hoeppner here it is a marketers' dream."\nThe $30 athletics fee, up for possible renewal at the May 6 board of trustees meeting, has brought a lot of attention to the financial situation of the Athletics Department in the last 12 to 14 months, Jaffee said. But the fee could help the department out of its deficit.\nCreating and improving a better game-day atmosphere was one of the other issues discussed at the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union.\nSince Hoeppner's arrival in Bloomington in December, he has made plans for "The Walk," an opportunity for players to interact with fans on their way to Memorial Stadium, in addition to other activities to enhance the enjoyment level of fans during the games.\nGetting the backing for athletic teams, beyond the revenue-making sports, will be important in the end for IU, Roush said.\n"What the University needs is support and loyalty of the students now, to be the future donors of IU athletics," she said. \nFor the future of IU athletics, marketing looks to play a key role in keeping the Hoosiers among the top programs in the country. \nTo do this, Fitzpatrick cited three issues that will be important in improving IU in the years to come.\nOne item is to improve the department's poor job of keeping in touch with consumers, Fitzpatrick said. Consumers were finding it hard to find information and tickets, he said.\nOthers included finding the answers to the problems plaguing IU by asking students and fans for their suggestions regularly.\nEven though the challenge might be complex in moving the athletics department forward, at least one goal was simple, Fitzpatrick said.\n"Our goal is to provide the best possible experience for student athletes," Fitzpatrick said. -- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/19/05 4:23am)
With the arrival of Terry Hoeppner in December as the new football coach, one of the most widely anticipated aspects of his coaching was the spread offense. \nBut during the spring game Friday night, it wasn't the passing game that made noise, but rather the running game. The Crimson team alone ran for nearly 250 yards while the teams combined for just 256 yards passing.\nHaving a strong running attack will be just as important as a lethal passing attack, said senior running back Chris Taylor.\n"Everyone thought coming in (the offense) was going to be more of a passing attack, but the running game is standing far and above right now," said Taylor, who led both teams with 119 rushing yards and one touchdown. "With a spread offense everyone thinks we are going to be passing, but it is about 50-50. We want to use the run game to open up the pass."
(04/18/05 5:36am)
The first Cream and Crimson game under new football coach Terry Hoeppner wasn't supposed to be a close match-up -- but it was. The Crimson, filled with mostly first teamers, struggled to put away the second-string Cream team.\nAfter three-quarters of play, the Crimson only led 13-3 in front of more than 6,500 at Memorial Stadium Friday night.\nThe Cream, let by celebrity coach IU Alumni Association President Ken Beckley, struck quickly in the fourth quarter as sophomore Drew Robbins nailed a 41-yard field goal, cutting the lead to seven at 13-6. The long-distance kicking should be a welcomed sight in the fall. The longest field goal made last season was 39-yards by Bryan Robertson.\nFollowing the field goal, the Crimson players exerted their will and finished off the Cream in the fourth quarter by scoring the next 21 points. \nThe Crimson took less than two minutes to get the game going as freshman wide receiver Marcus Thigpen caught 40-yard pass from junior Graeme McFarland in the end zone. Even though Thigpen made the catch, he gave special thanks to his celebrity coach -- IU President Adam Herbert.\n"It was a good call," Thigpen said. "I was waiting for that route all day and he finally called it because I was open. I had to go over there and thank him for it."\nThe high-fives continued for Herbert in the fourth quarter as sophomore quarterback Blake Powers hit junior tight end Chris Rudanovic for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Later in the quarter senior defensive end Ben Ishola picked off a pass from Cream redshirt quarterback Grant Gregory.\nSophomore running back Josiah Sears finished off the scoring with a one-yard plunge past the goal line.\nThough he was happy to get touchdown, Sears felt like he got an easy one, he said.\n"I feel like I stole that touchdown from Ben Ishola a little bit," Sears said. "He had made a great play and got tackled at the one."\nFor his first Cream and Crimson game, Hoeppner was pleased with the performance out of his team.\nThe Crimson pounded out 247 yards on the ground, compared to Beckley's Cream squad with 16.\nLeading all rushers on both sides was senior running back Chris Taylor. Despite only rushing the ball four times all in the first half, he made the most with his attempts. He started off the game with a 23-yard run and on his third attempt he took it to the house on an 85-yard dash in the middle of the second quarter.\nTaylor not only appreciated the hole his offensive line created, but also the crowd, he said.\n"It was a great game atmosphere. That's what we've all been waiting for -- coach Hep is the man," Taylor said. "The two linebackers came up quick and I knew it would be wide open. I got a block from a lineman and it was wide open from there."\nOn a night filled not only with buzz of football in the air but also Little 500, Hoeppner was pleased with the turnout, he said.\n"It was neat going out and seeing the tailgating on a Friday night in April," he said. "Talking about college football and Hoosier football, I think we took small steps. It should be one of the big events in Bloomington: the spring game -- the Cream and Crimson."\n-- Contact Staff Writer at Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/15/05 5:38am)
After waiting in the background for two seasons, four quarterbacks will get the chance to step up to center stage today during the spring football game at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.\nThe prize for the top performance: the nod as the starting quarterback in the fall for IU.\nFor the past two seasons, former quarterback Matt LoVecchio led the charge for the Hoosiers after transferring from Notre Dame in 2001. In LoVecchio's two seasons at the helm, IU went 5-18.\nBecause of new football coach Terry Hoeppner and a new offensive system, everyone was given an open audition for the spot, said quarterbacks coach Matt Canada.\n"Everybody started with a clean slate," Canada said. "The spring is certainly the time for guys to come out and shine and prove what they've got to offer this football team -- every day is an interview."\nTwo players who have proven their mettle during spring practice and have game experience are junior Graeme McFarland and sophomore Blake Powers, Canada said.\nTheir experience has paid off during practice, as they are both the top front-runners for the position, he said.\nAfter missing the 2004 season McFarland rejoined the Hoosiers this spring. Of all the quarterbacks competing for the job, McFarland has the most experience. In the 2003, the Birmingham, Ala., native played in nine games, including one start against Minnesota.\nDespite not suiting up for more than a year, McFarland said he feels he's getting used to the new system.\n"I was afraid that (practice) was going to be real fast with the defense and all that," McFarland said. "But it is coming back. I'm not 100 percent by any means, but it is getting there."\nAnother top candidate for the starting job is Powers. Much like McFarland, Powers has been limited in his opportunities to play for IU. In Powers' first opportunity to lead the Hoosiers, it ended in pain at Illinois.\nPowers threw two interceptions, and the Illini came from behind to defeat the Hoosiers 26-22.\nHaving a tough outing in his first appearance is something Powers hopes serves him well in his quest to be the top signal caller, he said.\n"I think no matter who you are, you are going to take your bruises at the position of quarterback," Powers said. "I knew that I would get in a position that I would have that happen. That is definitely something I'm glad happened, and I would rather have that in the past and not in the future."\nEven though there are two main competitors trying to win the quarterback competition and lead the Hoosiers in the fall, there are still two other players who are trying to make a name for themselves -- Mike Vlahogeorge and Grant Gregory.\nBoth players red-shirted this past season and are ready to make contributions to IU.\nVlahogeorge ranks fourth in career passing yards for all Indiana high schools with 10,757 yards.\nEven with a new system in place, Vlahogeorge feels he is adjusting much better the first time around at IU, he said.\n"I don't know if it is the offense or experience, but I am picking up the offense better than I did last spring," Vlahogeorge said.\nThe last of the four quarterbacks fighting for the quarterback spot is Gregory. In addition to taking snaps under center, Gregory is also playing wide receiver.\nDespite the challenges of trying to play two positions at the same time, Gregory said he feels playing both positions hasn't affected his learning the new system.\n"(The coaches) have really installed (the offense) at a pace we can handle," Gregory said. "(I) just stay near the coaches and do whatever they tell me to, because one play they may need me at wide receiver and then I got to get the glove off and go on at quarterback."\nAs tonight's game marks the final practice of the spring season, all the players and coaches know the significance of the game.\nCurrently, Hoeppner hasn't set his depth chart in stone, but Powers is leading at No. 1, he said.\nEven with the quarterback being one of the youngest and most important positions on the field, Hoeppner is prepared to announce a starter after spring, he said.\n"I think we'll come out of spring with a starting quarterback," Hoeppner said. "I don't see us changing who our starting quarterback is once we finish up the spring. The way we start the season is the way we finish up the spring."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/13/05 6:02am)
After the Michigan game Oct. 2, senior John Pannozzo should have seen it coming.\nWhat he should have seen is that his fullback career at IU would be finished soon, and he would move to a career in which he would give out the hits rather than take them.\nGarnering a top-10 Play of the Week on ESPN after his ferocious hit on a Wolverine punt returner would be the start to a change in position for the Brooklyn, N.Y., native.\nFor three years, Pannozzo played fullback under former football coach Gerry DiNardo. Now, under new coach Terry Hoeppner, Pannozzo will spearhead the defense from the middle linebacker position. \nAs the spread offense came with the new regime, Pannozzo knew he might have to change roles, he said.\n"It wasn't a total shock," Pannozzo said. "With the new offense and everything I wasn't sure where I was going to fit offensively and if there was going to be a big role for me or not -- so I was open minded."\nThough it had been some time since Pannozzo played linebacker, he has experience. While at Poly Prep High School, he had 89 tackles with five sacks en route to All-State honors.\nNow, as spring practice enters its final days, Pannozzo said he feels he's starting to get a better understanding of the defense and all of his responsibilities.\nHaving two important intangibles -- physicalness and intelligence -- makes Pannozzo a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, said linebackers coach George Ricumstrict.\n"I think where he is at in understanding our defense and the way he's performed throughout spring is really unbelievable for a kid that hasn't played defense since high school," Ricumstrict said. "He is like the quarterback of our defense. His intelligence has really shown and he's aggressive and he'll attack you."\nGetting adjusted to the complexities is one of the many challenges that Pannozzo has faced since making the change.\nOne advantage Pannozzo now has at the linebacker spot is the experience of blocking linebackers from position at fullback. \nHaving been in running back film sessions has helped him learn where to be on the field, he said.\nAnother aid to re-learning the position are his teammates. The most experienced member of the linebacking corps, senior Kyle Killion, actually gave up his position at middle linebacker to move to outside linebacker to make room for Pannozzo.\nHaving another person on the field to make hits and help the Hoosier defense is a welcomed sight, Killion said.\n"He's a playmaker, he flies around the ball and tackles real hard so that is what a middle linebacker should do," he said. "(Pannozzo being with us) helps us out a lot. Linebackers get hit every play and you get dinged up every once in a while so we need a lot more bodies, so Pannozzo is a great player to have for the linebacker (spot)."\nAfter 13 days of practice, Pannozzo said he now feels at home in his new position as everything has begun to become second nature. But Ricumstrict isn't worried about Pannozzo not being up to game speed. Players staying healthy and having a good time in the spring game are his top priorities.\nNow with Pannozzo on the other side of the ball, he is planning to have fun at the opponents' expense, he said.\n"(It) is definitely a lot of fun, blocking was a great thing for me," Pannozzo said. "Being on defense now, flying around and making plays and just hitting people -- it is a lot of fun and I'm glad to be on the defensive side."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/11/05 6:49am)
From 1984 to 1988, Sharon Versyp made West Lafayette her home as a player. Now Versyp will make Bloomington her new home after being named the IU women's basketball coach Friday.\nVersyp, a native of Mishawaka, Ind., will return to Indiana after five years as coach at the University of Maine, where she compiled a 98-51 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2004.\nVersyp replaces former coach Kathi Bennett, who resigned March 1 after five years at IU. Bennett left with a 72-75 record.\nRealizing the team's possibilities was one of the main reasons Versyp said she came to Bloomington.\n"I've always known that there is a great potential here," she said. "I discussed it a little bit, but I know that IU is a sleeping giant. We need to get the state excited about IU women's basketball. When it has that much potential, it is exciting. We can always go up, and we are going to do it and do it in grand fashion."\nVersyp becomes the latest coach to leave the Black Bears for the Big Ten. In 2000, Joanne McCallie left Maine to join Michigan State, where she led the Spartans to the national title game this season.\nBefore entering the coaching ranks, Versyp had an impressive playing career in the state. Versyp was a four-year starter at Purdue and earned Indiana's Miss Basketball in 1984.\nThe combination of head coaching experience, winning and recruiting made Versyp a logical choice to be the seventh coach in the program's history, IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan said.\n"I think the first step is reclaiming some territory and I think Sharon is the leader to do it," Greenspan said. "We need to reinvigorate people that have strong ties to this institution, whether it's alum, high school coaches or potential student athletes and that comes from a grass-roots approach."\nTo get the Hoosiers back to the NCAA Tournament, Versyp said she plans to insert a full-court defense and run up and down the court as much as possible. The team will also use multiple sets on the attack, including a motion offense. \nWith a new coach in place, the team is eager to start the season, said junior guard Cyndi Valentin.\n"We can now put a name with a face. We can start working with the coach next week, and it is very exciting," she said. "(I'm) excited just because she is not set in her ways, she'll play defense man-to-man and she'll play zone -- she's able to change. I like change and I like to run the floor and it is exciting for us guards."\nA major change to the Hoosiers will be conditioning, Versyp said. At Maine, her team's conditioning paid big dividends, as they outscored teams in the second half by a total of 106 points for the season. \n"The biggest strength that I have is that (the team) is going to be the best strength and conditioned team," Versyp said. "I've done that in the past and by the last six minutes of the half or the end of the game we're still plowing on and kicking and the other team starts really showing their fatigue, and that is what we have to do here is finish."\nTwo main areas Versyp said she feels IU can improve are recruiting and attendance.\nEven with two powers in women's basketball in Notre Dame and Purdue, Versyp's recruiting goal is simple: "First and foremost, getting the best players in the state of Indiana."\nVersyp is hoping her background in high school coaching in Indiana will reap rewards in the coming years. Before going to James Madison University to be an assistant coach, Versyp started at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and was there from 1989-1993.\nAttendance, a problem that reared its head many times for the Hoosiers this season, will also be a point of emphasis for Versyp.\nFor the season, IU averaged 1,782 per game. At Maine under Versyp the Black Bears averaged 2,372 and ranked in the top 40 in attendance in the nation.\n"I think that we can be very successful," Versyp said. "It is how soon (the team) starts, more or less, investing in what I'm selling. The Big Ten is a great conference because every year it could be somebody new."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/11/05 5:33am)
The Indiana fight song echoes through IU football coach Terry Hoeppner's office.\nIt's not from game tape. It's not from a CD. It's his crimson-colored cell phone.\nIt's just one of the little things Hoeppner does to show his recently acquired passion and dedication to IU.\nFor Hoeppner, football is what he does, it's not who he is. There's more to the man than X's and O's, there's also a passion, loyalty and enthusiasm that permeates through his life -- on and off the field.\nPassion\nPassion -- for football and for IU -- was one of the most important qualities IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan was looking for during the hiring process.\n"I was really looking for not just a coach, but a partner to invest himself in the institution," Greenspan said. "He has done everything we have asked, from media relations to traveling around the state and the country helping us raise money to raise a significant new interest in football."\nThe passion to succeed is also big with Hoeppner and is something he stresses with his players -- encouraging them to be "champions on the field, in the classroom and in life."\nTo help the players reach their goals on and off the field, in their player's manual there is a section for writing their goals. \nHoeppner put the section for goals in for a few reasons. One main reason was that he was astounded how he started to achieve goals once they were written down, he said.\n"If you write (a goal) down it is more meaningful to you," Hoeppner said. "I said that for years, but I didn't write them down, and said 'We need to set goals.' When I finally started writing my goals down, it was amazing how I started to accomplish things."\nPassion is also an important part of his relationship with his players and part of what makes him who he is as a person and coach, former player Ben Roethlisberger said.\n"He is very passionate about his family, his players and football," Roethlisberger said via e-mail. "He has a fire inside of him that drives him to be the best and that is why I think that he is one of the best."\nLoyalty\nAs a player from 1994-1997 under Hoeppner, current Co-Defensive Coordinator Joe Palcic was always interested in the intricacies of defense. So much so, that on road trips, Palcic made a home of the second seat on the bus -- right behind coach Hep and his wife, Jane. On the way back home, Palcic made it a point to pick his coach's brain on every last defensive decision he made during the previous game.\nAfter graduating from Miami University of Ohio, Hoeppner made a promise that if he ever became a head coach, he would hire Palcic. \nHe did.\n"I held him to that word," Palcic said. "And when he became a head coach I showed up on his doorstep and said 'Remember? You're going to hire me.' He hired me right away."
(04/08/05 5:28am)
After more than a month of searching for the next women's basketball coach, the IU athletics department will announce the new coach today at 1:30 p.m. in the Hoosier Room in Memorial Stadium.\nThe new coach will replace Kathi Bennett, who resigned as head coach in March after five seasons. In Bennett's time in Bloomington, she compiled a 72-75 record and led the Hoosiers to one NCAA tournament appearance in 2002.\nShortly after the announcement that Bennett was stepping down, IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan formed a search committee featuring six people with a broad range of experiences, with clear characteristics necessary to be the next coach of the Hoosiers.\n"We're looking for a coach with proven success, a great academic profile and unquestioned integrity," said Greenspan in a statement. "We want someone with a passion for recruiting and building a highly successful program in the classroom and on the court."\nThough much of the search has been kept in the dark, two names have emerged -- Kevin Borseth and Holly Warlick.\nBorseth is currently the coach of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In his seven years guiding the Phoenix he has 164-51 record, taking them to the NCAA Tournament six times.\nBorseth was unavailable for comment by press time.\nThe Big Ten currently has only one male coach, Jim Foster at Ohio State.\nFor the past 20 seasons, Warlick has served as the top assistant to the winningest coach in college basketball -- Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee.\nAs well to being a part of one of the most storied programs in women's basketball, Warlick was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.\nWarlick said she recently talked with both Greenspan and Associate Athletics Director Tim Fitzpatrick. She also met with Greenspan in Indianapolis during the Final Four. \nShe said she is not sure of her status for the position as hasn't heard from anyone in the past few days.\nWarlick is also considering a similar position at Clemson University.\nThough Warlick isn't certain that she will get the position, she said she knows the program can be turned around.\n"Regardless of the outcome, (Greenspan) is outstanding. He's a great seller for (IU) and he's a very impressive AD," Warlick said. "The recruiting base is tremendous for women. It is a basketball area that I don't think Indiana has had tapped into for the resources for one reason or another. I think it could be a very good basketball school for women."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(04/06/05 8:41pm)
While the seniors at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, Ohio, are busy picking out dresses and tuxes for prom, Dennis Underwood is worrying about shoulder pads and cleats.\nUnderwood, a freshman running back, became the first member of IU football coach Terry Hoeppner's inaugural recruiting class to make it to Bloomington. Underwood decided instead of sticking it out in high school for one more semester, he would join IU and hit the ground running as he enrolled in January.\nGoing into his senior year, Underwood was prepared to make a big impact. Instead, his season was finished before it even started. It wasn't an injury that prevented Underwood from making moves on the field -- it was his age.\nAt the start of the season, Underwood was 19, and according to Ohio High School Athletic Association rules, he was declared ineligible because he turned 19 before Aug. 1.\nDespite not getting to play his senior year, Underwood said he has no regrets about enrolling in January and starting his college life months before the rest of his graduating class.\n"I think the best decision for me, not saying that I'm greater than anybody else, I'm just thinking it was better for me in my situation," Underwood said. "The only thing I'm missing out right now is a prom. That's really nothing."\nGetting acclimated to the University, while difficult for many freshmen, hasn't been much of a problem for Underwood because of his teammates.\nOne player Underwood has been able to rely on is redshirt freshman quarterback Mike Vlahogeorge.\nVlahogeorge also enrolled early last January after graduating in December 2003 from Lafayette Jefferson in Lafayette.\nMuch like Underwood, Vlahogeorge found the experience to be rewarding in preparing him for Division I football and a big college campus, he said.\n"It was real beneficial for me in football at the quarterback position, because there is so much information. I felt like I would have a better summer and be able (to) come in the fall stronger if I came here early," Vlahogeorge said. "(The hardest part) was just getting acclimated to college life. Usually you have a summer before the year and you jump into it with your high school friends. I was on my own so I had to get here and get acclimated."\nHaving a head start over the rest of his class could be advantageous for him to get playing time in the fall with a loaded backfield.\nIn addition to Underwood, the Hoosiers return seniors Chris Taylor and Yamar Washington, and incoming freshmen Justin Carrington, Demetrius McCray and Bryan Payton. Despite having an advantage over the other freshmen running backs in terms of knowing the plays and terminology, he still has work to be ready for the fall, said running backs coach Gerald Brown.\n"He's got some work to do; he plays in spurts sometimes," Brown said. "Good running backs are good running backs. They find a way to get down field and make things happen. (Underwood) has to work on the little things, maintain tempo, ball security and those types of things that when you come out of high school you might not pay as much attention to."\nHaving the chance to get extra work with the team is a special opportunity for Underwood, one Hoeppner hopes he is taking full advantage of, he said.\n"You really do gain a gray shirt, you gain an extra spring and you still have five years to play for," Hoeppner said. "Your clock really changes where you start and hopefully he will take advantage of it and learn a lot. That transition from high school to college, you got to be able to make that, you got to be able to make the things on campus and in the classroom work."\nThough Underwood faces many challenges as he continues his first spring in football, he has already found a stark difference between the gridiron at St. Thomas Aquinas and IU, he said.\n"High school is not really serious college is really, really serious," he said. "You have to do everything precisely right."\n-- Contact Staff Writer at Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(03/29/05 4:57am)
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.
(03/28/05 7:47am)
Q: Today is February 17th, exactly two months since you've been hired, is IU everything that you expected it to be?\nA: I think almost across the board. If you enumerated all of the various things that I've been exposed to at Indiana University, I had pretty high expectations and they've been exceeded. \nPeople demonstrate to me on a daily basis how much they want to help. I can't use all the help right now; I can't use all the help that people want to give me to help the program. \nSeason tickets sales. We've sold more season tickets than we have ever sold to at this point. I don't even know if we've tried to sell them in the past this early, but people are excited and we have season ticket promotion going on through the end of this month. So I would expect it was more than ever in January and I would expect February even more.\nI know I got my season tickets. I say that jokingly, but I buy season tickets. If I am going to ask people to buy season tickets do it. As part of my package is I get tickets, but I buy season tickets. I give them to my family or other people, but we're going to have somebody sitting in those seats. My wife will get out in the community, we might have people that are elementary school kids... you know. It's been great, the reception the enthusiasm all of its been what I've hoped for and more.
(03/28/05 7:42am)
Football reporter Dan Click recently sat down with new IU football coach Terry Hoeppner. Here's what Hoeppner had to say about players, scheduling and getting to a bowl game.
(03/28/05 6:47am)
They're worn around the world, sometimes out of necessity, other times as a fashion statement, but there is no doubt they carry significance.\nThey have names, addresses and some are even studded with jewels. Dog tags, a term that originated during the World War II era, will be one of the many new changes that new IU football coach Terry Hoeppner plans to bring to the Hoosier football program.\n"(The dog tags) are something that the team at Miami (University of Ohio) wore last year, in part to honor the military. Not pretending that football is anything like war, but there are a lot of analogies that can be drawn between military strategy and football."\nW.I.N.: "What's Important Now." That was the operating code on the dog tags from his team last year, and it will be an important theme for Hoeppner and the rest of the program as they try to tackle the problems that have been plaguing the Hoosiers for years.\nHoeppner will unveil some of his plans as he talks with IU students 8 p.m. tonight at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union. The event is free and open to all.\nWinning, something that IU hasn't experienced much of the last few seasons, will be one of the important tasks for Hoeppner to try and solve. The Hoosiers have won only 13 games since the start of the 2001 season. 2001 also marked the last time IU flirted with going to a bowl game. \nSomething Hoeppner said he learned long ago was to win six. Six wins would guarantee a much-sought bowl bid for the Hoosiers.\n"You got short-term, intermediate and long-term goals. In terms of winning, one of the short-term goals this season is to win six," the Woodburn, Ind. native said. "We want to win at home and take care of business in our house, and use the momentum that we've been able to generate up to this point."\nAs vital as his February recruits are, regaining the support of a disinterested student population as well as an alumni base of 464,000 will be some of the most important recruits for Hoeppner.\n"It is hard to quantify. It is of the utmost importance. The equation won't be complete without the students," Hoeppner said. "Winning won't be as much fun without the students to help celebrate. I hope they appreciate how important I think they are."\nThere are a variety of efforts set in place to encourage student involvement on game days and players out in the community.\nOne tradition that Hoeppner established at Miami University of Ohio and will establish at IU is "The Walk." Currently there is not an official name for this walk, but players will be dropped off two hours before the game and walk through the tailgate area to encourage fans to leave the tailgating grounds and go across the street to Memorial Stadium.\nAnother tradition that will start is the singing of the school fight song after home victories. The team will go in front of the Crimson Crew, the student section, and sing the fight song. It's something Hoeppner hopes can be done many times in the years to come.\nIn addition to getting students to fill the seats, just having people attend the game is an issue that Hoeppner is facing with growing optimism. For the season, IU averaged only 28,377 in the 52,180-seat stadium.\nHis optimism is due to an increased number of season tickets ordered through the winter months, something he's contributed to.\n"I know I buy my season tickets. I say that jokingly, but I buy season tickets. If I am going to ask people to buy season tickets, I (am going to) do it," Hoeppner said. "As part of my package I get tickets, but I buy season tickets. I give them to family or other people, but we're going to have somebody sitting in those seats."\nAs alumni and fans cautiously await a winner, Hoeppner is hoping to wake up the echoes of IU's past. Even though he has only been on the job a few months, he's already talked with recent Hoosier greats, including Antwaan Randle-El and Kansas City quarterback Trent Green. Hoeppner doesn't want to limit his open-door policy to just star players and members from bowl teams, he also would like players that have succeeded in other walks of life. \nMost recently, at spring practice Thursday, 10 former Hoosiers watched and shared a few words with the team. Of those 10, seven were members of IU's only Rose Bowl team. Having those members there was only fitting for the words of the day: Rose Bowl. The "word (or words) of the day" is another tradition Hoeppner is starting before each practice. \nGetting help from many constituents to serve the football program hasn't been a problem, even though Hoeppner has more help than he can use.\nOne person who he's been given plenty of help from is University President Adam Herbert. \nHoeppner cited Herbert as a reason recruits came away from their official visits impressed with the program. Herbert has even lifted weights and watched videotapes with the coaching staff.\nHaving the full support from all parts of the University will be a factor in turning the program around, Hoeppner said.\nHe also knows about the effect a winning program can have on the rest of the athletics department, he said.\n"Rick (Greenspan) said it best; he thinks that we should be the heart of the athletics department. Basketball is part of our DNA, it's our soul, so if we're the heart and basketball is the soul we got to be successful for the rest of the athletics department and it will have a positive effect on the University. When football -- not if, but when -- football becomes successful as is measured by wins on the field, support from the students and the alumni base (will have a ripple effect on admissions and marketing)." \nBut "what's important now?" \nFrom the look of things, everything is important now. Hoeppner doesn't plan on waiting around for a winner; he is expecting 100 percent graduation rates and the players to be champions in all walks of life.\nTradition, the winning and the dog tags, are part of a plan to infuse a program that has a tradition of losing more than winning. That's something Hoeppner is planning to change right away.\nAs part of the recruiting process, Hoeppner showed the recruits his Fossil Independence Bowl watch, a reward for getting Miami to the bowl game. If W.I.N. translates to wins, then he will be living out an unanticipated dream.\n"I would say it's a dream come true, but I don't know that I actually allowed myself to dream it, so it's probably beyond that," Hoeppner said. "I'm excited to be here and look forward to going to a bowl game with the Hoosiers."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.