IU Coach Hoeppner Succumbs to Cancer

[joepa66]

RIP Coach......you fought a damned good fight!


Indiana coach Hoeppner dies at 59 after long battle with cancer


June 19, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died Tuesday of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59. Hoeppner, who had two brain surgeries in the past 18 months, missed nearly four months on medical leave. He died at 6:50 a.m. at Bloomington Hospital, said J.D. Campbell, the school's sports information director.

"Terry's fight was courageous and will serve as an inspiration to those who have known him," Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan said in a statement. "This is a truly sad day for our community and all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoeppner family and to those whose lives he has touched."

Indiana University team physician Dr. Larry Rink confirmed in the statement that Hoeppner was being treated for the brain tumor over the past 18 months. During Hoeppner's illness the school released few details of the nature of his condition or his treatment. Late last week, the school said assistant Bill Lynch would replace him as coach for the 2007 season.

Hoeppner, who went 9-14 in two seasons as Indiana's coach, had taken three medical leaves since December 2005. He hadn't been seen publicly since late February. Hoeppner left the team temporarily three times in 15 months starting in December 2005 when doctors removed a tumor from his right temple a year after athletic director Rick Greenspan hired Hoeppner.

His wife, Jane, said in a statement announcing Lynch's hiring that her husband was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He had been hospitalized last week, but was expected to return home Friday. In September, a CT scan revealed another growth in the same area of Hoeppner's brain. When doctors operated a second time, Hoeppner left the team -- an absence expected to last two weeks that extended through spring practice.

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[BoilerBacker]

My condolences to all IU fans. You lost a good coach and rep for the University.

[Kevin]

R.i.p.

[GamblinMan03]

What is it with these Big 10 coaches. First the Northwestern coach now Hoeppner. This is terrible. My prayers go out to his family and IU.

[redsfann]

Sad news if you are a college football fan. R.I.P.

[CuseFan10]

Condolences to the IU fanily and the Hoeppner family. Seemed like a very good man, wish them all the best!