"You just expect someone that's as tough and competitive as he is to, no matter the obstacle whether it's cancer or anything else, show up one day," said the younger Lynch, who coached with Mr. Hoeppner at Miami University (Ohio) and followed him to Indiana after the 2004 season. "I was just laughing with the guys, telling them that Terry would probably tell us to suck it up, get going, and defend 'The Rock' because that's who he was." It was Mr. Hoeppner who added "The Rock" nickname to Memorial Stadium after moving a 3-ton limestone boulder into the north end zone before his first season with the Hoosiers in 2005.
"I'm really touched by it. I've been with my share of coaches now, and it's just really hard to see him go like that," said Kyle Thomas, Indiana University offensive lineman, who added that he was surprised to find out that Mr. Hoeppner's condition had been so serious.
Lynch said he had not yet spoken with Mr. Hoeppner's wife, Jane, who had addressed the team Friday.
"I'm sure she'll rely strongly on her faith, which is, no pun intended, her rock," Lynch said.
Mr. Hoeppner had taken three medical leaves since December 2005. He hadn't been seen publicly since late February.
Late last week, the school said assistant Bill Lynch would replace him as coach for the 2007 season.
Mr. Hoeppner was hired in 2004 to rebuild Indiana's football program. He went 9-14 in two seasons.
A native of northeastern Indiana, Mr. Hoeppner grew up a Hoosiers fan, attended college at Franklin, near Indianapolis, and coached on the prep level in his home state.
In eight seasons as a head coach, six at Miami (Ohio), Mr. Hoeppner was 57-39, and he took Miami to consecutive bowl games in 2003 and 2004.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hoeppner leaves three children, Amy, Allison, and Drew; and four grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
