"It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
These words from Coach Hep's favorite poem, "Don't Quit" weren't just something he said to motivate players before a game. They were a way of life.
Coach Hep passed away on June 19, 2007 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Although he was only at Indiana University for a short time, his impact will be felt for many decades to come.
Coach Hep believed that if you worked together toward a common goal, you could accomplish anything. And so, one of his first tasks after being named Indiana University's 26th head football coach on December 17, 2004, was to rally the support of students, staff and fans.
Coach Hep Wants You!
He started new traditions, such as "The Walk," where players passed through the tailgating area before kickoff, and joined the Marching 100 to sing the alma mater after each game.
He began calling Memorial Stadium "The Rock" and even had a limestone piece of the original stadium placed on the field. All over campus, "Coach Hep Wants You!" posters went up asking students and fans to fill the stands.
Ticket sales skyrocketed. And in 2005, the Hoosiers had their first 4-1 season start since 1994. The following year, the team picked up three Big Ten wins, including an on-the-road victory against Michigan State.
Play 13
The phrase "Don't Quit" became even more meaningful the following fall when they faced their first season without Coach Hep. Under coach Bill Lynch, the Hoosiers fulfilled the goal Coach Hep had set for them, to "play 13" —12 regular season games plus one bowl game.
On December 31, 2007 they competed in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, marking the team's first bowl-game appearance since 1993. Coach Hep's wife, Jane Hoeppner, and their children were present to show their support for the team.
Be a part of a new tradition.
Sign up today and help these great Hoosier organizations as they improve the lives of patients and work to eradicate cancer.
Don't Quit. Join the Fight.