2008 Woodie Awards
Miami remembers former Head Coach Terry Hoeppner
After losing his battle with brain cancer June 19, players along with coaches, reflect on losing a former RedHawk
Ben Garbarek
Issue date: 8/21/07 Section: Sports
He quickly changed the offensive system when he took over the program even though RedHawk fans had grown accustomed to a strong running game under Walker. Even after a disappointing 7-4 season after his first year, Hep stuck with his guns and kept his passing attack in tact.
His unique strategy ended up paying large dividends as Miami emerged as a MAC powerhouse during his tenure. Miami put together a solid 48-25 record under Hoeppner and finished in the top three in the MAC East all six seasons.
It all came together for one magical season in 2003 for Hoeppner and his crew.
RedHawk fans will long remember Hoeppner's most successful season in Oxford as Miami turned heads nationwide all season compiling a 13-1 record and finished the season ranked 10th in an Associated Press poll and 12th in a coaches poll.
"2003 was the best season we've ever had," Mester said.
Miami lost a tough road contest to Iowa in the first game of the season before cruising to 13 straight victories. The RedHawks went a perfect 8-0 in conference play and went on to beat Louisville in the GMAC Bowl 49-28. Hoeppner's passing attack bombarded defenses all season with future Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. Roethlisberger became the poster boy of Miami football and went on to earn
Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hoeppner and Roethlisberger enjoyed a close relationship and Hep has been credited for luring the star quarterback away from larger programs. Coach Hep wanted Big Ben on his team from the start, and Ben rewarded him for his dedication.
Hoeppner left Miami to return home to Indiana after the 2004 season.
Montgomery said it was tough for Hoeppner to leave Miami after so many years, but returning to Indiana to resurrect their program was a dream job that he couldn't afford to pass up.
While Hoeppner will continue to be missed at Miami, RedHawk fans everywhere can be grateful for the work he put into making this team better not only while he was on the sidelines, but for the future as well.
He fielded great teams during his six seasons, but most importantly he was a decent and kind person that helped others around him.
"I could always call him as a coach and as a friend," Montgomery said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without him."
There will be a ceremony honoring Hoeppner during Miami's first home football game, Sept. 15 against Cincinnati.
His unique strategy ended up paying large dividends as Miami emerged as a MAC powerhouse during his tenure. Miami put together a solid 48-25 record under Hoeppner and finished in the top three in the MAC East all six seasons.
It all came together for one magical season in 2003 for Hoeppner and his crew.
RedHawk fans will long remember Hoeppner's most successful season in Oxford as Miami turned heads nationwide all season compiling a 13-1 record and finished the season ranked 10th in an Associated Press poll and 12th in a coaches poll.
"2003 was the best season we've ever had," Mester said.
Miami lost a tough road contest to Iowa in the first game of the season before cruising to 13 straight victories. The RedHawks went a perfect 8-0 in conference play and went on to beat Louisville in the GMAC Bowl 49-28. Hoeppner's passing attack bombarded defenses all season with future Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. Roethlisberger became the poster boy of Miami football and went on to earn
Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hoeppner and Roethlisberger enjoyed a close relationship and Hep has been credited for luring the star quarterback away from larger programs. Coach Hep wanted Big Ben on his team from the start, and Ben rewarded him for his dedication.
Hoeppner left Miami to return home to Indiana after the 2004 season.
Montgomery said it was tough for Hoeppner to leave Miami after so many years, but returning to Indiana to resurrect their program was a dream job that he couldn't afford to pass up.
While Hoeppner will continue to be missed at Miami, RedHawk fans everywhere can be grateful for the work he put into making this team better not only while he was on the sidelines, but for the future as well.
He fielded great teams during his six seasons, but most importantly he was a decent and kind person that helped others around him.
"I could always call him as a coach and as a friend," Montgomery said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without him."
There will be a ceremony honoring Hoeppner during Miami's first home football game, Sept. 15 against Cincinnati.
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