I didn't run or ride, but I did participate in the 2K Family Walk. It started in Armstrong Stadium and included a loop on the field in Memorial Stadium, where a lot of people touched The Rock to honor Terry Hoeppner's memory.
Bill Lynch and most of his assistant coaches participated in this new walk to the rock. As we walked past the construction in the North End Zone, Lynch talked about how much louder it's going to be in Memorial Stadium because of the enclosure. He said you could already notice in spring practice that noise would bounce off the building under construction.
I talked afterward with Rick Schilling, the Bloomington physician who originally approached Jane Hoeppner with the idea for the walk. He seemed thrilled with how the day turned out - with great weather and a strong turnout. He said they got 709 runners, riders and walkers.
"A couple of months ago, I didn't know if we'd get anybody," Schilling said.
I thought the Coach Hep Cancer Challenge was a great event. I enjoyed listening to Tom Crean, Lynch, Jane Hoeppner and Sylvia McNair before the event, as well as to the band that was playing afterward as we ate hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and Bar-B-BQ.
I voluntereed it was a great day. I was overwelmed with how many people showed up. Is was great. As soon as I heard about the walk I had to call and find out how I could become a volunteer. Coach Hep was a great guy. I look forward to next year and years that follow.