Hoeppner has tumor removed

IU football coach Terry Hoeppner's physicians expect him to make a full recovery after a Dec. 27, 2005, surgery that removed a tumor from the right side of his brain. \nHoeppner experienced headaches Dec. 24, 2005, while in Cleveland watching quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who Hoepnner coached at Miami of Ohio, lead the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Browns. Hoeppner returned to Bloomington Dec. 26, 2005, and underwent neurological tests that revealed the tumor.\nHoeppner's surgery was performed at Bloomington \nHospital. \n"The prognosis for recovery is great," Hoeppner said in a statement. "And I just want to thank my wife, Jane, my wonderful family, my incredible friends, the amazing doctors who treated me and, especially, the good Lord."\nThe recent death of James Dungy, son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, has caused many coaches to reflect on their priorities, and Hoeppner said during a radio interview with IU sports commentator Don Fischer that the tumor "puts things in perspective."\n"We had plans for Christmas with the family, but as I tell the team all the time, 'Have a plan, work the plan and plan for the unexpected,'" Hoeppner said in the radio interview.\nIU Athletics Spokesman Pete Rhoda said he did not know if Hoeppner's tumor was cancerous.\nHoeppner has not spoken to any IU players since his surgery, according to the Jan. 2 news release, and players were not available for comment by press time. \n"I want the team to know I'll be back," Hoeppner said in the radio interview.\nIU Athletics Sports Medicine Director Dr. Larry Rink said Hoeppner's surgery was successful and the coach suffered no neurological defects.\n"It was hard to keep him in the hospital even a couple days after surgery," Rink said in a statement.\nWhile it is uncertain when Hoeppner, in the midst of his first recruiting season, will return to work, he said his staff will complete recruiting and lead winter practices.\n"All of our sincere thoughts are for (Hoeppner's) complete and expected return to health," Greenspan said in a statement. "(Hoeppner) is an amazing guy with a positive outlook, strong focus and competitive juices. We're looking forward to having him back in the weeks ahead"