Hoeppner a hit at IU youth football camp

The annual Terry Hoeppner Youth Football Camp hit Bloomington once again Wednesday and Thursday as kids ages 6 to 12 came out and participated in this fun-filled event. \nFor $75, kids experienced what IU football was all about. Led by Terry Hoeppner and his coaching staff, children were broken down into groups based on age and ability. \nThe two days of the camp were split up into separate sections. The morning session, which started at 9 a.m., stressed offense, and the afternoon session, which began at 1 p.m., focused on defense. \nThese separate groups for offense and defense ran through basic drills that can be used for players of all ages. Kids learned stances, tackling and blocking as well as other fundamental aspects of the game. \nBut for the children, it wasn't just focusing on one position. Each child got a chance to play almost everywhere on the field and work on the basic skills necessary for playing that position. \nCoaches and graduate assistants leading the way for the participants, and they found it important to connect with the children and get them excited about the game of football. \nGarnering interest and enthusiasm from children made the camp a fun environment to be in, and many of the kids come back for years to come if they have positive experiences, said Mike Riddle, a graduate assistant for the IU football team.\nRiddle has been a part of the past three youth camps. \n"It's good to be out there with the kids," he said. "They get really excited and fired up, especially if Hep is out there." \nHoeppner came by and gave support and guidance where it was needed throughout the camp. \n"Hep is instrumental in this camp," said Riddle. "The kids love him"