Hardy saw teammates, coaches and even the wife of his former coach on the sideline. But Hardy never found Terry Hoeppner, Indiana's former head coach who died in June after an 18-month battle with brain tumors.

"I just tried to get through it," said Hardy, who was among the players closest to Hoeppner.

From afar, Indiana's practice looked like any other start to a team's season, complete with cramps and out-of-breath players. But this 2 1/2-hour practice under a fading sun was unlike any other across the country because it was the first since the death of the 59-year-old who had coached the Hoosiers the past two years and who was viewed as a father figure to many of the players.

The Hoosiers will wear patches on jerseys and decals on helmets. Players and coaches have T-shirts that read "Don't Quit!" on the back, a reference to a poem Hoeppner used to read. They will dedicate the season to their former coach.

Players said they were dealing with the loss in personal and varied ways, but they agreed that practice proved a cathartic exercise that allowed them to bond together and provided an outlet for all the emotions swirling internally.

"Each individual was here in the summer, working out," Hardy said. "But with this being our first practice, now we are a family again. Even though our leader is gone, we know he is watching over us."

Indiana's players believe Hoeppner's legacy extends far beyond his 9-14 record over the past two seasons in Bloomington. Players said they are inspired by his energy, enthusiasm and pledge to "Play 13," a reference to Indiana's hopes to earn its first bowl invitation since 1993.

Indiana coach Bill Lynch said it is difficult to categorize the team's emotional state, but added "they are a pretty tight group. Because of all they have been through with Hep's situation over the last year, has made them a close group. But I like the look, whether we were in meetings or out here, I think they are locked in."

Hoeppner had taken three medical leaves since undergoing surgery to remove a tumor in December 2005. Players knew his condition had not improved when he missed spring practice and it was announced in mid-June that Lynch would be the head coach this season.

But nothing prepared players for the morning of June 19. During early morning running drills, players initially were told the situation was dire. Within hours, they were told that their coach was dead.

The loss was particularly profound for Lynch, who had known Hoeppner for nearly 30 years. They both played college football in Indiana and coached at their alma maters — Lynch at Butler, Hoeppner at Franklin College near Indianapolis.

Following the team's initial meeting of the season Sunday night, Lynch fondly replayed thoughts in his mind of how enthused Hoeppner would be on the eve of practice. Hoeppner had three favorite days: signing day, the start of spring practice and the start of fall practice.

"It was like Christmas to him," Lynch said.

Hardy, who spoke during Hoeppner's funeral, said he will remember his former coach most for what he taught him off the field.