My son went to an IUFB specialist prospect camp as an incoming 8th grader. Half the size of everyone there, too young on paper, not really a kicker but he was coming for the afternoon RB camp and wanted to attend the morning session to get more time in with the staff. The girls working the check in table giggled a little when he came through the line. He had barely done any kicking before, was the worst one there, skipped lunch and the recruiting mingle to work on the field by himself kicking field goals. Went through final reps in a line full of guys with stars, was the hype guy and undaunted. When he finally got one through the goalposts after missing several in front of a bunch of ranked guys, they circled him and went crazy. He learned a lot from those guys that day as well.
After camp, with real recruits waiting for his attention - Coach Inge made it a point to spend a little time with him - treated him like a five star and told him to keep working and keep showing up, lean on his mindset and work ethic, his faith.
Chris stayed for the afternoon camp, the check-in girls were rooting for him by the time he came back through the line. He came back every year. He went on to come back four years and 100 pounds of mostly muscle later with a -4.4 40 time, and earned a PWO offer from CTA. He ultimately decided to pursue a career in military and law enforcement, but in a moment where he could’ve left defeated and given up - he listened, and left even more determined and walking a little taller. They kept in touch a little here for a while after Coach moved on from IU.
He still talks about Coach Inge. He is a big part of, and a pivotal moment in his football and life story and he made an impression on him that day. He didn’t have to spend any time on Chris - instead he taught him how to kick and sent him home feeling respected and seen, encouraged, with his head held high. He took that energy home to his team and treated everyone below him on the depth chart and roster the way he was treated that day. He continues to do so in his professional life.
Coach Inge is a real one. A genuinely good man. There’s no way to quantify his impact on the countless young men who have passed through his programs.
Our family has prayed for him many times over the years and we keep him in our prayers now. Hoosier love for Coach 🫶🏽🦬
A message from Coach William Inge 🧡