Former Indiana football player Dan Zarlingo, who played for the Hoosiers in the late 1970s, reflects on his time with the team and his journey to Bloomington. Zarlingo, who excelled in football and basketball in high school, initially planned to attend Ohio State on a scholarship but ended up at Indiana after a clerical error left him without a scholarship at Ohio State.
Despite the setback, Zarlingo made the most of his time at Indiana, ultimately becoming the team’s punter and achieving success on the field. He had discussions about a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys but was sidelined by a knee injury. Despite the missed opportunity, Zarlingo looks back on his time with the Hoosiers fondly and was recently honored as part of the I-Men, former Indiana players celebrated 50 years after receiving their first letter with the program.
As the Indiana football team experiences a successful season, reaching No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, Zarlingo remains hopeful for their chances in the postseason. Although the Hoosiers suffered a loss to Ohio State, Zarlingo and other former players are proud of the team’s accomplishments and the impact they’ve made this year.
Zarlingo’s journey from high school standout to collegiate athlete showcases the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the world of sports. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in pursuing one’s dreams.
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Photo credit www.vindy.com
