WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A member of the Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Tim Stratton will be officially inducted on Friday.
Stratton is a four-year letterwinner (1998-2001) from the Joe Tiller era of Purdue Football.
He was the inaugural recipient of the John Mackey Award in 2000, presented to the nation's best tight end.
Also a semifinalist for the Mackey Award in 2001, Stratton was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, just the fourth in program history.
He recorded 204 career receptions, breaking the former school record of 181, and became just the third player in Big Ten history to eclipse 200 career catches.
A stalwart of consistency, Stratton played in all 49 possible games during his Purdue career, recording a catch in 47 of those contests.
Q: How would you describe your approach to your athletic and academic pursuits during your time at Purdue?
Stratton: I never wanted to be doubted in my capabilities both on and off the field. I wanted to be known for having the best hands on the team and being able to balance being a student-athlete.
Q: What did you learn during your time at Purdue that has been the most valuable for you?
Stratton: Accountability. I'm a strong believer in what Coach Tiller taught us: "Do what you're supposed to do the way it's supposed to be done, and do it that way every time."
Q: What advice would you give current student-athletes that you wish someone had given you during your time at Purdue?
Stratton: Plan for life after sports and what you really want to do. Talk about life goals, whether it be making a lot of money or starting a family, and how to plan for whatever route you choose.
Q: What is your favorite Purdue Athletics memory?
Stratton: Beating Indiana in 2000 to secure the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl bid. A close second is when our women's basketball team won the national championship in 1999.
Q: Did you have a favorite coach, trainer, or administrator?
Stratton: Coach Jim Chaney was instrumental in my development as a player and person. His laid-back style was perfect for me. He was like a second dad to me at school. Coach Danny Hope would be a close second as we tight ends would spend a lot of time with the O-line.
Stratton is a four-year letterwinner (1998-2001) from the Joe Tiller era of Purdue Football.
He was the inaugural recipient of the John Mackey Award in 2000, presented to the nation's best tight end.
Also a semifinalist for the Mackey Award in 2001, Stratton was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, just the fourth in program history.
He recorded 204 career receptions, breaking the former school record of 181, and became just the third player in Big Ten history to eclipse 200 career catches.
A stalwart of consistency, Stratton played in all 49 possible games during his Purdue career, recording a catch in 47 of those contests.
Q: How would you describe your approach to your athletic and academic pursuits during your time at Purdue?
Stratton: I never wanted to be doubted in my capabilities both on and off the field. I wanted to be known for having the best hands on the team and being able to balance being a student-athlete.
Q: What did you learn during your time at Purdue that has been the most valuable for you?
Stratton: Accountability. I'm a strong believer in what Coach Tiller taught us: "Do what you're supposed to do the way it's supposed to be done, and do it that way every time."
Q: What advice would you give current student-athletes that you wish someone had given you during your time at Purdue?
Stratton: Plan for life after sports and what you really want to do. Talk about life goals, whether it be making a lot of money or starting a family, and how to plan for whatever route you choose.
Q: What is your favorite Purdue Athletics memory?
Stratton: Beating Indiana in 2000 to secure the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl bid. A close second is when our women's basketball team won the national championship in 1999.
Q: Did you have a favorite coach, trainer, or administrator?
Stratton: Coach Jim Chaney was instrumental in my development as a player and person. His laid-back style was perfect for me. He was like a second dad to me at school. Coach Danny Hope would be a close second as we tight ends would spend a lot of time with the O-line.