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arguably the team's best lineman. It was, in part, because Robert Kugler took advantage of dad's knowledge during those transitions. "He put in the work," Sean Kugler said. "During the summer time, when kids are usually home relaxing, he'd say, 'Dad, do you want to do snaps? Or do you want to go work on some pass sets?' I'd take him and his younger brother and we'd go over to the local park and we would do that. That's not something a normal kid does. "He's always worked hard. He's just always taken care of business. From a coaching standpoint, he's very low maintenance, if any maintenance. When you're a coach, you respond to kids like that." Bright future Purdue's new coaches certainly have noticed. Kugler has gotten high remarks from head coach Darrell Hazell and offensive line coach Jim Bridge. Bridge was immediately impressed with Kugler as a "young man ahead of his years," carrying himself like a veteran despite being new to the position. No wonder, then, that Kugler took most, if not all, of the snaps with the No. 1 offense this spring, and he's expected to start at center this year and keep that position locked down until he leaves. Much of the confidence in what Bridge called an undoubtedly bright future stems from Kugler's intelligence. Simply, Kugler knows what he's doing. Even quickly picking up the new, added responsibilities in Purdue's new offense of identifying blitzes and calling protections. "Probably his biggest asset is ability Sibling Respect Sean Kugler has experience patching up holes in walls: Youngest son Patrick's head dented his share during rough-and-tumble wrestling bouts with older brother Robert growing up. Rarely were the two boys not competing at something, fostering an intense rivalry that has continued to develop into their college years. Or at least near-college years. Robert, two years older, is projected to start as Purdue's center in 2013, only his second year as an offensive lineman. Patrick is a four-star offensive line prospect set to enroll at Michigan. They've been fierce competitors at video games, basketball, ping pong, everything, for as long as they can remember. "(We were) probably too competitive, especially when we were younger," Robert Kugler said. "I didn't have the tact probably. There's a certain age when you're the older brother, no matter what you do, you're going to be better than your little brother at it because he's not old enough yet. … Now that he's gotten older, I'm probably paying for a little bit. But it's still fun." The rivalry always has its moments of playful teasing, especially when the brothers talk about besting each other. Robert Kugler quickly learned he couldn't match up with Patrick on the basketball court, so he stopped playing one-on-one. But they still were, unfortunately for Patrick apparently, teammates. "He was that kid that had no skill but tried really hard so the coaches played him," said Patrick, laughing. "He couldn't make layups. I remember we had a summer league game and there was two seconds on the clock, and it was a pass thrown into him and he threw it over the backboard. We lost by a point. He was terrible. That was probably sophomore or junior year. It was embarrassing." Robert Kugler touts himself as the smarter of the two, at least saying he puts more emphasis on school. (He didn't get his first "B" until a Calculus class in high school.) Patrick feigned offense at his brother's assessment. Then quickly added, "He took a ton of AP classes in high school. I take preschool classes." More than anything, though, the rivalry is deeply rooted in respect. Robert Kugler said he's trying to learn from his brother's strength as a player — he's "mean." Patrick Kugler says he's proud that he'll wear No. 57 for the Wolverines, the same number his brother wears and father wore. Both rave about the talent level and potential of the other. But they'd certainly love the chance to settle just who is best — by playing against each other in college. The way the Big Ten schedule looks now, that may not happen. But they're still hopeful. "I hope I play him just because I know that I'll win," Patrick Kugler said. "I'd have bragging rights against him the rest of my life." — Stacy Clardie Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5

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