Gopher Profiles in Courage - Miles Tarver

As we head into this long cold Midwestern winter, its time for a lighthearted new periodic segment here on 'Give 'Em Hell Goldy'. My creation of the 'Gopher Profiles in Courage' blogpost is meant to remind us of a former Golden Gopher athlete who showed particular courage in the face of adversity, and maybe have a little fun at their expense. C'mon now, if you don't laugh, you cry - and god knows we Gopher fans have done enough of that recently.

Honoring this former Golden Gopher is long overdue. You may know him best from his smooth dance moves shared with Al McGuire after the Gophers took down UCLA earning a berth to the Final Four in 1997. I knew him best for his cringe-inducing mid-range jumper and his ham-fisted rebounds. Still, I loved the guy. He was sort of our version of Brian Cardinal (everyones favorite actress from Purdue). Oakand, California's own Miles Tarver. The man, the myth, the moustache.

A member of the Clem Haskins era Gophers, one might almost think Miles didn't actually exist, since NCAA wiped the books on us. But here's his career numbers, thru to his suspension in the 1st round tourney game versus Dan Monson's Gonzaga Bulldogs. Say what you will about his game, but he improved every year, and was a solid Big Ten rebounder and defender.

Who can forget his role in the notorious Filipino National Exhibition game? Instigating a major brawl, and then pragmatically backing out to watch (so as not to muss his hair, presumably). As I recall, Quincy Lewis somehow got ejected after this fight was broken up, despite being pretty much the only Gopher not involved. And Kevin Clark was NOT ejected, despite his ramming speed take down of the entire pile of Gophers, Fillipinos, and refs. Really, just click the link and see for yourself. And pay special attention to the defense Tarver (#42) is playing in the opening footage. He's guarding the guy using balled up fists. I remember being at this game and noting to friends around me that I though he might be playing with brass knuckles. But I digress.

So where is the courage in all this? Would you walk around campus with hair and a moustache like that? Nope, you wouldn't. That takes courage my friends. Mr. Tarver, you have what the Greeks call 'thrassos' - GUTS.

I actually bumped into Miles on campus a few times, all at theatre productions on the West Bank. Never said anything to him, but I always gave him a respectful nod if eye contact was made. He was always accompanied by a lovely co-ed too, so his look must've been working for him.

At any rate, I always appreciated the effort Miles put forth on the court (always a solid glass eater), his bold & fresh look, and his ability to make fans of the other Big Ten teams say "who the hell IS that guy?'. Miles Tarver - we here at 'Give 'Em Hell Goldy' salute you.

Oh, and a quick Google browse for 'Miles Tarver Pics' will land you a much more recent photo of Miles from his Facebook account. I guess Facebook is good for something (2Mutch, can you friend him or something?). His look may have changed a bit, but he appears to be smooth as ever. Remember Miles, we kid because we love.

Oh, and if anybody can find a link to any on-line video footage of Tarver dancing with McGuire, please share.