In this Quick Hits, Coach John Tharp, talks Greece, meeting his wife, and competition.

What is the greatest game you have ever witnessed?

You are going to laugh at this, but I went to my first Red Wings game about three years ago, and I had such a good time. It was the first live,  hockey event that I had been to, and I walked away with such an appreciation for their talent and skill. I don’t think TV does them justice. I’ve been back since and have had an equally wonderful time.

Which foreign country did you love visiting the most?

I’m in love with Greece. I love it for its history, culture, beauty, and the friendships I’ve made over the years. Also to stand on the spot where the apostles preached and to think about everything we think about here at Hillsdale — it’s the start in so many different ways.

What was your favorite win as a head coach?

There were two wins that stand out. The first was a Sweet 16 NCAA tournament game when I was coaching at Lawrence College. We were down 20 points in the second half to a school out of Texas and came back to win. The other great win, and I’m blessed to say Hillsdale has had some really good ones, was beating Ferris State in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament — especially beating them the way we did because earlier that same season they beat the heck out of us on our home floor. 

Where is your favorite place you have lived?

Appleton, Wisconsin. It has a rich sense of community and a great vibe. Can I use the word “vibe”? With its restaurants, performing arts center, it had a little bit of everything, and yet still maintained that small town feel.

How did you meet your wife?

It was May, 1990, and I had just finished final exams at Beloit College in Wisconsin and was out to dinner with my parents to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. We had gone out to this sports restaurant, and my wife, who I did not know at the time, was our waitress and wore a referee shirt. I must admit, I kept looking at her the entire night. She eventually came up to me, and thank goodness she did because I don’t think I would have been courageous enough. I still joke that she is the only referee that I have ever truly loved.

What is the greatest team you have ever coached?

You are going to get me in so much trouble, you know that? People have asked me this question for years, and I have said it is like picking a favorite child. I will say the 2021-22 Hillsdale men’s basketball team that won the Midwest region. 

What is your biggest pet peeve as a parent?

Our entire house is one of competition, and there are always repercussions for losers. Part of that is we have banned the word “can’t.” I’m not a big believer in it. It’s a terrible word.