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Brent Wheat Driving into the Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo,Tiller enjoys the view daily. he said. "I used to read one book per year and since we've been here, I've probably read at least 30 books. I'm really interested in Native American plains Indian history," he noted before launching into a detailed story about the events leading up to the battle of Little Bighorn. Garryowen, Mont., the site of the battle, is only 90 miles due north of the Tiller home and the Buffalo area is rich in both Native American and U.S. cavalry history. Living on such historic ground almost requires one to embrace the history that feels absent but not gone. Winter is time for travel, though Joe notes, "We bought an RV with the idea we'd get out of here in the winters and so far we've spent every one here. Next year, I hope to spend a month traveling." Intention again collides with reality. With all of the hustle and bustle of this so-called retirement, there is still one major project the coach wants to tackle: "I want to open an antique store," he said. In the barn, above Arnette's extensive ceramic studio, is an extensive collection of antiques, most of which were actually purchased in Indiana. It seems that Tiller, in those rare moments when not coaching, was slipping around to estate sales and auctions to load up on antique dressers, soap kettles, steamer trunks and more. The barn is like your grandmother's attic without the mice. While Arnette holds ceramic workshops, Joe intends to be upstairs playing the part of shopkeeper. His love and knowledge of old things is obvious but the idea of 66 • Gold and Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 6 Brent Wheat Tiller relaxes with 5-year-old Maggie. A daily siesta is part of the routine in between taking care of his chores. Brent Wheat Tiller explains the Native American symbolism of an Alabaster carving at his home. Wife Arnette has decorated the home in distinct, eclectic fashion. yet another major undertaking seems improbable when you consider the already-intense demands on the time of a supposedly retired former coach. On the other hand, "a bazillion plus one" would seem like a manageable number to Joe Tiller. Brent Wheat is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer based in Lebanon, Ind. A lifelong Boilermaker football fan and avid outdoors enthusiast, he has authored more than 1,000 published articles ranging from local newspaper columns to national magazine features. This is his first story for Gold and Black. j GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com