GBI Magazine

Gold and Black Illustrated Vol28, Digital1

Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.

Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/865278

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 39 of 74

GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 40 "Brock is like a second son to Joe. "But you know that when Jim (Chaney) is around, there is laughter, and lots of it." Tiller showed his competitive juices were still flow- ing, engaging Brees in a game of Cribbage. Tiller, who has played the game for years, faced a newbie in Brees. Yet Brees, maybe the most competitive man alive, didn't take it easy on the former coach. "Drew crushed him," Morales said. "Part of me said the Coach was taking it easy on Drew, but I am not 100 percent sure. It was great to see those two go at it, but it shouldn't be a surprise that Drew catches on quick in everything, including Cribbage." An added bonus for Morales was getting to spend some quality time with Brees, something not easy to do with Brees being a national celebrity. "Unless you are in Drew's tightest circle, it is hard to get much time with him, which I totally understand," Morales said. "But the first night, we hung out in Til- ler's basement and just talked shop for a couple hours and that was extra special." The get-together moved from Tiller's home on the first night to their family-owned Italian restaurant in downtown Buffalo. Tiller's daughter Renee runs Pie Zanos, and it is the place to go in the town of about 4,600 residents. It proved to be the right place to host the anniversary party. "It really is a cool little town," Quinn said. "The city of Buffalo has benefited greatly by Joe and Arnette living there, that's for sure." Tom Schott, senior associate athletic director of com- munications who was at the gathering with his wife Jane, said the timing could not have been better for the anniversary celebration. "It was the best medicine one could have had for Joe," said Tom Schott, who has hosted the Tillers on their many return trips to West Lafayette over the years. "He looked like a different person by the time we left. "It was night and day." For Dorsch and many of the guys, it was just an op- portunity to say thanks to the man who was tough on them, but has meant so much. Tiller was sincere and even a bit solemn as he said he loved each and every one of them. That's heady stuff coming from the crusty old coach. "I pointed at my wife and at my kids and talked about my job and the lessons that I learned from him as a player," Dorsch said in one of his private mo- ments he had with Tiller. "I said, 'I hope that seeing guys 20 years later allows you to reflect a bit on some of the lessons that you taught us.' "I think he was trying to hold back a tear but wasn't suc- cessful." j PURDUE LEATHER COLLECTION Gold and Black • 2605 Yeager Road • West Lafayette, IN 47906 • 1-800-876-4678 Visit the store at GoldandBlackDigital.com for this and other great Purdue Fan items! Great Gift Ideas! Items are shipped direct from manufacturer. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing & delivery. #7540 Rucksack $249 + $20 S&H #7544 Padholder $59 + $15 S&H #7543 Briefcase $239 + $20 S&H Available in Black or Tan #7542 Large Duffel $319 + $20 S&H #7541 Duffel $259 + $20 S&H We are pleased to offer these fine leather items for Purdue alumni, undergrads and fans. The classic styling and quality will last for many years to come. Please add sales tax if you live in IN (7%)

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of GBI Magazine - Gold and Black Illustrated Vol28, Digital1