Basketball History Roster
Biography
| John Tharp Class of 1991 |
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| Head basketball Coach Hillsdale College |
In 1983 my father and I attended a Beloit College vs Ripon College basketball game in Ripon to watch my older brother play for Ripon. I had no idea that day would have such an impact on the rest of my life. I started watching the game with a bias for my brother and Ripon College. However, it did not take me long to notice the incredible classy and brilliant Head Coach for Beloit College, Bill Knapton. Fast forward to the fall of 1987 when I was blessed to be dropped off by my parents to Beloit College. Not knowing the next seven years at Beloit College, as a student-athlete and then assistant coach for the legend Bill Knapton, would be a major cornerstone for the rest of my life.
Beloit College basketball and Beloit College taught me the necessary things that are needed to be successful in the game of life. The importance to be a lifetime learner, to communicate ideas and thoughts clearly, to embrace and learn from people that are different than you, and the importance of family. Beloit College and Beloit College basketball is about family. Your professors become people that you admire, respect and befriend. Your teammates become your brothers for life.
To play for Coach Knapton and Beloit College was one of the great privileges of my life. The games and Conference Championships won will always be remembered. However, the experience of being a student-athlete at Beloit College was more important than any game won. For that experience given to me by Bill Knapton, Ed DeGeorge, Bob Hodge, Tom Warren, from the bottom of my heart I thank you! To future student athletes thinking about Beloit College let me assure you picking Beloit College will be the best decision you will make.
John S. Tharp, Beloit College Athletic Hall of Honor
- Class: 1991
- Induction: 2002
- Sport(s): Men's Basketball
It was clear soon after John “Roundy” Tharp hit the Beloit College hardcourt that his reputation as a Buccaneer would rival the legend he created at Sheboygan (Wis.) North High School. His success began midway through his freshman year, when he became the Bucs’ starting point guard. Once this happened, his momentum was in full swing and Tharp was unstoppable. In 1989, he earned second-team all-Midwest Conference recognition as Beloit won the league championship. By his senior year, he was a two-time team captain, had been elected as the team’s Most Valuable Player, and had earned first team all-conference honors. During the 1991 season, Tharp continued his dominance on the court and proceeded to set Beloit records with 181 single-season assists and 502 career assists (setting a National NCAA Division III Record). His quick rebounding and agility netted him a career total of 822 points and 250 rebounds. Upon graduation, Tharp maintained a presence on the Beloit College basketball court; from 1991-1994, he was an assistant to Coach Bill Knapton and helped guide the Buccaneers to a 50-21 record and a Midwest Conference championship. In 1994, Tharp was hired as head coach at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. As his eighth season as the Viking leader started—and with a league title to his credit—he ranked third on the school’s all-time win list with 95 victories. John, his wife, Jennifer, and their three children make their home in Appleton, Wisconsin. |
