FAIRBANKS, AK - The University of Alaska Fairbanks director of athletics and campus recreation,
Forrest Karr, has announced that the department will retire jersey number 44 in honor of Nanook men's basketball great
Milo Griffin in a halftime ceremony during the UAF game against Western Oregon University on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
"Milo's numbers speak for themselves, and his dedication to basketball in the Fairbanks community since graduation speaks volumes about his character. Milo has helped many young athletes. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize his accomplishments," said Karr.
Griffin starred for the Nanooks from 1965-69. He graduated from UAF as the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,682 points, a mark that stood for 36 years. On February 10, 2005,
Brad Oleson (North Pole, AK) scored 39 points against Central Washington to surpass Griffin for the all-time scoring lead. Oleson, who played from 2002-05, finished his career with 1,883 points.
"I think it is one of the highest honors you can bestow upon an athlete by the school that they attended. I have played every major sport and this is the highlight of my athletic career," said Griffin.
Griffin still holds the Nanook single game record, scoring 43 points vs. Saint Martin's on February 3, 1968.
The native of Barbourville, KY posted a career record 34-46 in the blue and gold. His 397 career rebounds are 21st on the all-time rebounding list. Griffin returned to UAF from 1993-96 as an assistant coach under
George Roderick and has been the head boys basketball coach at Lathrop High School since 1996.
"Coach Griffin was truly a great player. However, having your number retired transcends just being a great player. As a coach in our community he has touched the lives of numerous young men. Coach Griffin scored a lot of points and won a lot of games, but none of that is more important than his contributions to the youth of our community," said current Nanook head coach
Frank Ostanik.
Griffin maintains the Nanook career records for field goals attempted (1,418), free throws made (438), free throws attempted (575) and is tied with Oleson for the most field goals made in a career (622). He also stands as the Nanooks single-season leader in points per game, averaging 26.0 points per game during the 1967-68 season.
"In many respects, Milo Griffin opened the door for other great players to play at UAF. Hopefully, the retiring of his jersey will help open the door for other great players who have starred at UAF and graduated to have their numbers retired as well," said Ostanik.
A gifted athlete, Griffin was also a member of the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks baseball team from 1967-69 where he played outfield and first base.
Griffin will join
Dr. William R. Wood as the second individual to have their name immortalized on the gymnasium wall in the Patty Center. Dr. Wood was honored as the Nanooks' number one fan in a ceremony during the 2000-01 season. Griffin's number 44 will hang next to the banner that bear's Dr. Wood's name, emblazoned with the number one.
- UAF BASKETBALL -
