Nov. 18, 2003

Editor's Note: This feature ran in the Nov. 15 edition of the Mizzou football gameday program.

by Jessica Poole

"Hard-working" "dedicated" and "motivated" are words that can be used to describe any member of the Missouri Tiger football team, and they certainly apply to senior defensive back Michael Harden. A Kansas City native, Harden knows just how far hard work and dedication can get you. In fact, he knows that it can take you from being a walk-on cornerback during spring football to a starter the next season.

Looking back on the road Harden has traveled en route to becoming one of the best defensive backs at Missouri, timing played an important factor both on and off the field.

"I look at receiving my scholarship as a blessing. I was at a point where if I didn't receive a scholarship when I did I was going to transfer or go down to Division II to try to get a scholarship there." Harden says. "It really couldn't have come at a better time, my parents were happy and I was happy and we have Coach Pinkel to thank for all of that."

Harden remembers being called into coach Pinkel's office to discuss the charts from spring football.

"I remember him saying, 'Well Mike, we looked at your spring and we're going to put you on scholarship', I just said thank you and gave him a hug. It was, one of my best moments as a Tiger, if not the best one."

The timing wasn't right only for Harden - it was also the right time for the Tiger football team. After earning his scholarship Harden was well on his way to making a name for himself within the program. In his second year as a starter he was named Defensive Back of the Year by the team and was third in the Big 12 with 15 passes broken up on the season. In a season that many of Harden's big plays turned into huge gains for the Missouri football team, none could have been bigger than his interception against Texas A&M. It was the interception by Harden that lead to a Missouri field goal for the Tigers' first-ever win over the Aggies. For the Tigers it was a great finish and a great win, though Harden remembers the game as one he wouldn't personally put down in the record books.

"I felt that that was the second-worst game I've had since I've been a Tiger. That game I got a couple penalties called on me, had a couple deep balls thrown on me but kept telling myself that I had to stay positive. I was guarding their main receiver and I knew the ball was coming to him. He ran a slant and when the quarterback didn't throw the ball in time, I got under him and got the interception."

Staying positive and being a leader isn't something that comes hard for Harden. He's constantly inspired by the trials and triumphs of his mother, Connie Harden.

"She raised three kids on her own, through rough times because she didn't have a lot. I didn't really understand until I was older but when we sat down and talked and she told me all that she had been through and I said 'wow' if she can do it, then I can do anything that I want."

Harden is nothing short of an inspiration himself, especially to the walk-on members of the team. When asked about how he was able to come so far, he constantly refers to hard work and determination. He's a source of encouragement for those who see themselves as on the bottom of the totem pole and reminds them that great things can happen if you just have faith.

When thinking about his senior season, Harden has feelings that can be described as bittersweet. He's sad that he won't be a part of the team anymore but sees great things in the future of the program.

The program is starting something new, we're ranked now but there will be a time where Missouri will be ashamed if they're not in the top 10, and to know that I was part of a team that helped gain national attention is very special."

Harden believes that his teammates and the work that they put in as a team have helped define what Missouri football is all about.

"Chemistry makes this team special. We're all working together, we're all working as one and putting aside personal goals and accolades to go out and do what best benefits the team. That's what sets this team apart from previous teams."

Reflecting back on his time spent in the Black and Gold, he's reminded of his first time coming through the tunnel and onto Faurot field. He recalls the atmosphere as "wild."

"To see 50,000 plus fans screaming to see you come out and play, giving up their afternoon or evening to come watch you perform, it was exciting. You couldn't hear the person next to you. I don't even know what I was thinking, I probably blanked for a while and then the crowd came in. That first time is something that you'll never forget."

As Harden's time in a Tiger uniform winds down and he reflects on the experience, he's able to look back with fond memories and look ahead with great anticipation.

"I tell myself I'm going to write a book about my experiences because I consider myself to be a story in the making, especially if I get a chance to play on the next level. I can show everyone that with hard work and dedication, it's possible."

While the season isn't quite over and graduation is still a ways off, Mike has showcased what it truly means to be a Missouri Tiger, whether it's inspiring his teammates, making the big play in the game, or writing a book about the Black and Gold, it's obvious that success is the only option for Harden.