On June 4th, 2010, Coach John Wooden, age 99, passed away.
News of his passing reached me the day before his actual death (due to unreliable sources; thanks Jimmy...aka harbinger of doom). But it actually turned out better that way so that I could prepare myself for the news that would come of his actual death. I was filled with more sadness than I anticipated.
Myself, and my fellow Elizabeth, are big fans of Coach Wooden, his teaching, his coaching, and his life.
If you are not familiar with who John Wooden is, he was a former coach for UCLA basketball. He led the team to 10 national championships in 12 years. Wooden was the first person to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. He has been named the Greatest Coach of All Time.
"I consider it a sacred trust: helping to mold character, instill productive principles and values, and provide a positive example to those under my supervision. Furthermore, it is a privilege to have that responsibility, opportunity, and obligation, one that should never be taken lightly."
"Your reaction to victory or defeat is an important part of how you play the game. I wanted my players to display style and class in either situation--to lose with grace, to win with humility."
Wooden was also a teacher; not only to his players but others as well. He taught many of his players what the true meanings of life were, and that basketball was not the most important thing in life.
"Basketball is just a game, but if I was doing my job as a coach that game of basketball would help our players by preparing them to do well in life, to reach their full potential as individuals. When they did that, I felt very proud as a coach. That's more rewarding to me than all the championships and titles and awards."
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people say you are. Reputation is often based on character--but not always"
His Pyramid of Success is something that he is extremely well-known for and is taught in classrooms as well as in sports. He coined his own definition of success in 1934...
"Success is the peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."
Although he was a famous coach and teacher, Wooden always had his priorities right and put family and faith first. He married the love of his life, Nellie. And even though she passed away on March 21, 1985, he still visited her grave the 21st of every month and wrote her love notes as well. He is survived by his son, his daughter, 7 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
"A parent can help direct a child when it comes to goals. Show leadership. Show discipline. Show industriousness. Have traditional values. The person you are is the person your child will become."
"The greatest word in the whole dictionary is love. Love your children. Listen to them. Share with them. Remember that love is the most powerful medicine in the world."
"I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior."
Wooden ends one of his books with , "I believe that all of us have within us the building blocks of success. The potential within each of us waiting to come forth. That's what you must always keep in mind. You have success within. It's up to you to bring it out. I've been trying to dhat in my own life for over eighty years. I will continue each day to strive for that until the moment the Good Lord calls me to be with my dear Nellie again."
See you in heaven Coach Wooden.
appreciate.the.moments
