Coach Wooden Passes at 99

[Alexamateo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/news/story?id=5253601

Our European friends may or may not be familiar with him, but a truly great man passed away yesterday.

To call him a Hall of Famer is an understatement.

As one who played basketball before the Pro leagues were even formed, he was the first 3-time All-American, and in 1932, he was national player of the year and his team Purdue were National Champions.

But he was a even better coach. As coach of the UCLA Bruins, his team won 10 National Titles including 7 in a row, at one point he won a record 88 straight games.

But he was an even better person. He himself would be most proud of his marriage to his High School Sweetheart, Nell, and the influence he had on all of the lives of his players who came to him as boys, but left as men.

It's not a sad thing, At 99 years with all he's accomplished he's definitely led a full life, but it is a good time to remember and reflect.

[Tazio]

I think this letter to the alumni sums it up pretty well!



To the Bruin Family:

With the passing of John Wooden, we have lost a true giant and a gentleman, an individual who was perhaps more closely identified with UCLA than any other person in our university’s history. Coach Wooden was an unparalleled motivator and an inspiration to people throughout the world. Those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him will forever be touched by his unfailing wisdom and generous spirit.

Coach Wooden’s record of hundreds of victories and 10 national titles established a gold standard of achievement in college athletics. Both on the court and off, he was a teacher, role model and mentor who guided his players and generations of UCLA coaches and student-athletes to become champions in life. His lasting influence has extended far beyond the campus to include leaders in academia, business and government.

The renowned Wooden Pyramid of Success–a copy of which hangs in my office–encourages us all to value cooperation, loyalty and team spirit. The Pyramid remains one of the most recognized blueprints for competitive excellence, in any pursuit.

Coach Wooden and his beloved wife, Nell, were treasured members of the UCLA family, and the Nell and John Wooden Court at Pauley Pavilion is a lasting testament to their place in our hearts.

John Wooden’s remarkable legacy will stand forever at UCLA. Today, as we mourn his loss, we also extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter, Nan, his son, James, and his entire family.

The university flag in front of Pauley Pavilion will be lowered to half-staff, and a public memorial is being planned. Please visit the UCLA homepage for further information, as well as links to news articles and remembrances of Coach Wooden.

Sincerely,

Gene D. Block
Chancellor

[slorydn1]

Rest in Peace John. Your contributions not only to athletics but to life itself is unparalleled.

You will be missed by many.