Friday, June 4, 2010

John Wooden, 1910-2010. R.I.P.

John Wooden, the legendary head coach of the UCLA Mens' Basketball Team, has died at the age of 99.

At the helm of the Bruin for more than a quarter century, Wooden is arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all time. He guided the UCLA Bruins to ten NCAA championships in twelve years. In four of those seasons, the Bruins were undefeated. At one point, the Bruins won 88 consecutive games. He abruptly retired in 1975 after becoming the first person to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach.

When you look at some of Wooden's quotes you immediately sense they are deeply rooted in scripture. For your consideration:

"Never mistake activity for achievement."

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."

"A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment."

Wooden is now gone. But his wisdom remains if we choose to receive it.

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