Today is a very special day in Los Angeles and for legions of fans of the Bruins. Today, our greatest treasure in this city, a man who not only could coach basketball but also could motivate people to be their best, reached another birthday today. John Wooden turned 98 today.
But rather than try to put into words how I feel about today, I'm going to let the words of Adam Rose, the creator of the "What's Bruin" blog speak for me. Adam?
In Indiana, it's March 30.
At UCLA, it's February 29.
In LAUSD's District 1, it's February 15.
No matter when you celebrate John Wooden Day, October 14 is his real birthday.
The greatest basketball coach in NCAA history turns 98 today. Even though he's been retired from coaching for 34 seasons, his impact on the sport remains fresh and his teaching legacy continues to grow. In just the past few months, Wooden was part of a great forum with Vin Scully and T.J. Simers, had a mural dedicated in his honor at Wooden High School, was inducted into the L.A. Coliseum Court of Honor, and helped mentor Kevin Love and Rick Neuheisel. Wooden also attended Neuheisel's first game as UCLA's football coach and it's probably a safe bet that he'll be there when the Bruins tip off the basketball season in a few weeks.
(the above courtesy of What's Bruin. Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press)
I've had the distinct pleasure of not only meeting the coach at a UCLA Basketball game, but had the honor of asking him for advice about coaching basketball to little kids. He was charming, polite and every bit the sage he's been called in the media. He told me what I should try with kids as young as five who were learning the game. His advice not only worked, but it also helped one little boy who until that time, had not shown any progress in communicating or being able to interact with anyone else, mostly likely afflicted with Autism. But by the end of the season, he not only was trying his hardest to play, he was shooting the ball and most of all, was talking.
I put his success squarely on the shoulders on Coach's advice. Thank you Coach, and Happy Birthday
No comments:
Post a Comment