RIP John Wooden

[the 4th hanson bro]

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden has passed away at age 99.

27 years at UCLA, 10 NCAA tournament titles, an 88 game unbeaten streak, a 38 game NCAA tournament game unbeaten streak, and only one losing season in his 40 years of coaching.

Mr. Wooden will long be the standard college basketball coaches are measured against.

RIP

 

[Neroon]

I had been fearing this news, ever since I found out about his latest bout with health problems. He may be the standard against which any coach ought to be measured. You don't command the respect, love and fierce loyalty he did from such a diverse set of players without being more than special.

Another of my heroes gone... but I bet he was happy to go. He missed his wife so much, how could I call this sad?

 

[Noname Given]

Well, hey, I would like to make it to 99 (doubt I will though); but interesting this morning it was stated he was admitted for dehydration, and was under observation and 'resting comfortably'. But still, at 99 he had a good run, and was still somewhat active and definitely still had most of his facalties intact. I don't think anyone will claim "He went before his time."

That said, it's still sad when someone like this passes away, and the family has my condolences.

 

[MikeH92467]

I heard an interview with him last year and if you didn't know his age you would never have guessed that you were hearing someone in his late 90's. He was obviously a man at peace who did not wish for death, but was prepared for it in a thoughtful and mature fashion. A truly remarkable man. Not a perfect one, mind you. He had his flaws as we all do, but those flaws help cast his virtues into even sharper relief. His pyramid of success is still just as relevant today as it was when he was king of the college basketball hill. No, I'm not going to link it. I think you can honor him by looking it up yourself if you are so motivated.

 

[Gil T.Azell]

Wow a good long life,
R.I.P. sir you have earned it!


Condolences to his Family & freinds.

 

[Neroon]

Attached here is an article from SI.com, that I saved awhile back. It's a good illustration of the man's way of life and the devotion his former players showed him. He really did have a good, long run in a well-lived life. Even though I mourn a bit... it's not so bad because of that very thing.

 

[Kirby]

He had a hell of a run, both in life and on the court. Rest in peace Coach.

 

[MikeH92467]

Attached here is an article from SI.com, that I saved awhile back. It's a good illustration of the man's way of life and the devotion his former players showed him. He really did have a good, long run in a well-lived life. Even though I mourn a bit... it's not so bad because of that very thing.

If there was ever a cause for a "celebratin of life" ceremony this is one. "I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil."
But hopefully the grief of loss will be outweighed by the realization of how much he gave to so many.

 

[Neroon]

If there was ever a cause for a "celebratin of life" ceremony this is one. "I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil."
But hopefully the grief of loss will be outweighed by the realization of how much he gave to so many.

Amen.

The grief is only natural and really felt more for those close to him. But it doesn't last long, and for just the reasons stated so far. Before long it turns to more of what you said - a "celebration of life".

 

[greenguy]

My old boss is probably devastated. She is a head coach at UCLA and was so, so close to John. I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but what an earlier poster said about the interview is 100% true...he was so youthful and sprightly---he definitely didn't come across as being 97 when we met. I am sure he was cracking jokes and departing wisdom until the very end. I cannot stop reading his quotes today.

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

 

[Neroon]

For the win as always, Mr. Litton!

 

[irunthis]

“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.”

- John Wooden

 

[Davros]

I don't even watch college sports and I knew who this guy was. He had a fine career and set the standard that most others only hope to match. RIP.

 

[Neroon]

“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.”

- John Wooden

Consider it copied.

Actually, I've used it as a status on Facebook. It's received such a tremendous response, that I'm convinced it has struck a deep chord.