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
Very few individuals are able to induce admiration in people from nearly any background or walk of life. Coach Wooden was one. I've been tearing up while reading his obituary because the world has lost a truly humble man and inspiring leader.
I had the fortune of meeting Coach Wooden back in the late 1990s at a basketball game. He even signed my program. I remember getting misty-eyed as we briefly spoke, acutely aware that there are so few like him. Obviously he wasn't my coach, but in a sense, he was America's coach. His pearls of wisdom, and Pyramid of Success, are so frequently referenced, and rightly so.
I had the fortune of meeting Coach Wooden back in the late 1990s at a basketball game. He even signed my program. I remember getting misty-eyed as we briefly spoke, acutely aware that there are so few like him. Obviously he wasn't my coach, but in a sense, he was America's coach. His pearls of wisdom, and Pyramid of Success, are so frequently referenced, and rightly so.
It's tempting to put people we respect up on a pedestal, but Coach wouldn't want that. Throughout his life, his words and actions pointed to Someone else.
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John Wooden was certainly an icon and as determined an individual ever there was...
ReplyDeleteJohn Wooden is having a reunion with his wife, Nell, and the Lord! Won't it be great to see them all when we get to heaven!
ReplyDeletexxoo
mom
Had the privilage of meeting with him everytime he came to Notre Dame during the 1970's. Even when he lost he was a class act. Dealing with players like Walton proved he was special. Of course, he came from Indiana.....
ReplyDeleteBrian Walsh