Former UCLA Bruins Coach, John Wooden, Has Died

I don't stay up very late at night, 10 PM is my usual bedtime. Therefore, it wasn't until early this morning that I found out that John Wooden died yesterday. I think everyone had the feeling that it wouldn't be long. When they announced that his condition was 'grave' that said it all. Former UCLA Bruins Coach, John Wooden, is dead at age 99.

He had been in the hospital since May 26, 2010, although that fact wasn't widely known. He died of natural causes on Friday, June 4, 2010. His daughter and son said that he was the guiding light of their family. They are comforted knowing that he has gone to be with his wife, Nell.

His basketball career stands above and beyond what others have done. His name is legendary. In his 27 years at UCLA he won 620 games. His coaching skills showed in the likes of Bill Walton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as well as many others.

He coached his boys well and demanded they be in good physical condition. He had them play in the up-tempo style that wasn't used by west coast teams back then. He had three rules that had to be followed, they were: no profanity, no tardiness and they couldn't be critical of fellow team mates.

Coach Wooden's career began during the Great Depression and although he retired, he continued "coaching" and educating. He was seen at many games with his wife Nell. On his 99^th birthday his book on how to live life and raise children was published. He said that when he reached heaven he would like God to say to him, "Well done."

Not only will John Wooden be remembered for his coaching abilities, but even more important he will be remembered for being a role model. He tried to live each day by his father's advice by being true to himself and helping others. That he did, yes, that he did for sure. He didn't play the blame game before, during or after games. He didn't use profanity, he didn't drink and he didn't hang around with other coaches during road trips. He loved to berate the refs however!

He lived a full and rewarding life. He married his high school sweetheart, who died in 1985. He leaves behind two children, 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Private funeral services will be held.

Coach, all I can say is "Well done."

Source:

Foxsports.com