"Sports Don't Build Character...They Reveal It." John Wooden (1910-2010)

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching."

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it."
John Wooden (1910-2010)

Our character serves as the 'foundation' on which we build our life story. The strength and integrity of that 'foundation' will ultimately serve to determine who we grow up to become. Wooden's reflective words remind us that strength of character isn't achieved by attending seminars or reading books nor can it be borrowed from others in times of need. He noticed that the players that lacked strong character would often falter in key moments of a game and had a tendency to struggle in similar challenges off the court. His former players often remarked that the 'basketball season' was merely Wooden's classroom for training up young men for life, and the games that they played week after week provided an assessment of their progress. As his players daily practiced and prepared themselves to compete, the strength of their character revealed itself on the court and into the record books. There are some accomplishments achieved during his coaching dynasty that seem likely to stand for all time.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what the LORD requires of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

In 1987, a high school basketball coach named Cleveland Stroud made the most difficult 'decision' he had ever made in his life. His decision impacted his team, his community, and the entire state of Georgia. Through this incident, Coach Stroud's character was exposed for all the nation to see!

After 18 years of coaching, Cleveland Stroud had finally led his basketball team through a successful regular season of play; qualifying for playoffs, and successfully reaching the championship game. His team proceeded to capture the championship trophy in a thrilling come from behind victory. Coach Stroud got the ride of his life as the players, students, and parents hoisted the coach onto their shoulders and paraded him around the gym in frenzied celebration.

Two months later, during a routine player eligibility review for football, coach Stroud discovered that one of his basketball players had not been eligible for the playoffs. The coach realized the player in question had only gotten in the game for 45 seconds, but his participation clearly violated the league's rules.

"I thought I was ruined." said Shroud. "I became depressed and struggled for some time with what I should do." He decided that it was necessary for him to acknowledge the error to the league office. Upon hearing the violation, the the league declared a forfeit and Rock dale's championship trophy was returned. When the coach gathered the team together to break the news, they were devastated. He then exhorted his team with these words.

"You've got to do what is honest, what is right, and what the rules say. People forget the scores of the games, but they don't ever forget what you're made of, and how you lived "

The word spread quickly through the neighboring towns and cities near Rockdale. The coach's decision to report the infraction and forfeit the championship quickly gained nationwide attention. Stroud went on to be selected twice as the 'Citizen of the Year' in Rockdale County and, in addition, he was honored as Georgian of the Year.