Thank you Coach Wooden: Winning Beyond Competition

About the life of legendary UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden: What’s to write, that hasn’t yet been written?

During his 99 years, he won far more than an unprecedented 10 national championships or an 88-game consecutive win streak—that is yet to be broken. He epitomized character and personified godly values.

Raised on a small farm in south-central Indiana, he took the Christian principles instilled in him growing up in the Midwest to the limelight and the campus of UCLA. To his own admission, he humbly considered himself, “…just a common man true to his beliefs…”

Well…Coach Wooden, unfortunately there is nothing common about a man true to his beliefs. But you, with authenticity and authority, more so than any other sports icon in modern day history, showed us how to live right. Thank you for sharing the wisdom your garnered:  think clearly, have love in your heart for your fellowman, be honest, and trust in God.

Thank you for sharing and modeling the creed your dad gave you:

1. Be true to yourself.

2. Help others.

3. Make each day your masterpiece.

4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.

5. Make friendship a fine art.

6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.

7. Pray for guidance and count and give thanks for your blessings every day.

Thank you for developing The Pyramid of Success. This practical tool has served in a far greater capacity than you ever envisioned. Thank you for providing a true north to which we can align our definitions of success that supersedes possessions, prestige, or positions of power. Thank you for by being a a man of value. Thank you for your legacy, your lessons, and your life.

Thank you for teaching us how to die, by showing us how to live.

When our moment on earth inevitably comes to a close, may we—like you, with an assurance of an eternal hope—utter the verse of 1 Corinthians 15:55, “Where oh death is your sting?”

Thank you!

Editorial