June 4, 2010

John Wooden, an American icon, legendary coach, respected educator and role model passed away this evening, June 4, 2010, at the age of 99. He was arguably the greatest coach in college basketball history.

Wooden achieved excellence in every arena, a teacher that truly cared about the game of basketball and the impact it had on young people. He had an elegant presence and regal bearing and yet he was humble, and always looking for opportunities to teach on and off the court.

In March 2009, Wooden became a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame in the meritorious service category. Wooden's impact on collegiate athletics began in Terre Haute, Indiana, when he served as athletics director and head basketball and baseball coach at Indiana State Teacher's College (1946-1948).

In 1947, Wooden and the Indiana State Sycamores won the conference title and received an invitation to the NAIB, now the NAIA, national tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. Wooden refused the invitation citing the policy that banned African American players from competing. Wooden declined to compete if a member of his squad, Clarence Walker, was not allowed to participate. The following year, the NAIB changed its policy, and Wooden with Walker, guided the Sycamores to the national championship game losing to Louisville, 82-70.

Perhaps his actions opened the door for Tennessee State and Coach John McLendon to win the first of three consecutive national championships in years to follow. Wooden's involvement in breaking the color barrier in college athletics, and his story in doing so, signified his principles as a human being. Although his coaching career in the NAIA was limited to two years, his contribution and stance for justice remains a cornerstone of the NAIA legacy.  

"Coach Wooden was the heart and soul of college basketball and a person we should all strive to be like," said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. "He certainly had a great impact in the NAIA and leaves a wonderful legacy in the world of college basketball, as a coach, teacher and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, former colleagues and players."

Following the 1948 season, Wooden left Indiana State Teacher's College to become the most decorated coach in college basketball history at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Over the course of 27 seasons Wooden led the Bruins to seven consecutive national championships, 10 total and an 88-game winning streak that still stands today. During his tenure at UCLA, his teams won 38 straight games in the NCAA tournaments.

Wooden's awards and accolades are too numerous to count but more important are the lives he touched through the great game of basketball. For Wooden's work he was recognized in Hall of Fames throughout the country. The honors list, highlighted with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Wooden was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and ESPN called Wooden the "greatest coach of all-time in any sport." 

Wooden modeled his life around the principle that athletics is an integral part of the total education process. For his work in promoting character-driven intercollegiate athletics the NAIA inducted Wooden into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2009.

Of his induction, Wooden said, "I feel very flattered receiving this. My association with the NAIA was a very wonderful two years. I have many friends who have been inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame and I appreciate the NAIA felt I was worthy to join them."

Wooden is survived by a son, James, of Orange County, Calif.; a daughter, Nancy Wooden, who lives in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley; three grandsons and four granddaughters; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the Wooden Family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research or the charity of choice.

Video: John Wooden NAIA Hall of Fame
UCLA remembers Coach Wooden
www.CoachWooden.com