John Wooden a class act

John Wooden
(October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010)

By all accounts, former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden ranked among the top coaches in history. Through tumultuous times (the Sixties and Seventies in particular) this coach helped hundreds of young men discover treasures much greater than raw athletic talent. I love a story of Wooden and player Bill Walton. Walton showed up for his first practice with long hair and a beard. When the coach commented on the hair, which “distinguished” Walton from the other players on UCLA’s team, the player retorted: “This is who I am,” or something to that effect. The coach said as he walked away: “Well, I’m sure you will find a coach to play with who will appreciate your commitment to your hair.” Young Walton showed up to the next practice after opting for a haircut and shave. He went on to star not only for Wooden, but in the NBA as well (where he immediately grew hair AND beard again).

While in Pullman, I took a job as a waiter at The Misfit, a restaurant owned by former WSU great Ray Sundquist. Because the restaurant attracted many athletes, coaches and fans, I soon grew accustomed to seeing stars and coaches with entourages. One day I had the privilege of serving Coach Wooden … alone. No noisy entourage. Waiters develop a sense of the customer’s character as they “serve” them. Wooden was quiet, comfortable and undemanding. Absolutely no “Do you know who I am?” aura. In short, a class act.

Incidentally, I personally watched UCLA players including Walton put up with some pretty obnoxious fans at Bohler Gym, an antiquated facility that placed wild students dangerously close to the perimeter of the playing court. No matter how brutal the fans got, Wooden and his players stayed cool (at least outwardly). I had the opportunity to watch some first class coaching and playing, up close and personal.

A Wikipedia entry notes that Wooden was a Christian. “In mourning his wife’s death, Wooden was comforted by his faith,” the entry read in part. “He was a Christian for many years and his beliefs were more important to him than basketball. ‘I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior.’ Wooden’s read the Bible daily and attended the First Christian Church. He said that he hoped his faith was apparent to others. ‘If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me’.”

John Wooden’s “Seven Point Creed,” given to him by his father upon his graduation from grammar school:

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Make each day your masterpiece.
3. Help others.
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 give thanks for your blessings every day.