Living Wooden's Words

Most of the talk about John Wooden immediately following his passing last week was about his character. There's a good reason for that. It can be found in this Wooden quote. "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, whilte your reputation is merely what others think you are."

The Wizard of Westwood won 10 NCAA titles as coach at UCLA including seven in a row. His winning percentage of .804 will never be surpassed. The numbers in the record books tell the story of a great career. The lives of the houndred of players and coaches he touched tell an even greater story.

John Wooden always had time for people. It didn't matter if they were from Sports Illustrated or a small newspaper in Yakima Coach Wooden had time for them. He listened more thank he spoke and when he spoke he didn't talk about himself he asked about you.

Remember the records if you wish but also never forget the lessons this man taught all of us. "Be prepared and be honest," he said. Let's all start with that one and go from there.