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Current UCLA men's basketball coach Ben Howland described Wooden as a humble man. "His basic nature was love," Howland said. Wooden's pastor, Dudley Rutherford, assured the crowd of 4,000 gathered at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus, of his parishioner's eternal destination. "Coach made it," Rutherford declared. "He is there [in heaven] not because he was a good teacher . . . or won basketball games. He is in heaven because he put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ." Rutherford gestured to the record 10 NCAA national championship banners won by Wooden's teams that hang in Pauley Pavilion [more...

American historian David Barton sent Glenn Beck a note last night about coach John Wooden who passed away recently at age 99, telling him about a piece of paper Wooden carried in his wallet: a 7-point creed his father had given him. But it had been edited "slightly" by the NYTimes in the obit they wrote. They took out "the Bible" and the part about giving thanks for your blessings every day. It's incredible. Here's what was on that paper: “Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make...

For Immediate Release June 05, 2010 Statement of the President on the Passing of John Wooden I’m saddened to hear of the passing of an incredible coach, and an even better man, John Wooden. As a basketball fan, I remember fondly his ten NCAA championships, his unrivaled winning streak at UCLA, and the caliber of players he mentored. But as an American, I salute the way he achieved all that success – with modesty, and humility, and by wholeheartedly dedicating his life to the betterment of others. Even after he became one of the game’s early heroes, he worked as...

- GetReligion - http://www.getreligion.org - Wooden: Faith and fidelity (updated) Posted By tmatt On June 5, 2010 @ 2:00 pm In Family, Mainline, People, Religion, Sports | 5 Comments Many people simple called him the “reverend,” which was nice since he hated his famous nickname — the Wizard of Westwood.He was constantly reading his Bible, as well as stacks of other books, which was perfectly natural for a former English teacher who hardly ever missed church. However, try to find a picture of this man reading his Bible.He studied Abraham Lincoln and the person he admired the most — among...

Just hours prior to his death, Sarah Palin, extended her get well wishes to one of her personal heroes: former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden. Coach Wooden passed away last night at the age of 99.

With all due respect to Bob Knight, Mike Krzyzewski and even Bear Bryant and Vince Lombardi, John Wooden was in a class by himself. Wooden will go down as the most accomplished coach anywhere. Ever. The Wizard of Westwood won 10 national titles in a 12-year span, including a remarkable seven consecutive from 1967 through ’73. Wooden’s success is almost unfathomable. Wooden passed away on Friday night at the UCLA Medical Center, just months prior to his 100th birthday on Oct. 14. Wooden was still mentally sharp in his 90s and was spotted at UCLA games and other events.

John Wooden dies at 99; coach won 10 national basketball titles at UCLA Known as the 'Wizard of Westwood,' Wooden's accomplishments with the Bruins during his 27-season tenure made him one of the greatest coaches in sports history. He also created the 'Pyramid of Success' motivational program. By Bill Dwyre and David Wharton 10:18 PM CDT, June 4, 2010 1 2 next Wooden delivers instructions during a timeout in the 1972 NCAA championship game at the L.A. Sports Arena. UCLA defeated Florida State, 81-76; Bill Walton, seated at left, was named the tournament's most outstanding player. (Rich Clarkson / Sports...

John Wooden, the UCLA basketball coach who became an icon of American sports while guiding the Bruins to an unprecedented 10 national championships in the 1960s and '70s and remained in the spotlight during retirement with his "Pyramid of Success" motivational program, has died. He was 99. Though his fame extended beyond the sports world, it was Wooden's achievements during 27 seasons at UCLA that put him in the company of such legendary coaches as the Green Bay Packers' Vince Lombardi and Notre Dame's Knute Rockne. Wooden's string of championships began with back-to-back victories in 1964 and '65. Starting in...

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” - Coach John Wooden Ever since we were kids, Todd and I have looked at Coach John Wooden as a true hero. His quotes plastered our bulletin boards, school notebooks, and locker doors. Realizing this mutual admiration of Coach Wooden when Todd and I first met about 30 years ago was a sure sign that we were on the same page. From afar we have admired Coach’s wit and wisdom, we’ve absorbed his writings and the life lessons he’s taught from the basketball...

Coach Wooden’s Parquet Success – a Blueprint for Life “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” - Coach John Wooden Ever since we were kids, Todd and I have looked at Coach John Wooden as a true hero. His quotes plastered our bulletin boards, school notebooks, and locker doors. Realizing this mutual admiration of Coach Wooden when Todd and I first met about 30 years ago was a sure sign that we were on the same page. From afar we have admired Coach’s wit and wisdom, we’ve absorbed his writings...

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden, 99, is gravely ill in hospital 99, several media outlets are reporting. He reportedly not eaten for several days and is receiving care at UCLA Medical Center.

In honor of John Wooden's 99th birthday, here are 99 things you may, or may not, know about the legendary former UCLA basketball coach: 1. He was born in Martinsville, Ind., on Oct. 14, 1910. 2. Wooden led Martinsville High to the Indiana state title in 1927 and runner-up finishes in 1926 and 1928.

LOS ANGELES -- Legendary former UCLA men's basketball coach John Wooden is celebrating his 99th birthday today with the release of a new book that he co-wrote. Wooden coached the Bruins to an unprecedented 10 NCAA championships in his final 12 seasons, including a record seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. ...In addition to his championships and 620-147 record as UCLA's coach from 1948 to 1975, Wooden was acclaimed for the values he espoused. He had three rules for his players -- don't use profanity, be on time and never criticize a teammate.

STERLING, Ill. (AP) A man who lives to be 94 years old is bound to have some good stories to tell. Harold Eshleman certainly does. The lifelong Sterling resident has had more than his share of special experiences in his life, especially in his athletic career at Sterling High School in northwestern Illinois and at the University of Iowa, where he lettered in basketball in 1932 and 1933. In his playing days he suited up against both a future political legend, Ronald Reagan, and a future coaching legend, John Wooden. Eshleman, in his Hall-of-Fame career at SHS, was the star...