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I was raised in Southern California and now reside in Indiana. He'd loathe the brainwashing and lack of civility rampant on today's college and high school campuses.This bio spans a wonderful, rich life, leaving no stone or thought unturned; no mind or theory unchallenged or ungrown.A remarkbale living legend, G-d bless Mr. This was not required, but he knew all these attributes were necessary to grow "student athletes" into successful players and adults.
Though he clearly is a midwesterner at heart---as am I now---his legend truly grew in Los Angeles.As my title indicates, we need more coaches like John Wooden here in 2008. His quotes---taken from other coaches, his father and his own mind---are ones to heed. I could not be happier that Coach Wooden also called both places his home.
Even a hippie like Bill Walton, the antithesis to a noble, mature person like Wooden---respects and admires "Coach." Wooden knew how to reach all. Can you imagine what the current crop of college ballers would be like if they had a mentor and role model like Wooden. He had depth, insight, was spiritual, a reader, a thinker, etc.
I have the Pyramid of Success on my wall at work.He hated dunking, showboating, selfishness, hedonism, etc. Wooden (who is still alive at the age of 97) and all he has done for the game and collegians everywhere.
John Wooden has figured out some of the secrets of life. His own heroes include Abraham Lincoln and Mother Theresa. And he passes them on directly, in a way that can be transformational for a reader. John Wooden is a hero of mine. Like them, he is a treasure for all of us because his life and lessons demonstrate what it means to live to "our personal best" in a way that is simple, profound and so clear. This book should be required reading in "Human Being 101".
His life and those he has influenced are proof of that. We grow up hearing about the importance of developing " good character", not always knowing what it is, or just how to obtain it. I use his wisdom for myself, and I pass it on to all my students. All of Wooden's books give his personal guidelines for developing character and living a decent life, whether we are athletes, musicians, teachers, or anything else. Wooden's teachings have stood the test of time. They all know who John Wooden is. His life blesses us all.
This has led to a cottage industry in Wooden books.This book is short, personal and focuses on life lessons learned from the narrative of Coach's life. When I was growing up, his teams were dominant, but more importantly, they made the game beautiful to watch. John Wooden is one of my heroes. It doesn't attempt to be weighty, just a good read, that imparts wisdom without hitting you over the head with it. After he retired at the peak of his game, he quietly stepped off the stage. With the rush of books on leadership in the 1990's through the present, it was inevitable, and overdue, that folks take time to examine Coach Wooden's approach to leadership. It touches on each chapter of Coach Wooden's life, and particularly shows the infuence of his father, his high school and college coaches and his growth thru experienceThis is a fun, easy read that leaves the reader wiser. Highly recommend
This is a great book to help any coach of any sport get a good feel for the right way to coach young players. Teach them good life lessons and skills. It gives an insight into a great coach and even greater man.
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