Coach Is Back Together With Nell: John R. Wooden 1910-2010

From the official site:

UCLA's legendary former basketball coach John Wooden, who in 27 years led his teams to stunning triumphs and was just as well known for mentoring his players off the court and for his motivational "Pyramid of Success," died at 6:45 pm PT Friday (June 4) due to natural causes. He was 99. His 100th birthday would have been Oct. 14.

Wooden had been admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on May 26.

Coach John Wooden's family requests everyone respect their privacy and not attend the private funeral service, which is for immediate family only.

Per the family's wishes, a public memorial for Coach Wooden will be announced at a later date. Former players and coaches will have special accommodations at the public memorial service and there will be a reception for them and the Wooden Family following the memorial.

At UCLA, Wooden's teams won a remarkable seven consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships between 1967 and 1973, and 10 titles (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1975) in his final 12 seasons as head coach. At one point in the early 1970s, the Bruins won an NCAA-record 88 games in a row, a run that included undefeated 30-0 seasons in 1971-72 and 1972-73. UCLA also won 38 consecutive NCAA Tournament games between the 1963-64 and 1973-74 seasons, another record. Wooden retired from coaching following the 1975 season with a UCLA record of 620 wins and 147 losses. Only twice during his tenure did the Bruins lose home games at Pauley Pavilion, where he coached from the 1965-66 through 1974-75 seasons.

"This is a sad day at UCLA," said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. "Coach Wooden's legacy transcends athletics; what he did was produce leaders. But his influence has reached far beyond our campus and even our community. Through his work and his life, he imparted his phenomenal understanding of leadership and his unwavering sense of integrity to so many people. His 'Pyramid of Success' hangs in my office to remind me every day of what it takes to be an effective leader. He was truly a legend in his own time, and he will be a legend for generations to come."

"There will never be another John Wooden," said UCLA director of athletics, Dan Guerrero. "While this is a huge loss for the Bruin family, Coach Wooden's influence reaches far beyond Westwood. Coach was a tremendously significant figure. This loss will be felt by individuals from all parts of society. He was not only the greatest coach in the history of any sport, but he was an exceptional individual that transcended the sporting world. His enduring legacy as a role model is one we should all strive to emulate."

Rest of the release here.

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE (N): Statement from Jim and Nan Wooden:

We want to thank everyone for their love and support for our father. We will miss him more than words can express.

 

He has been, and always will be, the guiding light for our family. The love, guidance and support he has given us will never be forgotten.

 

Our peace of mind at this time is knowing that he has gone to be with our mother, whom he has continued to love and cherish.

 

We wish to express our gratitude for your support and appreciate your respecting our privacy.

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE II (N): Email from Chancellor Block to the Bruin Family:

With the passing of John Wooden, we have lost a true giant and a gentleman, an individual who was perhaps more closely identified with UCLA than any other person in our university’s history.  Coach Wooden was an unparalleled motivator and an inspiration to people throughout the world.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him will forever be touched by his unfailing wisdom and generous spirit.

Coach Wooden’s record of hundreds of victories and 10 national titles established a gold standard of achievement in college athletics.  Both on the court and off, he was a teacher, role model and mentor who guided his players and generations of UCLA coaches and student-athletes to become champions in life.  His lasting influence has extended far beyond the campus to include leaders in academia, business and government.

The renowned Wooden Pyramid of Success—a copy of which hangs in my office—encourages us all to value cooperation, loyalty and team spirit.  The Pyramid remains one of the most recognized blueprints for competitive excellence, in any pursuit.

Coach Wooden and his beloved wife, Nell, were treasured members of the UCLA family, and the Nell and John Wooden Court at Pauley Pavilion is a lasting testament to their place in our hearts.

John Wooden’s remarkable legacy will stand forever at UCLA.  Today, as we mourn his loss, we also extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter, Nan, his son, James, and his entire family.

The university flag in front of Pauley Pavilion will be lowered to half-staff, and a public memorial is being planned.  Please visit the UCLA homepage for further information, as well as links to news articles and remembrances of Coach Wooden.

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE III (N): We have removed the probationary period for commenting on BN. So those of you who are lurking and thinking about joining us, please feel welcome in our threads honoring and celebrating Coach. Also, those of you who are near TV, ESPN News is running a wonderful show on Coach right now. GO BRUINS.

UPDATE IV (N): We are removing all color from BN in honor of Coach Wooden for next 30 days. We will go black and white for next 30 days in honor Coach. We can't lower our flag half staff, so this is our token in honor of the Greatest Bruin of all time. GO BRUINS.

UPDATE V (N): Bruins are pouring in thoughts from everyone. On Bruinzone, BruinReportOnline, BruinBlitz, BruinGold, on Twitter, Facebook. We are all in it together ... celebrating our Coach Forever. GO BRUINS.

UPDATE VI (N): This will give you goosebumps:

That's right outside the Medical Plaza tonight as Coach was heading towards eternal date with Nell. Thanks to WestwoodWizard. GO BRUINS.

UPDATE VII (N): Another incredible video this time courtesy of the Daily Bruin:

Here's to you, coach. Bruins came together to say their final farewells to the legendary coach John Wooden. http://ow.ly/1UoTU

GO BRUINS.