superlion

Known(affectionately) by those, he called friends,his family and thousands of followers and fan's who revered him." Sporting News"  said greatest coach, of all times": The Wizard of Westwood: A teacher, A Husband, A Father: he wore many hats, during his iconic career.  Though, I did extensive research: found myself, so overcome with emotion: following his exploits: especially as a Coach, and dedicated Christain; To merely write a Blog, do him justice, one most likely should write a biography: Born in 1910, Hall, Indiana: later at age of 14, his family moved to Martinsville, Indiana where he led his high school basketball team to the state championship ( finals ) winning the title in 1927: Prior, met his only wife(during his illustrious career) Nellie, at a small carnaval in july of 1926, later married her, small ceremony in Indianapolis; August of 1932. Attended Purdue University, where he led the Boilermakers, to the National title in 1932. Later after grad. played professional basketball: first for the Indianapolis kautskys: later became the Jets.During outbreak of world war 2, joined the Navy, became a lieutenant, serving for 3 years. Prior to starting, his legendary coaching career at UCLA: only a missed phone call from Admin. of Minnesota: golden gophers: else he might never have been Head Coach of UCLA: irony, his devoted wife: Nellie: preferred the midwest to the west coast. Still, after negotiating for 3 yr contract (initially) Mr Wooden assumed head coach of UCLA Bruins. Thus begin one of the most storied career's in NCAA Basketball history; The Coach, established records, most likely: during his tenure: will never be matched: Most respected coaches like H.Alba, Dean Smith, Denny Crum,ect said Wooden was the Greatest: Coach of the Year: 1964, 1967: Inducted both as a player, then a coach in the Basketball Hall Of Fame: Though he begin head coach of UCLA, in 1949, but was 1964: when he coached his ist national champ team.,defeating: Duke university: bruins led by Gail Goodrich and Walt Hazzard: In private: John Wooden: reported to say: his 1964 and 1965 teams his all-time favorites: especially def. # 1 prev. unbeaten Michigan, in portland , Oregon; Spartan's front line led by Cazzie Russell: tallest bruin; 6ft 11 inches, still outrebounded taller Michigan players: My most proudest sports moment: shaking coach Woodens hand, after the victory. National Titles extended: 1967,1968, 1969, 1970, 1971,1972 and 1973: Records Established: 10 out of 12 seasons: National Champs  7 straight national titles   88 straight victories, 38 straight games in NCAA tourney's: 4 perfect season's 30-0 ( 1964,1967,1972 and 1973 ) Personal honors: NCAA Coach of the year (yrs:) 64,67,69,70,71 and 73   In 1972 rec. Sports Illustrated ( sportsman of the year) Shared with Billie Jean King..Coached his final game at Pauley: def. Stanford: 4 wks later, following a 75-74 semi win vs Louisville, announced his retirement, before, the Bruins title victory over Kentucky: I omitted, unintentionally Record: 98 straight wins at pauley Mr Wooden retirement gift: a powder Bruin blue Mercedes: Noted UCLA Players: other than mentioned above: Alcindor( Kareem)  B. Walton( most perfect game) in NCAA history  H. Bibby,  Jamaal ( Kieth) Wilkes  Lucius Allen   Marques Johnson  Richard Washington   Two Of My Fav.:Curtis Rowe and Sydney Wicks of 1969 thru 1971 fame.   " Story of a Coaching Legend"  !910 thru 2010