Coaches Come & Go - Legends Live Forever

"Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden

Now, I can't say Mr. Wooden has changed my life in some form or fashion, but then again that could be because I have never read his books. As such, I will not sit here and pretend to talk about him as if I knew him. What I do want to say is that I know of him and all he has accomplished in life and it is knowing such things that compels me to write about it - to write about him today. The only other man I've known that's exuded such greatness in all facets of his life was my grandfather. Like Mr. Wooden, my grandfather touched so many lives and was a great role model, mentor and student of life; Rogelio Padilla was the consummate professional and father figure. But friends, I digress as this tribute is about John Wooden.

It's easy to fixate on the sports aspect of what John Wooden accomplished; however, I think what made him special was not just the 620 games he won over his basketball career. It isn't the 88 games straight over one span won by the UCLA Bruins whom were coached by Mr. Wooden or even the fact that he coached legendary players such as Bill Walton and Lew Alcindor (Kareem-Abdul-Jabar). Do you realize, no other coach in college basketball has even half the National Championships that John Wooden has (10)? However, all these accomplishment still are not all that define this man.

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, your reputation is what people think you are." - John Wooden

I could easily spend the rest of the weekend quoting this man because he had some very profound quotes and his philosophy on life has transpired and re-defined coaching forever. His literature (7 books published) has manifested itself into the Corporate World outside of sports as many Corporate America businesses adopted his philosophies to be the basis for which they run their businesses.

John Wooden truly was one of a kind and like my grandfather and so many others who have passed away, he will be missed; however, he will never be forgotten. For me, John Wooden is re-born as I vow to learn more about him and read all his books.

As most of the world says good-bye to you John, I am one person saying Hello.