Coach Wooden: The True Measure of a Man

As many of you know, legendary UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden passed away this week. I had the pleasure of meeting him, and working with his grandson, Greg Wooden, for almost six years.

Greg and I worked at Adopt-A-Highway together and often had lunch with his brother, and even his dad Jim — John Wooden’s son. Both are genuine, funny and successful in life. I always enjoyed the time I spent with the Wooden family. I even attended the 2001 John R. Wooden Awards, the year Shane Battier was honored with the John R. Wooden Award Trophy, presented to the most outstanding college basketball player in the United States. The Wooden’s are simply a class act. The entire family treated me like I was a part of their family.

I think the true measure of a man is not what he accomplishes in his professional life, but what he brings to this world in his personal life. The point is, Coach Wooden’s legacy will always be UCLA basketball. I’m not trying to take anything away from that. The point I’m trying to make is that Coach Wooden also did his best to raise his family — to be there for his kids and grandkids. He never lost touch with what’s really important. I think he was equally proud of his accomplishments both on and off the court, and that includes placing a major emphasis on  family.

You can name all the awards, scholarships, courts and tournaments you want after Coach Wooden. But if you want to honor him, be a good person, treat your neighbors well, always do the right thing, and always give 100 percent.

Rest in peace Coach. We will all miss you.