Biography john wooden
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An omen of the future appears: Lewis Alcindor, a freshman on the JV team, leads them to victory over the varsity team which was the defending national champions. He instilled in them the same values he cherished, emphasizing hard work, integrity, and respect for others.
Together, John and Nell had two children, James and Nancy, who brought additional joy to Wooden's life.
He graduated with honors and a degree in English, demonstrating a balance of athletic excellence and academic achievement that would define his character throughout his life. Outscore Florida State in finals: 81-76.
1972-73
UCLA Pac 10 champion; 14 wins, 0 losses; NCAA champions. Equally important to John Wooden, he received the Big Ten Medal for Scholarship and Prowess.
They married in 1932, and their partnership lasted for over five decades until Nell’s untimely passing due to cancer in 1985. He graduated from Purdue in 1932 with a degree in English, and later earned his Master's Degree at Indiana State Teacher's College (now Indiana State University) where he spent 1946-48 as athletic director and basketball coach.
After college, Wooden spent several years playing professionally with the Indianapolis Kautskys (later the Indianapolis Jets), Whiting Ciesar All-Americans, and Hammond Ciesar All-Americans while teaching and coaching in the high school ranks.
Coach Wooden rejects invitation to compete in a major post-season NAIB tournament (National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball) because African-Americans are not allowed to participate.
1947-48
Indiana State again wins conference title. He was a three time All-State selection. No post-season invitations.
1960-61
UCLA rebounds to 18-8 season, but stays at 7-5 in Conference.
Growing up on a farm in Centerton, his childhood was marked by simplicity and hard work, devoid of modern conveniences like electricity. Wodoen ended his 29-year college head coaching career with a 664-162 combined record for an amazing .804 winning percentage, as well a record 10 national championships. During this time, he formulated the principles of his seminal “Pyramid of Success” teaching model, aiming to inspire his students and teams to derive the most from their potential, that was based on his father’s advice.
Early Life and Education
John Wooden, born on October 14, 1910, in Martinsville, Indiana, was the youngest of six children of Hugh and Roxie Wooden. He was released to go home on April 14th and his daughter was quoted as saying her father was "doing well". Outscore Memphis State in finals: 87-66.
1973-74
UCLA's historic streak of seven March Madness national championships ends.
After graduating from eighth grade, Wooden received a seven-point creed from his father, which became his lifelong guiding mantra. No post-season play.
1957-58
UCLA dips to 10-6 In Pac-8.
Wooden was nicknamed "The Indiana Rubber Man" for his suicidal dives on the hardcourt.