John Wooden – the Greatest Coach in the History of College Basketball

By Harry Sneider

A Man of Impeccable Character

Harry and Sarah Sneider visit the statue of legendary coach John Wooden, 8 ft tall and 750 lbs of solid character at UCLA. -Courtesy Photo

As a basketball coach, sports fitness trainer, and motivator of athletes for the last 50 years there’s one individual that has been my example. John Wooden has stood out as one that had character in his coaching as well as his basketball techniques. I’ve read “They Call Me Coach” a great book about life, coaching, and being a man of character. We need more individuals not only in coaching but in living that represent these very high standards that John Wooden lived throughout his 99 years on this green earth.
Sarah and I visited the beautiful Pauley Pavilion Basketball Arena, in front of this wonderful new stadium was the statue of John Wooden. Beneath that statue was a quote that also stands above his pyramid of success principles. John personally gave us his pyramid of success principles as well as his portrait and a business card all autographed to us about 15 years ago when he was visiting as a consultant at a nearby Arcadia bank. Sarah and I went to the bank and he graciously spent time with us encouraging us to be the best that we could be in as professional fitness trainers, coaches and parents. We are very grateful for the time that John took with us and it will be remembered forever.
John carried with him his seven-point creed. When John was 12 years old and graduating from a country grade school, his father gave him this creed – a creed he has tried to live by ever since. “Making The Most of One’s Self” 1. Be true to yourself. 2. Make each day your masterpiece. 3. Help others. 4. Drink deeply from good books. 5. Make friendship a fine art. 6. Build a shelter against a rainy day. 7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
He handed me the card with his autograph on it that I carry in my wallet. I bring it out from time to time to be inspired as John was. John was a Bible student that felt the Word of God was to lead him into a great marriage, being a wonderful family man, and being an outstanding coach that the players loved and have followed many of his teachings to this day. Recently we heard from Bill Walton, his All-American center, who said that there is not a day that goes by that he does not think of what John taught him and those championship teams. John is the only coach to win 10 national championships in basketball.
At the base of the statue is this quote “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
Harry Sneider is a motivational speaker, fitness trainer, coach, and writer. He can be reached at 626-355-8964 or harrysneider@earthlink.net.

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