John Wooden: The Most Iconic Figure in Sports History

John Wooden was known as "The Wizard of Westwood" to most, although he simply preferred "coach." He grew up in Indiana and played at Purdue. He coached at Indiana State until accepting the UCLA job.

John Wooden won 620 games in 27 seasons at UCLA. It is noted by many that the first thing he did was teach the freshmen how to put socks on. "Be quick but don't hurry" Wooden once said. Wooden won 10 National Champions throughout 12 seasons. I could write a book about all of Wooden's basketball accomplishments but as he said "What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player."

His pyramid for success is legendary for not only basketball, but life. Once his wife died, during the 21st of each month he wrote his wife a love letter and would not allow anyone to read it. When UCLA asked to name their court after him, he declined saying his wife's name (Nell) needed to be included. Once the proposal of "John and Nell Wooden Court" came up, he once again declined. Only after putting Nell before his name would he accept. Wooden never asked for a raise, never making more than 35,000 dollars.

I am fourteen, and will never appreciate what impact John Wooden made but I do know his legacy stretches far beyond basketball. I could choose so many quotes to end this tribute, but I can only pick one: "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."