Photo+Journalism
Coach John Wooden’s memorial service is streaming now from the Nell and John Wooden Court in Pauley Pavillion on Prime Ticket.
I’ve never had the privilege to directly meet John Wooden, but early in my college career, I had the opportunity to cover a game that Coach Wooden attended. I remember walking down the sidelines on the way to my spot on the baseline. While I was behind the announcer table, I looked up towards the stands. My heart jumped when I saw Coach Wooden, and I fumbled for my camera. I nervously snapped a photo of Wooden looking towards the court. It turned out blurry. But Coach Wooden turned towards me, somehow singling me out from the crowd. He nodded towards me and winked, his eyes twinkling in his signature way. I smiled back, and scurried on.
Coach Wooden has lived a remarkable life. I can’t quite speak to his successes as well as those who shared tribute to him, but there are signs of Wooden’s generosity everywhere on campus. When UCLA wanted to name the student athlete complex after John Wooden, he insisted that if there was any building named after him, it should be accessible to all students. And so, the John Wooden Center, the student recreation center and gym, got its name. Currently, John Wooden’s pyramid success is displayed in a huge mural above the JWC’s main entrance lobby, a constant reminder of the inner strength and character John Wooden taught.
So here’s to you, John Wooden. Great in life and in death, and still changing lives everywhere.