barrykleiman

A Legend Passes         

Here’s what I know!

Much has been written, reported, spoken of and debated about John Wooden, Coach John Wooden.

Most of which we’ve read, heard etc is commendable and extraordinary beyond belief but as with most people, certainly those who have achieved any type of acclaim there are pieces of contention.

I cannot speak to many of the things other than what I’ve read and heard, I only met Coach once about 8 years ago at a UCLA/Cal basketball game in Pauley Pavilion and I must sat he was nothing but gracious to me, taking more than a perfunctory amount of time to say hello and beyond.

For reasons that I use to make most of my decisions in life I’m going to have my beliefs about this man rooted in what’s tangible and what’s measurable which are his results as a coach his approach to life as most of us were able to observe after he retired, the comments made by those who knew him best and what he’s left for all of us to ponder.

Coach’s Pyramid of Success and dozens of quotes are used innumerable times a day by innumerable amounts of people both in sport and beyond………he must have done something right. Duh!

Coach was human and by definition not perfect. He also was incredibly accompished. He stated “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes;” 
 so on this day of his passing at the age of 99 I prefer to take what I’ve learned from the accomplishments, use it and of course try to be better, to do better and overall “make each day my masterpiece”. (Joshua Wooden, Coach Wooden’s Dad)

I hope to have learned and put into practice being a success everyday:

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

If I achieve this I’ll certainly have Coach  to thank and have him to thank now for providing such realistic, wise and practical advice……….

As I say my prayers at night I can only hope to have made as much as an impact on so many when my days are through!

Rest easy Coach, rest easy!!!