University of Wisconsin Eau Claire - Periscope Yearbook (Eau Claire, WI)

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Family, £aith first On September 12, in the crowded UWEC nrena. John Wooden, former basketball coach at UCLA proved to be a many faceted man. He revealed himselt as a deeply religious humanitarian and devoted family man, yet a tough competitor. Wooden's competitiveness is evident by his astounding record of 8 consecutive victories and 10 national championships but he did not emphasize this achievement. Rather, he talked about his players and years at UCLA and other schools with a carefully blended mixture of humorous anecdotes and common sense. There was the time Bill Walton refused to shave. Wooden told Walton that he couldn't force hint to shave; it was Walton's decision. But it was Wooden's decision whether or not Walton would play in the game. Walton shaved. His family side appeared with an ancedote: Once when one of Wooden's granddaughters was listening to a tape recording of an introduction of him. she asked if he was embarrassed to hear the things said about him. One of Wooden’s other granddaughters replied. Can’t you see he’s lapping it up?” Wooden talked about his religious convictions too. Everyone has to have faith in something and if someone is searching for faith, he's found it. Wooden believes. During his coaching career, he stressed personal integrity more than winning. He said that an athlete should have character—not l e one. Coals must be set which have nothing to do with the outcome of the game, he said. The | eace of mind which can be attained only by knowing that you have done your best. is Wooden’s description of success. Failure is not a disgrace if you gave all that you had.” Wooden began devising the formula for his Pyramid of Success in the middle 1930s and completed it in 1948. Built of such elements as competitiveness. greatness, poise, skill and self-control, he attributes his success to this pyramid which he maintains gives him a sense of fulfillment and inner peace. 13