So Long, Coach Wooden

I’d be remiss if I didn’t note with sadness the passing of John Wooden.  Coach Wooden will stand forever as a personification of strength of character and integrity, and his examples will never be forgotten.

When I sat down to write this, I feared that it may be construed as off-topic, but I soon realized that it isn’t at all.  The man showed us all a rare courage that helps inspire us in our quest for a just and sustainable world.

I few years ago I wrote a couple of short pieces on another blog regarding my experiences coaching kids’ sports and I mentioned Coach Wooden by name in the process:

I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to coach. Not only is it fun and rewarding for you, but you’re making an enormous contribution to others. I know I’m not John Wooden, but I also know that most of these kids I’ve coached in soccer and basketball will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. I’m profoundly grateful for the chance to have helped.

So long, and thank you, Coach Wooden.