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Jun 5, 2010 12:22:21 AM

By Greg Johnson
The NCAA News

 

John Wooden received one of the NCAA's most prestigious awards at the Association's 2006 Convention when he was given the third annual NCAA President's Gerald R. Ford Award.

Wooden, a native Indianan, was honored along with former United States Sen. Birch Bayh.

RELATED:  > Wooden was emotional in accepting 2006 NCAA honor > What others are saying about Wooden > Wooden's connection to UCLA softball > Photographer Rich Clarkson remembers Wooden > Video: NCAA Wooden TV spot > Video: Go behind-the-scenes of the Wooden TV spot > Photos: Coach Wooden through the years  Rick Clarkson photos

It was an emotional time for Wooden, who was raised in Martinsville, when he received a standing ovation from the thousands of delegates in attendance at the Murat Theater in Indianapolis.

Wooden, then 95, was visibly moved by the thunderous applause he received after addressing the audience. He said thoughts of his late wife, Nellie, entered his mind because the two were married in Indianapolis.

He also remembered all the student-athletes he had the chance to influence in his 29 years of coaching at the collegiate level and 11 years in high school.

"I like to feel that I was a teacher," Wooden said. "I was more concerned about the advancement of my students in life rather than just their basketball life."

Wooden advocated equality. In 1946, one of his teams was invited to play in the NAIA tournament but Wooden refused the invite because his lone African-American student-athlete wouldn't be allowed to compete. The NAIA changed its policy the next season, and one of Wooden's student-athletes became the first African-American to play in the tournament.

His legendary status in the basketball community was solidified after leading UCLA to 10 national championships, including seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. Four of his teams went undefeated.

He also is known for his coaching philosophy, "The Pyramid of Success," a concept based on the idea that faith and patience lead to success.

Wooden said he was proud of the way intercollegiate athletics had been governed through the NCAA's first 100 years.

"You are not going to get everyone to agree with everything you do, but no one can do that," Wooden said. "Without the NCAA, it would be a mess. When sports are put in the proper place, it means a great deal. Education must be first."

 

2006 Ford Award speech    

John Wooden's remarks upon accepting the NCAA President's Gerald R. Ford Award at the 2006 NCAA Convention:

Dr. Brand, ladies and gentlemen, I really appreciate that fine reception, and I am deeply honored at receiving this particular award. I know quite well the reasons behind it, and it would be most immodest if I attempted to feel that I was worthy of it, but I am very appreciative of those who made it possible.

Many young men whom I have had the privilege of working with over a great portion of my 95 years of life have gone in to different occupations. I think one of my young men who played for me is here and is now a director of athletics, Gary Cunningham. He is just one of the many who have gone on in different professions.

So, I feel so fortunate. I feel I have been blessed in so many ways. I like to think that when I was a teacher, I was more concerned with the events in the lives of my youngsters and how they eventually went on in life, rather than just in their basketball life.

I remember when I started the teaching profession, I ran across a couple of things that I think helped me to become a better teacher than I might have been otherwise.

One said: "No written word, no spoken plea, Can teach our youth what they should be, Nor all the books on all the shelves. It's what the teachers are themselves."

I believe the best teachers are those who are the ones who set the example; and, of course, the most important teacher is parenting − the most important profession in the world.

Also, I recall reading something else. When I think of the many young men who have gone into different professions, I think of this. When a lady was asked why she taught, she said:

"They ask me why I teach

And I reply, ‘Where could I find more splendid company?'

There sits a statesman,

Strong, unbiased, wise,

Another later Webster,

Silver-tongued,

And there a doctor

Whose quick, steady hand

Can mend a bone or stem the lifeblood's flow.

A builder sits beside him

Upward rise the arches of that church he builds wherein

That minister will speak the word of God,

And lead a stumbling soul to touch the Christ.

And, all about

A lesser gathering

Of farmers, merchants, teachers,

Laborers, men

Who work and vote and build

And plan and pray into a great tomorrow.

And, I say,

‘I may not see the church,

Or hear the word,

Or eat the food their hands will grow.'

And yet − I may.

And later I may say,

‘I knew the lad, and he was strong,

Or weak, or kind, or proud

Or bold, or gay.

I knew him once,

But then he was a boy'

They ask me why I teach, and I reply,

‘Where could I find more splendid company?' "

I have been so blessed through many years of scholastic and intercollegiate teaching − both in the classroom and in the athletic field. Such magnificent memories, that is one of the things of which I am truly blessed. I thank you very much for your reception for me here, and I thank all of you who are in this wonderful profession working with others, where there is no greater occupation than working in our intercollegiate athletic system. We must never forget they are there first to get an education.

Athletics is second in nature. They may be providing the education for many, but it is the education that is going to be most meaningful for them the rest of their lives. Thank you.