John Wooden - What Made him Unique?

To: The Sportsleader family

From: Steve Frommeyer – Principal and Head Football Coach at Eminence High School

John Wooden passed away this week at the age of 99! He was a tremendous coach and an even greater human being. I heard him speak on the campus of EKU when I was in college, and I still remember his pyramid to success. He certainly epitomized what Sportsleader is all about!

As I listened to all the heartfelt testimonials on ESPN from many of his former players and colleagues, I was struck with conflicting emotions. At the same time, I was both inspired by what everyone said and also somewhat depressed. 

Inspired because of the huge impact he made on so many people’s lives and also somewhat depressed by the thought that there really are not many other coaches that have reached the level he achieved. 

What made him unique - the 10 national championships or the man that he was? Was it the unique combination of the two? 

I contend that there are many other great human beings in the big time coaching ranks. However, unfortunately few have achieved at the professional and personal level that John Wooden achieved. 

He is arguably the greatest coach of all-time but would we have known about him had he not won 10 national titles? His life and coaching is worth taking another look!