John Wooden’s Pyramid Of Success; Boxing Should Take Notes
By William Trillo
Growing up in Southern California as a sports loving child had a number perks, one of them was college basketball season because that is when we would watch the late John Wooden take his UCLA Bruins to the top of the NCAA Tournament year after year. Actually he did it 10 times and 7 of those came one right after the other. It’s safe to say no one will ever match that feat.
With the passing of “The Wizard of Westwood” this weekend we all were reminded of how special and great Mr. Wooden was and how much he left behind for all of us to study and learn. One of those reminders Wooden left behind was his “Pyramid Of Success.” That Pyramid consists of philosophical building blocks for winning at basketball and at life. In fact The Pyramid became building blocks for not only basketball but all walks of life. Wooden’s philosophy was a big hit on the lecture circuit from sports to business because those who heard and followed it found their own successes thanks to Wooden.
I have to scratch my head and wonder if boxing has ever heard of Wooden’s Pyramid and if they haven’t, can someone point them in that general direction please? As reported in the L.A. Times, “Elementary school students embrace the values of the pyramid easily.”
If grade schoolers can grasp this idea I know boxing can.
The Pyramid contains fifteen habits that Mr. Wooden’s players developed through daily basketball practice. The foundation is “industriousness,” then “friendship, loyalty, cooperation, and enthusiasm;” in short, the foundation of the Pyramid is the knowledge that life, like basketball, is a team game. “The main ingredient in stardom,” Mr. Wooden told his players, “is the rest of the team.”
Ahh…the rest of the team. You hear that Mr. Promoter, Mr. Manager, Mr. Trainer and most importantly Mr. Fighter?
Friendship? Loyalty? Cooperation? ….How many of you are cringing right now because those are the last things you know you can expect from your team members and associates, never mind yourselves.
I beg all of you, please look at Wooden’s Pyramid and choose one of those building blocks and try to employ it in your life today. You may find that what you have deemed as ”your success” pales in comparison to what Wooden has so clearly spelled out to be true success.
Thanks for everything Coach! Your legacy will live on forever!
Statement from Tim Ryan and Jim Sperry Regarding the Passing of Coach John Wooden
Anaheim, CA (June 4, 2010) – Tim Ryan, President/CEO of Anaheim Arena Management and Jim Sperry, President of Pantheon International who co-own the Annual John R. Wooden Classic, released the following statement regarding the passing of Coach John Wooden:
“We are saddened by news of the passing of John R. Wooden but gratified by the legacy of sportsmanship and humanitarianism he leaves for all of us. A true legend, he was an inspiration and a role model. The values and insights of this remarkable man will remain among those who truly respected and admired his skill as a sportsman, coach and human being.” – Tim Ryan, President/CEO of Honda Center and Jim Sperry, President of Pantheon International.
Proceeds From UCLA Legends Litho
Will Go To Late Coach John Wooden’s Foundation
Will Go To Late Coach John Wooden’s Foundation
Los Angeles businessman Mike Targon had been working on a 100th birthday celebration special project for the legendary John Wooden and had intended to release a very limited edition lithograph of Wooden plus others featuring Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Walton, Marques Johnson, Gale Goodrich and Keith Erickson. With the sad turn of events Taragon is offering these litho’s up to the public now with substantial portion of the proceeds going to UCLA and Coach Wooden’s foundation. www.uclalegends.net
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