Celebration of John Wooden’s life and legacy in commemoration of his 100th birthday
UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland speaks at The Wooden 100: A Birthday Celebration event on Thursday night. Audio of the event is at dailybruin.com/radio
By James Barragan
Oct. 14, 2010 11:57 p.m.
Fourteen hundred people sat in the dark in Collins Court.
A yell crew leader stood up before the crowd and initiated a thunderous 8-clap, which roused the crowd.
This was part of the celebration of John Wooden’s 100th birthday Thursday night in the John Wooden Center, which students, fans, alumni and former players attended.
The event which commemorated the late coach’s life and legacy, included a video tribute and the unveiling of a portrait of Wooden.
“Working on this painting was very inspirational,” said Tom Pinch, who painted the portrait months before Wooden died.
The guest speaker, Keith Erickson, a former player who won multiple championships under Wooden, spoke about his experiences with Wooden as a coach and as a person.
In his address, Erickson emphasized Wooden’s adherence to his convictions and to giving everyone the respect they deserved.
“It didn’t matter if it was someone from down the street, or the president of the United States, Coach was going to stand up for his convictions,” Erickson said.
Following Erickson’s speech, UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero announced the rededication of Pauley Pavilion in honor of Wooden.
Wooden’s office in the Morgan Center will also be reconstructed with some of his actual furniture in it, donated by members of the Wooden family.
The Wooden Den, as it has been dubbed, will be unveiled next month, Guerrero said.
Guerrero also spoke about the impact Wooden has left on this and future generations.
“There will never be an individual like Wooden again,” Guerrero said.
Toward the end of the celebration, members of Wooden’s family, including his son James and his daughter Nancy, addressed the audience and tearfully thanked the people who organized and attended the event .
UCLA basketball coaches Ben Howland and Nikki Caldwell were in attendance and spoke to the audience about following in Wooden’s legacy, as well as about the upcoming seasons for their respective Bruin teams.
“Coach Wooden is the greatest coach in the history of sport, but he was an even greater person,” Howland said.
