LOS ANGELES, CA – John Wooden, famed UCLA coach, was admitted to Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA on May 26, and died Friday night from natural causes. He was 99.
“We want to thank everyone for their love and support for our father. We will miss him more than words can express,” Wooden’s children, Nan and Jim, said in a statement. “He has been, and always will be, the guiding light for our family. The love, guidance and support he has given us will never be forgotten.”
During his 27 year tenure at UCLA, Wooden led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships and was often referred to as the “Wizard of Westwood,” in reference to the university’s college town. Over the years, Wooden coached future NBA stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. His UCLA teams still hold the NCAA record for winning 88 consecutive games between 1971 and 1974. Wooden’s era of success was most recently the subject of the HBO documentary, The UCLA Dynasty, in 2007.
A private funeral service will be held for family and a public memorial will be announced at a later date.
Source: Seattlepi.com
Related stories:
Today’s coaches should emulate John Wooden
