[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 111 (Thursday, July 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1580]]
     SELECTION OF JOHN WOODEN FOR MEDAL OF FREEDOM IS MOST DESERVED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2003

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
incredible achievements of John Wooden, famed educator, coach, and 
basketball player. Coach Wooden was awarded the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor, in a ceremony at the 
White House today.
  What Coach Wooden accomplished during his 40 years of coaching will 
never be surpassed. He compiled an 885-203 record, leading the UCLA 
Bruins to 10 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships. During his time at 
UCLA, the Bruins had four undefeated seasons and 88 consecutive 
victories, including 38 straight NCAA tournament victories. Among his 
many honors Wooden was named NCAA College Basketball Coach of the Year 
six times. Coach Wooden nurtured and inspired many of the greatest 
basketball players of all time who would go on to fame in their own 
right, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton.
  Wooden was also a standout athlete. Born and raised in Martinsville, 
Indiana, Wooden led his high school squad to the state title in 1927. 
Later, at Purdue University, he won letters in basketball and baseball 
as a freshman, and then went on to captain Purdue to the 1932 National 
Collegiate Championship. Wooden's accomplishments on the basketball 
court led to him being one of only two men enshrined in the Basketball 
Hall of Fame as both player and coach.
  But it is his role as an educator where he has made his greatest 
mark. Wooden developed the ``Pyramid of Success'', a graphic 
representation of the ideals that form the basis of Wooden's outlook on 
life and explain much of his success on and off the court. Emphasizing 
such traits as skill, poise, and confidence, the Pyramid of Success has 
helped millions be their best when their best was needed.
  Coach Wooden has not been content to sit back as a legend. He is a 
best-selling author, active on the public speaking circuit, and has 
devoted much of his energies to public service. Wooden was the first 
sports figure to be awarded the Bellarmine Medal of Excellence, whose 
other recipients have included Mother Teresa and Walter Cronkite. He 
received the 1994 Landry Medal for Inspiration to American Youth and 
also has a number of honorary degrees. The National Father's Day 
Committee has named him ``Grandfather of the Year'' and the National 
Urban League has honored him for his years of humanitarian service.
  Mr. Speaker, John Wooden's philosophy benefits us all. Be quick, but 
don't hurry. It's not how tall you are, but how tall you play. Make 
each day your masterpiece. Character is what you really are; reputation 
is what you are perceived to be. Through his life's work and his great 
accomplishments, Coach John Wooden has earned every award he has 
received. More importantly, he has earned our respect and admiration. 
Please join me in congratulating this legendary coach and educator on 
his latest award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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