Sherman Joins Colleagues in Honoring Coach John Wooden

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) joined his colleagues and UCLA alumni in introducing a House resolution to honor the remarkable life and achievements of one of the greatest sports figures and educators in our lifetime, Coach John Wooden. The legislation passed with unanimous support.

Previously, Congressman Sherman passed legislation naming the Reseda Post Office in honor of Wooden. Congressman Sherman introduced legislation on December 18, 2005 to formally name the Reseda Post Office after the sports legend and long-time San Fernando Valley resident. The bill was signed into law on August 17, 2006. On Coach Wooden’s 96th birthday (October 14th), Congressman Sherman and hundreds of family, friends, former players, and fans celebrated the naming of the Post Office with the Hall of Fame player and coach.

Wooden died on June 4th at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family. Coach Wooden is survived by his son, James Hugh and daughter Nancy Anne, who lives in Reseda, along with seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Wooden’s beloved wife of 53 years, Nell, died in Los Angeles on March 21, 1985.

“Coach Wooden’s triumphant career lasted four decades with a string of NCAA records and championships, specifically during his 27 years as Head Coach for the UCLA Men’s Basketball team,” said Congressman Sherman. “Despite his long-list of accolades, Coach Wooden inspired countless people on and off-the-court by instilling in them the tenets of leadership, teamwork and competitiveness. He not only taught these important principles, but he lived by them daily. Coach Wooden will continue to be an exemplary role model for sports players and individuals for generations to come.”

Coach Wooden retired in 1975 after leading the UCLA Bruins to 10 NCAA National Championships, including seven consecutively. Before he became the most successful coach in college basketball history, he was an All-American guard for the Purdue University team that captured the 1932 national championship. He is one of only three people enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. Coach Wooden authored numerous books, including The Pyramid of Success.