99 things about John Wooden
Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 8:10 PM
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Coaches, Wooden turns 99
John Wooden turns 99 Wednesday. It’s going to result in a lot of birthday greetings from various sources, retrospectives and features.
Saw one this morning on Wooden’s birthplace, Hall, Ind. Here’s another from the L.A. Times – 99 factoids about John Wooden.
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My favorites:
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During one 46-game stretch, he made 134 consecutive free throws.
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His top salary while coach at UCLA was $35,000.
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At UCLA, Wooden became known as the "Wizard of Westwood," though he disliked the nickname.
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Inclement weather in Minnesota prevented Wooden from receiving the scheduled phone offer from the Golden Gophers. Thinking they had lost interest, Wooden accepted UCLA's offer instead.
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At UCLA, Wooden had four undefeated teams. No other coach has more than one.
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He coached 15 seasons at UCLA before winning his first NCAA championship.
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On Wooden's 96th birthday in 2006, a post office in Reseda was named the John Wooden Post Office.
Over/under on different Wooden stories (not the same AP feature) Wednesday? 25.
Also, if you haven't yet, click here to wish Wooden a happy birthday.
