Honoring the life of John Robert Wooden.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1427 which honors the life of John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins, who died this past Sunday, June 6, at the age of 99.

Coach Wooden's success as a college basketball head coach is unparalleled. But his on-court success was matched by the positive impact that he had on the lives of his players. Coach Wooden was the very embodiment of what a coach should be. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. As an alumnus of UCLA and a former college basketball player, I am inspired and awed by Coach Wooden's legacy and proud of his contributions to the game of basketball.

Born in 1910 in Hall, Indiana, John Wooden began his basketball career at Martinsville High School, where he helped lead his team to a state championship. He went on to star at Purdue University, where he was a three-time All-American and the 1932 national collegiate player of the year. He is the first and only person inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

But John Wooden's remarkable success as a player is often overlooked because of the historic achievements of his coaching career. John Wooden began his coaching career at UCLA in 1948 and immediately established a record of success that has made him an American icon and the gold standard of college basketball coaches. Coach Wooden led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national championships, a record no other coach in college basketball history has come close to matching. Between 1967 and 1973, Coach Wooden's Bruins won an incredible 7 consecutive national championships. No other coach has more than three. In addition, he led the Bruins to 19 conference championships, 12 Final Four appearances, 4 perfect seasons, and a remarkable 88 game winning streak, which remains the longest in history. The record 38 game NCAA tournament winning streak that his Bruins compiled in winning the first 9 national championships is surely as close to unbeatable a record as any in all of sports. The next longest winning streak is a mere 14 games, compiled by the Duke Blue Devils from 1992-94.

As a former college basketball player, I understand the long hours of hard work and intense dedication needed to achieve a single winning season. So, the monumental record of success compiled by Coach Wooden is staggering. But, as Coach Wooden would be the first to explain, his monumental achievements were the product of an intense focus on the details. Coach Wooden was famous for starting the first day of practice each season with a tutorial on how to properly put on athletic socks in order to avoid blisters. It was this outlook on the game--this understanding that attention to detail is a fundamental first step to achieving great things--that made Coach Wooden such a master.

John Wooden's success on the court was topped only by the positive effect that he had on the lives of his players. All of Coach Wooden's players will attest that, while he surely made them better basketball players, his most lasting impact on their lives was his ability to make them better people. Coach Wooden was an educator and a mentor in the truest sense. More than personal talent, he stressed the importance of loyalty, companionship, cooperation, and enthusiasm. He imparted upon his players lessons that led to life-long success.

The words of wisdom he imparted to the players he coached helped them become champions on and off the court. Who can forget these famous quotes of Coach Wooden:

``Don't confuse activity with achievement.''

``Be quick but don't hurry.''

``Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.''

``It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.''

``The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.''

``Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.''

``Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.''

``Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.''

For his contributions to the game of basketball and to the lives of so many young Americans, Coach Wooden was deservedly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Coach Wooden is an American icon who will be missed dearly, but whose legacy will continue to shine in the sports world and throughout American life.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1427) honoring the life of John Robert Wooden.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1427 into the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1427, honoring the life of John Robert Wooden.

John Wooden loved basketball. As a young man in Martinsville, Indiana, starting on his high school basketball team in 1927, Wooden led his team to an Indiana State high school basketball title, marking the beginning of a basketball career brimming with great success. In college, at Purdue University, his athletic victories continued, winning All-American honors 3 years in a row, as well as a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The great success on the basketball court Wooden achieved while in school set the foundation for the great athletic accomplishments he would later go on to achieve.

After being offered a spot in the NBA, Wooden turned it down, deciding rather to teach high school English and to coach high school basketball. His only break from the school setting was during World War II, when he served honorably as a lieutenant in the United States Navy.

In 1948, Wooden accepted an offer to coach the University of California team in Los Angeles, the UCLA Bruins basketball team, and he quickly established a record of success with his student athletes both on and off the court. In his first year with the team, he led the Bruins through a near perfect season, winning 22 out of 29 games. Wooden guided the team to 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships, seven of which were in a row. In addition, he led the Bruins to 19 conference championships, 12 Final Four appearances, four perfect seasons, and a record 88-game winning streak from 1971 to 1974.

Off the court, John Wooden was admired and respected as much as he was on the court. Foremost an educator, Wooden stressed the importance of team play while inspiring the development of individual talent and academic excellence. The distinguished Wooden Pyramid of Success has been widely recognized as an example for the building blocks to competitiveness and excellence in any quest, not just sports. It emphasizes the skills that Wooden taught, such as friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, team spirit, poise, and self- confidence. In 2003, he was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to a civilian.

John Wooden lost the love of his life, Nell Wooden, but he is survived by his two children, by his seven grandchildren, and by his 13 great-grandchildren, as well as by the millions of basketball fans who believe there will never be another coach like John Wooden in any sport, and they mourn his passing.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Waxman for bringing this bill forward.

I wish to honor the legendary Coach Wooden for his immense contributions, not only to the game of basketball, but also for his exceptional career as an educator, as a mentor, and for his dedication to the betterment of others. John Wooden's lasting legacy is carried on today on basketball courts all around the country as he was loved and admired by all who play and who know the game. I wish to express my deep condolences to his family, to his friends, to his former players, and to his countless fans and admirers.

I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1427, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman).

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to point out I have a basketball player in my home, and I certainly had the biography because the man that we're talking about, the great hero, John Robert Wooden, did indeed show Americans how to play a sport and how to play it honorably and how to play on and off the court.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I too rise today to express my deep appreciation for the life and work of John Wooden, the great coach from UCLA.

The resolution, by the way, that we are discussing today was originally introduced by my colleague Henry Waxman, who spoke a while ago. Henry's district includes UCLA within its territory. And Henry and I have worked together for many, many years and have had in common the fact that we are both, kind of, red-hot graduates of UCLA.

We don't agree upon everything. In fact, some would suggest we almost never agree. The reality is, though, that Henry and I have worked together for many, many years, and I'm very proud of the fact that he's a close friend.

Beyond that, let me say that the House might be interested to know that Henry and I are such fans of UCLA that he actually allowed me to name my dog Bruin. And Bruin walks to work with me every day, and, in fact, he's over in my office watching this on the floor and will be most intrigued by the fact that people finally are recognizing John and Nell Wooden for the wonderful, wonderful contribution they've made to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of John Wooden who became an angel at age 99 on June 4, 2010. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

I appreciate the efforts of my colleague, fellow UCLA graduate, and friend Henry Waxman who authored this resolution honoring Coach Wooden. While Henry and I haven't always agreed on policy issues, I have long valued his friendship and our shared love of all things UCLA. For those who do not know just how strongly I feel about my alma mater . . . my dog happens to be named Bruin.

It is a humbling moment to rise on behalf of thousands of UCLA alumni who are proud not just to graduate from a great university but to be associated with John Wooden, the preeminent basketball coach for all time.

From 1964 to 1975, his Bruin teams won 10 national championships, including seven in a row. No other men's basketball coach has won more than four. He led UCLA to four perfect seasons. No other coach has had more than one undefeated season. Wooden's teams won with legendary players known the world over and were victorious with players whose names are remembered only by the UCLA faithful.

But Coach Wooden was so much more than statistics, championships, and career honors. He was a reminder of values both endearing and enduring during a time of great social and political upheaval. Bruins and basketball lovers could disagree over the headlines in the newspapers but could unite around the humble leadership of Coach Wooden.

It is his role as an educator where he has made his greatest mark. Wooden developed the ``Pyramid of Success'' a simple, yet profound, 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.

Wooden's maxims benefit us all. Be quick, but don't hurry. It's not how tall you are, but how tall you play. Character is what you really are; reputation is what you are perceived to be.

Wooden's supreme devotion was to his family. He married his beloved Nell, the only woman he ever dated, and wrote her love letters every month on the anniversary of her passing. When UCLA's basketball court at Pauley Pavilion was recently renamed in their honor Wooden insisted her name came first. He and his wife symbolized the very best of family life.

Coach Wooden often said ``make each day your masterpiece.'' While he had many days that were masterpieces, the 99 years John Wooden graced us with his presence were his magnum opus.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to be here today, as I am a huge college basketball fan, to rise in support of House Resolution 1427, honoring Coach John Robert Wooden.

Today, we honor Coach Wooden's accomplishments and leadership. Coach

Wooden was born in Hall, Indiana, and he attended Purdue University, where he played on the university's basketball team and where he was the first player to be named a three-time All-American. Coach Wooden also played professionally for the team that later became the Indianapolis Jets. In 1961, he was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a player.

Coach Wooden began his teaching career at Dayton High School in Kentucky. After his service in World War II, Coach Wooden began coaching at Indiana Teachers College, now Indiana State University. In 1984, Wooden was inducted into the Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1948, Coach Wooden began his coaching career at UCLA. In 1 year, Coach Wooden turned the 12-13 losing team to a 22-7 winning team. John Wooden retired from UCLA and from coaching in 1975, but he left a legacy in his wake.

Coach Wooden's list of accomplishments is long and impressive. He led the UCLA men's basketball team to 10 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships, seven in consecutive years. He made the most appearances in the Final Four, the most consecutive appearances and the most victories in the Final Four. He set the record for the most consecutive wins at 88 games--amazing--and won 38 straight victories in the NCAA tournament play. He also led UCLA to eight perfect Pac-8--now Pac-10-- conference season championships.

Coach John Wooden's accomplishments on the court are innumerable. Today, we honor him for his accomplishments, and it is a great privilege to be here to honor this great man. Coach Wooden was much more than a coach, for his accomplishments were much greater as a person. Coach Wooden will be much missed by his friends, by his family, by the universities in which he served, also by the numerous players, assistant coaches, ball boys, trainers, and others. Coach Wooden's life was about others and not about himself, and I think, when the good Lord sees Coach Wooden, he is going to ask him how in the world he pulled off those 88 straight wins.

I know one of the things I would like to do with my life is to leave it a little bit better than I found it, and I certainly know that Coach John Wooden left it much better than he found it. I, too, as a fan, will miss Coach--a job well done.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the honorable gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the honorable gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis).

(Mr. LEWIS of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I will close by saying that this country has been much better for the presence of John Wooden here and the role model that he's applied for so many young people. And I would suggest that you go out and read his book, or books.

And one of the quotes, and I'm paraphrasing this, that struck me that he has said--I think his players would say Woodenisms--but it is: ``It's much more important what kind of individual you are than what kind of athlete you were.'' And I think we all need to keep that in mind as we go forward in our day.

And I appreciate the opportunity to be able to honor Coach Wooden today, one of my heroes.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Likewise, I rise to honor and pay respects to the life and career of the distinguished Hoosier, Coach John Wooden.

He was born October 14, 1910, in the small town of Hall, Indiana. Coach Wooden was raised on a family farm that had neither running water nor electricity, and money was often in short supply. He played basketball with his brothers in a barn using a tomato basket and a makeshift ball consisting of old rags. Later in life, he would credit his success to the hard work and discipline he learned growing up on the small family farm.

At the age of 14, his family moved to the town of Martinsville, Indiana, where he led the local high school basketball team for 3 consecutive years, winning the State championship in 1927. For his efforts, he was selected three-time All-State.

After graduating high school in 1928, John Wooden attended Purdue University, where he helped the Boilermakers as team captain to the 1932 national championship. He was named All-Big Ten, All-Midwestern conference while at Purdue. He also was the first player ever to be named three-time consensus All-American guard.

His nickname was the ``Indiana Rubber Man'' for his hard play on the basketball court.

When John Wooden graduated from Purdue in 1932, he began not only then as a professional basketball player, but then he sought teaching and coaching by accepting a job as an athletic director, a basketball coach, and English teacher at Dayton High School in Dayton, Kentucky. The first year at Dayton was Coach Wooden's only losing season as a high school coach.

In 1934, Wooden and his wife, Nellie, then moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he accepted another coaching and teaching position at South Bend Central High School. Overall, in 11 years of coaching high school, his record was an incredible 218 wins and only 42 losses.

In 1942, the United States entered World War II, and, like many others of his generation, Coach Wooden answered the call to serve his country, serving as a lieutenant in the Navy as a physical education instructor.

After completing his military service, John Wooden quickly found work at what is now known as Indiana State University. He coached basketball at the school and resumed his string of winning seasons.

In 1948, Coach Wooden then moved to UCLA that offered him the head coaching position. And the rest is history, as described by Mr. Waxman.

Coach Wooden will be remembered as an exceptional basketball player, an inspiring coach, and a mentor to many, many people. According to Bill Walton, UCLA's three-time All-American center during the 1970s, ``He taught us how to focus on one primary objective: Be the best in whatever endeavor you undertake. Don't worry about the score. Don't worry about the image. Don't worry about the opponent. It sounds easy, but it's actually very difficult.''

``It sounds easy, but it's actually very difficult. Coach Wooden

showed us how to accomplish it,'' end quote.

Today, the highest award in college basketball is named the Wooden Award, which honors the Nation's best player in both men's and women's college basketball.

John Wooden coached, taught, and lived with honor. He was a very special human being. And this is a Hoosier of which many of us are distinguishedly proud about. I know, California, you also love to claim him. I think all of America can claim him. He is a distinguished gentleman.