Memorial Service Held For Coach Wooden

Three weeks after passing away, John Wooden was remembered by his friends, players and peers: “John Wooden was remembered Saturday for being ‘one in a billion as a coach, mentor and friend’ during a memorial service uniting the decades of ‘boys’ who helped him win a record 10 national championships at UCLA…’His spirit will be a part of this building forever,’ said broadcaster Al Michaels, who opened and closed the public service attended by 4,000…’Coach’s value system was from another era, it was developed in an America that has passed on,’ former UCLA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said of John Wooden…UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero told the crowd that Section 103B, Row 2, Seat 1 — roped off and bathed in a spotlight — is now retired. That was where Wooden could be found sitting for years after his 1975 retirement, watching the Bruins’ games and patiently signing autographs. ‘No one else will ever sit there,’ Guerrero said as the audience applauded. Wooden’s life, from his early humble beginnings in Martinsville, Ind., to his days as an All-American player at Purdue to the dynasty he built at UCLA, were remembered in speeches and videos.”