I grew up believing that basketball, Hoosier Hysteria and March Madness were a way of life. With some years under my belt, I’ve come to learn that it’s atypical for most 3rd graders to have several brackets going . . . as part of a class project. But that’s how we teach statistical probability in Indiana classrooms, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
While my formative years were spent watching Bobby Knight and Gene Keady go toe-to-toe, no coach can compare to the Hoosier State’s own John Wooden. His winning record proves he was an incredible coach, and although he had an unparalleled mastery of the game, his leadership coaching methodology is what fascinates me now. If you haven’t checked out his Pyramid of Success, I highly recommend it.
Barton Coe Vilamaa was kind enough to provide an opportunity for me to photograph the gym where the legendary Coach Wooden used to play. It’s now the Glenn Curtis Memorial Gymnasium at John R. Wooden Middle School in Martinsville, IN. Named named after Wooden’s former coach, the gym used to be on the Martinsville High School site, and it’s now part of the middle school.
Schools may change, and they may even change locations, but basketball greatness stands the test of time. More than 90 years have passed since Wooden played on the court, and I swear I could still hear echoes of basketballs and sneakers leaving their marks on the gym floor. It was incredible. So was the guy who said this:
“I think that in any group activity—whether it be business, sports or family—there has to be leadership, or it won’t be successful.” – John Wooden
