Michael Reagan and the Reagan Legacy Foundation express deep condolences to the family and legions of fans of John Wooden, who passed away June 4, 2010 at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA.

Recently the Foundation had a very meaningful opportunity to host Coach Wooden at the Reagan Presidential Library.  It was the Coach's only visit to the Library and he was alert and thrilled to enjoy this experience.

There were many similarities between John Wooden and Ronald Reagan. Both were humble sons of the mid-west, born just a few months apart, who came to California to achieve great success. And both were religious men who valued faith, family, freedom, and fundamental principles of kindness and good citizenship.

John Wooden was a legendary basketball player and coach, the first player/coach inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. His college teams at UCLA won 10 NCAA championships in a 12 year span, and he is widely acknowledged as the best coach in American sports history.  

Larry Greenfield, Coach Wooden and
Michael Reagan at the Reagan Library.

His "pyramid of success" play book for life taught focus, discipline, and honor in all things.

A dedicated teacher and community leader throughout his life, John Wooden received the Nelle Reagan award in 2003, an award named after President Reagan's beloved mother, now presented annually by the Reagan Legacy Foundation for community service.

Michael Reagan shares: "We are so proud of our friendship with Coach John Wooden, and grateful we were able to host him in the last months of his life, at a special visit to celebrate Ronald Reagan's life and legacy. When I asked what he considers his greatest accomplishment, he answered that all his players graduated college. It was clear to all that at age 99, John Wooden was a uniquely special man to hold close, as we approached his centennial, as well as Ronald Reagan's. There were many similarities between these two great men. He was a legend, a hero, a humble leader, a mentor to many, and an inspiration to millions for his standards of honesty, integrity, and faithful humanity."