Preparing for my big game

In the course of three days starting last Thursday I spent time with Coach Wooden and got married. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with the former several times; thankfully this was the only time I did latter.

I went to Coach's condo slash basketball shrine with my (now) father in law Art Spander. When Art was a UCLA student in the late 50s, he was a Daily Bruin sports writer and editor.  Read Art Spander's column on the visit.

For me, getting together with Coach just prior to my wedding is like getting a pregame talk from God; the only difference is I know exactly where to find Coach.

While I was with Coach, I asked him to sign another Pyramid of Success. He wrote, "Dear Debbie and Marc: With best wishes for a long and wonderful life together. John Wooden."

 

Art and Coach Wooden talking

 

 

 

 

At 96, Coach Wooden still has the most beautiful mind I know. He recites poem after poem, many written by his former player Swen Nater. When most people talk about Coach, they mention, of course, the ten national championships, his Pyramid of Success, his commitment to his family, especially his wife Nellie, and his homespun Midwestern values. But more than anything I love to listen to Coach trade barbs with his old (yes old) proteges.

If you want more wit and wisdom from Coach, check out this ESPN piece celebrating his 95th birthday. Make sure you click on the "Breakfast at VIPs" video featuring Coach with my good friend Andy Hill, Marques Johnson, Bill Walton and others.

The wedding was amazing. Weather was slightly warmer than normal, which was good considering the ceremony took place on the beach. Bride was (and is) gorgeous. Groom was not too nervous. Band rocked. Friends and family had a great time.

A few more photos from visit with Coach and the wedding...

Meticulously signing his Pyramid of Success for Deb and me in his famed den

Bride and groom and her family

The groom's cake. Can you guess where I am from?

Comments

[Jeffrey Evans]

And it was one helluva a wedding. Married to one helluva a girl. And to think that she found a guy who likes sports!!!???

[Dave P]

Wow, I didn't realize you were on hand for Art's visit with Coach Wooden. Now if he ever meets up with Coach Boeheim, *I* want to come along. Enjoy Hawaii...