John Wooden Essay Example

successfully reaching the championship game.

His team proceeded to capture the championship trophy in a thrilling come from behind victory. Coach Stroud got the ride of his life as the players, students, and parents hoisted the coach onto their shoulders and paraded him around the gym in frenzied celebration. Two months later, during a routine player eligibility review for football, coach Stroud discovered that one of his basketball players had not been eligible for the playoffs. The coach realized the player in question had only gotten in the ame for 45 seconds, but his participation clearly violated the league's rules. "I thought I was ruined. " said Shroud. "I became depressed and struggled for some time with what I should do. " He decided that it was necessary for him to acknowledge the error to the league office. Upon hearing the violation, the the league declared a forfeit and Rock dale's championship trophy was returned. When the coach gathered the team together to break the news, they were devastated. He then exhorted his team with these words. You've got to do what is honest, what is right, and what the rules say. People forget the scores of the games, but they don't ever forget what you're made of, and how you lived " The word spread quickly through the neighboring towns and cities near Rockdale. The coach's decision to report the infraction and forfeit the championship quickly gained nationwide attention. Stroud went on to be selected twice as the 'Citizen of the Year' in Rockdale County and, in addition, he was honored as Georgian of the Year.