John Wood 2024 Stamps

Description

2024 John Wooden
• Celebrates iconic basketball coach John Wooden

Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 68¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: February 24, 2024
First Day City: Los Angeles, California
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor, Block Tag

History the stamp represents: John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was one of he most revered coaches in the history of sports. He was nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood” and brought his team (UCLA Bruins) to 10 NCAA men’s basketball national championships (seven consecutive). Wooden was presented the Henry Iba Award as national coach of the year seven times for his outstanding ability to bring out the best in his players.

Before becoming a coach, Wooden was a star basketball player himself. In high school, he led his team to a state tournament title in 1927. He was also chosen for All-State three times. Wooden later attended Purdue University and continued his basketball career there. In 1932, he was named All-Big Ten and All-Midwestern and received the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Wooden played professionally with several teams after college. He taught high school English and then began his coaching career (first at high school-, then at college-level).

Wooden was much more than a great basketball coach. He was also a renowned motivational speaker and author. His Pyramid of Success, which, while intended for basketball players, has plenty of applications for everyday life, too. To this day, Wooden is remembered as both a legendary basketball coach and inspiring man.