February 24, 2024
USPS dedicates eternal stamp honoring UCLA coach John Wooden
LOS ANGELES — John Wooden's extraordinary and enduring contributions to college basketball and sports around the world were celebrated at the Postal Service's dedication of a new stamp honoring him at UCLA.
Wooden, considered the greatest coach in American sports history, led the UCLA Bruins to a record 10 national championships. His success on the court was unparalleled and he is remembered for teaching his players how to achieve excellence not only on the court but also in life.
“John Wooden's contributions transcended basketball and provided lessons in integrity, teamwork, and personal excellence that resonated across the nation,” said Derek Kang, a member of the USPS Board of Directors. ” he said. “By dedicating this stamp, the U.S. Postal Service is honoring not just a legendary coach, but a transformative figure in sports and leadership.”
The event was held outdoors in the East Plaza of Pauley Pavilion, an arena on UCLA's campus.
Other speakers included basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played for Wooden's Bruins for three straight championship seasons. Gene Block, UCLA President; Valorie Kondos Field, former head coach of the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team; and Christy Impelman, Coach Wooden's eldest granddaughter.
Jamal “Silk” Wilkes, a three-time NBA All-Star who played two seasons in the Champions League with Wooden's Bruins, was the emcee.
The ceremony also featured performances by the UCLA Quartet and the UCLA Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Wooden began his career at UCLA in 1948 and retired in 1975. As a coach, he helped break down the color barrier in college basketball, and he was twice inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. in 1960 and as a player at Purdue University in the 1930s. , as a coach in 1973.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association named him College Basketball Coach of the Year six times.
In 1964, he led UCLA to a perfect 30-0 season and its first national championship. The 1965 team also won the national championship, becoming the fifth team in history to win two years in a row. The era of the Bruins as a dynasty had begun.
The Bruins would win eight more national championships under Wood's leadership.
UCLA had four perfect seasons, and during the 1971-1974 seasons, the team won an unprecedented 88 straight games. This record remains unbroken.
Mr. Wooden was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, by President George W. Bush in 2003. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 99.
The stamp features original artwork by Alexis Franklin based on an early 1970s photograph of Norm Schindler and is available at post offices nationwide. usps.com.
The image shows a portrait of Wooden staring out at the viewer. The two players' numbers 4 and 10 are reminiscent of the Bruins' four perfect seasons and 10 national championships during Wood's tenure.
USPS art director Antonio Alcala served as the stamp designer and art director.
John Wood stamps are issued as Forever stamps in packs of 20. The value of these stamps will always be the same as the current First Class Mail 1 oz rate.
Stamp news is shared on social media with the hashtag #john wooden stamp.
Customers can also purchase other stamp products and stamps by calling 844-737-7826 or by mail. usa stamps. For officially licensed stamp products, USPS Officially Licensed Collection On Amazon.
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