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Morgan Wootten
23quotes
Morgan Wootten
The Legendary Coach Who Shaped Basketball History
Full Name and Common Aliases
Morgan Wootten's full name is Morgan Walker Wootten Jr., but he is commonly known as "Coach Wootten" among basketball enthusiasts.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 26, 1938, in Washington, D.C., Coach Wootten passed away on July 31, 2020, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
An American by birth, Morgan Wootten was a renowned high school basketball coach, educator, and author. He spent most of his career coaching and teaching in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Washington D.C., Coach Wootten developed a passion for sports at an early age. He attended Gonzaga College High School, where he played basketball and football under the guidance of legendary coach Father John "Red" O'Leary. After high school, Wootten went on to study education at Gonzaga University, later transferring to The Catholic University of America.
Major Accomplishments
Coach Wootten's coaching career spanned over four decades, during which he accumulated an incredible record of 1,274 wins and 324 losses. He led DeMatha Catholic High School to three national championships (1965, 1967, and 1973) and won 28 conference titles. His teams also produced 69 All-Americans, including NBA stars like Julius Erving and Patrick Ewing.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his coaching achievements, Coach Wootten authored the bestselling book "The Best There Ever Was: The Morgan Wootten Story," which chronicles his life and basketball experiences. He was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2002), the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame (1987), and the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Hall of Fame.
Impact and Legacy
Coach Wootten's impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive win-loss record. He was a pioneer in promoting equality, inclusivity, and fair play in high school sports. His innovative coaching methods and emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and hard work have inspired generations of coaches and players worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Coach Wootten's enduring legacy is due to his dedication to the sport he loved and his commitment to developing young athletes into well-rounded individuals. He was known for his wisdom, passion, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As a respected voice in basketball, Coach Wootten's quotes and insights continue to inspire coaches, players, and fans alike.
As we reflect on the remarkable life and career of Morgan Wootten, it is clear that he left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. His influence extends beyond his impressive coaching record to the countless lives he touched through his teaching, writing, and mentoring. Coach Wootten's legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of sports and the importance of passing on wisdom, values, and knowledge to future generations.
Quotes by Morgan Wootten
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True basketball coaches are great teachers and you do not humiliate, you do not physically go after, you do not push or shove, you do not berate, if you are a true coach. If you humiliate or curse them, that won’t do it. Coaches like that are not coaches.
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Basketball is a game and their primary reason for participating in the sport is simply for the pleasure they experience while playing. Don’t be afraid to lose. Have fun while you’re busy playing hard and playing smart.
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You get to do things for people who will never pay you back and they say you never have had a perfect day until you’ve done something for someone who will never pay you back.
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Evaluate wins and losses objectively, focusing more on effort and execution than on the outcome of the game.
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Basketball is a game and their primary reason for participating in the sport is simply for the pleasure they experience while playing. Don't be afraid to lose. Have fun while you're busy playing hard and playing smart.
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You are the real teachers. You have these children when they are at their emotional peaks and lows. That's when they are the most pliable. It doesn't take any intelligence to send a kid home with his head hanging between his knees. But to send him home with his head up every night might show a little coaching.
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You get to do things for people who will never pay you back and they say you never have had a perfect day until you've done something for someone who will never pay you back.
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