Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News
Martinsville - Legendary basketball coach John Wooden is being honored this week with highway signs that celebrate his talent on the court and his love of reading.
John Wooden's career, from player to coach, is arguably the best in all of sports. It includes 10 national titles, two Hall of Fame inductions and Sportsman of the Year.
His performance on the basketball court from Martinsville all the way to UCLA has earned Wooden countless honors. But it's his passion off the court that's now the focus of a tribute in Wooden's hometown.
New highway signs are going up along Old 67 in Morgan County in honor of Wooden's 99th birthday. They not only celebrate his basketball legacy, but also his love of literature.
Each sign is sponsored for $400, a portion of which will go toward buying books for local schools. The plan is to create reading rooms stocked with Wooden's favorite titles and authors.
"His passion for books, which has been a lifelong love affair, started on his father's knee. His father always admonished them, learn to love to read good books and from that starting point, to this very present day, he has been in love with books," said Martinsville historian Elmer Reynolds.
Reynolds came up with the idea for the fundraiser. He says it will foster a legacy of learning in John Wooden's name and makes a fitting tribute to a man who has inspired young people for years.
"Perhaps only one of 500,000 high school athletes will make their lifetime living in sports, but the other 499,999 will have to build their life based on what they learn in books," Reynolds said. "His family tells me that they're so pleased that even with all his accolades in basketball, he'd much rather be remembered as a teacher."
So far, 18 signs with sponsorships are ready for posting along the highway.
Reynolds says the Morgan County Community Foundation is also taking donations to buy books for schools in John Wooden's name.
