Words for a Lifetime: A Tribute to Coach

by Swen Nater

Enumclaw, Washington (Ed Note: Swen Nater played on two national championship teams for John Wooden at UCLA, never losing a game. Although used primarily as a back-up to Bill Walton in college, Nater became the #1 draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs. There he promptly earned ABA Rookie of the Year honors. Swen went on to play 12 years in professional basketball. He still holds the NBA record for most defensive rebounds in one half (18) and the Milwaukee Bucks record for most rebounds in one game 33. He has written several books and hundreds of poems. Here are two of those poems, along with his introductions.) Beyond the Basketball was inspired by Coach Wooden's interest in me as a person. Whenever we speak, he always asks about me, my wife, and children first. He remembers their problems and always asks for updates. When I played for him, he didn't seem that interested. That's probably because the "status differentiation" was important for teaching effectiveness. Since I've been an adult, we have had more personal dialogue. It's during those times I realized the confines of Pauley Pavilion was his classroom for basketball but, because he cared, he loved me far beyond those walls. From left to right: Swen Nater, Coach Wooden and Bill Walton. Beyond The Basketball Swen Nater Beyond the grand Pavilion, Where Bruin banners span, Beyond the accolades, I learned To be a champion man. Far beyond material, Or book on any shelf, Beyond the break, the pass or play, I learned about myself. Beyond the fundamentals, Or how to work the task, Beyond the "how," I learned the "why" And learned to think and ask. Beyond the Bruin uniform, Beyond the Blue and Gold, I gained a pride in who I am, That lasts until I'm old. And far beyond instruction, Beyond the hardwood class, Beyond the game and all the tests, Beyond the fail or pass, The Teacher loved me, so he coached Beyond gymnasium wall. I thank my God, The Teacher taught, Beyond the basketball Yonder is Coach Wooden's favorite serious poem. Once, when we were discussing life in the Hereafter, he told me he was once afraid of dying because he feared he would not see his wife Nellie again. However, at some point he became at peace, knowing he would see her in Heaven. I was inspired to put his tranquility into rhyme and rhythm. Yonder Once I was afraid of dying, Terrified of ever-lying, Petrified of leaving family, home and friends. Thoughts of absence from my dear ones, Drew a melancholy tear once, And a lonely, dreadful fear of when life ends. But those days are long behind me; Fear of leaving does not bind me, And departure does not host a single care. Peace does comfort as I ponder, A reunion in the Yonder, With my dearest who are waiting over there.