The Hornet men’s and women’s basketball teams tipped off their seasons with much hope and fanfare Friday evening by welcoming the legendary John Wooden as their guest speaker.

Wooden was a two-time All-American and Hall of Fame inductee as a player at Purdue University. As a head coach, Wooden compiled a record of 620-147, in addition to winning 10 NCAA titles and posting two undefeated seasons.

On this night, he did nothing to disappoint. A large audience was captivated not only by Wooden’s words, but his mere presence.

At UCLA, he was the architect of a team that won 10 NCAA titles. On this evening, he unveiled the blueprint to his pyramid of success, which is a much respected method of coaching.

Wooden’s foundation to success on the court and in life is comprised into several categories, or “blocks,” which form solid character in people.

Wooden believes that friendship, loyalty, and competition are key to establishing a foundation in his pyramid. Friendship, according to Wooden is something that individuals must work on. It’s a two-sided agreement between people, which involves the necessary element of loyalty.

Competition tests and strengthens these attributes.

The next block is comprised of four attributes: self control, alertness, initiative and intentness. Wooden believes that we all need self-control and discipline in all aspects. Alertness comes into play during the learning process.

Initiative is key as we should not be afraid to fail. Failure is defined as not acting when needed. Intentness is being set on reaching one’s goals. Difficult goals are not out of the realm of possibility.

Wooden’s next level deals with strengthening and conditioning oneself.

Conditioning is paramount in whatever challenge one is preparing for. Skill is a center rock, as Wooden believed in having people that were good at what they did. Wooden differentiated between “people who could do it quickly or don’t do it at all.”

Team spirit was critical in the aspect of conditioning and building, as he wanted people who had an appreciation for others and an eagerness to lose oneself for the group.

The final block that forms the ultimate competitor is faith and patience.

These attributes allow a competitor to thrive when times are tough and in pressure situations. Pressure is key as it allows progress to be made. Without it there is no real improvement.

Even though players have changed along with the sport of basketball over the years, Wooden remained assertive and consistent in his ideas. He would like to see the dunk abolished and says that Jason Williams cannot play for him with his “showmanship” style of play.

Wooden believes that players should stay true to the sport, as it is “the greatest spectator sport” in the world. In the process, television has been the worst thing that has happened to the sport, making actors out of players.

Wooden attributes many of his old-school views and values to his father who taught him what the definition of success was.

“Success is never trying to be better than someone else. Learn from others, never cease trying to be your best, because that’s what you have control over.”

While the legendary Wooden took center stage in constructing and articulating his views and plans, two Sac State basketball coaches unveiled their plans for what they hope will be successful programs.

Jerome Jenkins promised results as the coach of the men’s basketball team. He aims to reach these through mindset, discipline and team togetherness.

Carolyn Jenkins believes her women’s team will be successful if it comes together, stays together, and works together.

After Wooden’speech, he received a stirring standing ovation from those in attendance. Jenkins and Jenkins are hoping to use Wooden’s wisdom to build successful programs on campus.

Sac State senior running back Charles Roberts played his last regular season game as a Hornet on Saturday at Northern Arizona, rushing for 187 yards in 25 carries and scoring on runs of 80 and 21 yards. He passed Ron Dayne to become the all-time career rushing leader in Division I, with 6,553 rushing yards at Sac State. He ran for 57 touchdowns in his four years here, and only Brian Shay, who ran for Emporia State of Division II and R.J. Bowers of Division III, have gained more yardage in the history of college football.