Even John Wooden marvels at Joe Paterno’s longevity

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Both won Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year awards. Former UCLA Coach John Wooden won 10 national championships and never made more than $35,000 a year. Penn State CoachJoe Paterno won two national titles, had five undefeated seasons and, in his 43rd season, reportedly makes $512,000 from the university.

Both are highly accomplished but known for their modest lifestyles. There is one difference, though. Paterno, 82, recently signed a three-year contract extension that could keep him coaching through his 46th season. Wooden, who coached for 27 years, retired at age 64 after winning his 10th national championship in 1975.

In a recent interview with the Harrisburg Patriot News, Wooden marveled at Paterno’s longevity.

‘It amazes me and, still, on the other hand, I’m not surprised,’ Wooden said of Paterno, whose No. 6 Nittany Lions play No. 5 USC on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl . ‘Does that make sense?’

‘As long as he’s physically able to do it, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t,’ Wooden told the Patriot News’ David Jones, who credited Los Angeles Times blogger Adam Rose for securing the interview. (Check out Rose’s insightful UCLA and USC blogs.) ‘And he’s the only one who can determine that. Someone else trying to tell him what to do, that’s not going to work with Joe, anyway.’

-- Mark Medina