John Wooden's advice for young Joe Paterno

Penn State's Joe Paterno is the oldest coach in college football, so it's difficult for him to turn to his elders for advice.

But the 82-year-old kid is in Los Angeles for the Rose Bowl game, so he could always visit 98-year-old UCLA basketball legend John Wooden.

Asked during a recent basketball game if he could offer some advice for "that young whippersnapper," Wooden chuckled and paused for a moment.

"Keep doing the best you can, that's all!" he smiled.

Then he added some wisdom for people of any age. "Don't try to be better than someone else. Learn from others because you don't know a thing you won't learn from somebody else. But never cease trying to be the best you can be. Nobody can do more than that."

During a Q&A including David Jones from the Harrisburg Patriot-News, Wooden discussed Paterno's run in Happy Valley, where he just signed a three-year contract extension. "As long as he's physically able to do it, there's no reason why he shouldn't -- and he's the only one who can determine that. Somebody else trying to tell him what to do? That won't work with Joe!"

Wooden announced his own retirement after winning the NCAA Final Four in 1975, and would go on to win his final game for an unprecedented 10th national championship. Paterno can claim only two of those in his sport but is untouched with his record 23 bowl wins. He'll go for his 24th on Thursday in the Rose Bowl against USC. "It amazes me, and still on the other hand, I'm not surprised," said Wooden of Paterno's longevity.

Wooden was merely 65 when he stepped down but, "It wasn't because of illness or anything ... I just felt it was time. I've never regretted it. I miss teaching, I miss practices. I never miss games, and I don't miss tournaments. I don't miss alumni hullabaloo. But I do miss teaching."

The two coaches are from different sports and opposite coasts, but they did connect at least one time over their careers, with the younger helping the elder.

"I got to know him some years ago," said Wooden. "If you'll look on the records, you'll find that he gave the commencement address at Penn State [in 1973] ... I was giving one at Purdue [in 1975]. I talked to him and he sent me his address and it helped me."

-- Adam Rose
Thanks to David Jones for a great experience at the game.
Top photo of John Wooden by Christian Petersen/Getty Images. Bottom photo of Joe Paterno by Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press