Huskies’ Coach Lorenzo Romar Wins Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award

Final Four Weekend: University of Washington's Head Coach to Receive Esteemed Award at the Annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast

INDIANAPOLIS, March 21, 2006—As University of Washington Head Basketball Coach Lorenzo Romar leads his team into the ‘Sweet Sixteen,' the Huskies have yet another reason to celebrate.  Coach Romar has been chosen as the winner of the 2006 Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award in honor of his outstanding character and for demonstrating the "Keys to Life."

Established in 1998, the "Keys to Life" Award is modeled after UCLA legend John Wooden for his high level of moral character, integrity, and faith, on and off the court. Wooden's legacy reflects the life-long pursuit of a creed his father gave him at age 12, entitled "Keys to Life."

"Lorenzo is a shining example of what is great about college basketball...his care and investment in his players, his high level of excellence throughout his program and his unyielding commitment to being God's man are both inspirational and exemplary," said Bill Pugh, president of Athletes in Action, the organization presenting the award.

Coach Romar was recently voted in a Sports Illustrated Pac-10 poll as "the opposing coach players would most like to play for" and University of Washington was voted the "team with most respect for their coach."

Romar began his coaching career at Pepperdine and continued at St. Louis before heading to the Evergreen State to lead the Huskies in 2002. Prior to his career as an NCAA coach, Romar spent seven years on staff with Athletes in Action playing, coaching, leading basketball clinics, and speaking as an ambassador for the game of basketball and the United States.  Romar is currently the all-time leader in assists for Athletes in Action (1,689) and is No. 2 in points scored (4,244).

"KEYS TO LIFE" AWARD PRESENTATION:
Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast

• Saturday, April 1, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Indianapolis' Conseco Fieldhouse
   
• Guest speaker Jerry Colangelo, chairman and CEO of the Phoenix Suns; emcee Ernie Johnson, host for "Inside the NBA" on TNT; CBS Basketball Analyst Clark Kellogg; and special guest Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts' head coach.

The Legends of the Harwood Breakfast is hosted annually by Athletes in Action and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during the NCAA Final Four weekend. Other 2006 "Keys to Life" award finalists include Allan Houston, retired from the N.Y. Knicks; Avery Johnson, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks; and Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks.  For Legends of the Hardwood ticket information, call (800) 416-9473 or visit www.LegendsBreakfast.com.

Athletes in Action, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, works with athletes and coaches to use the unique platform of sport to help people around the world with questions of faith. For more information about Athletes in Action, visit www.AIA.com.

Media Note: The Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast is open to the media. Credentials can be obtained on-site at will call. On-site media contact: Tricia Allen, (937) 352-1235.

John Wooden's
"Keys to Life:"

1. Be true to yourself

2. Help others

3. Make each day your masterpiece

4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible

5. Make friendship a fine art

6. Build shelter against a rainy day

7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day

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