John Oldham facts for kids
John Oldham (born June 22, 1923 – died November 23, 2020) was an important person in American basketball. He was a player, a coach for college teams, and an athletic director. An athletic director is like a manager for all the sports teams at a school. John Oldham was born in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. He lived a long life, passing away at 97 years old in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
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Who Was John Oldham?
John Oldham was a talented person who loved basketball. He played the game professionally, which means he played for money as a job. Later, he became a coach, teaching young players in college. He also helped manage sports programs at universities.
Playing Days
John Oldham started his basketball journey as a player. From 1949 to 1951, he played for a team called the Fort Wayne Pistons. At that time, the Pistons were located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Playing professional basketball means you are one of the best players in the country.
Coaching Career
After his time as a player, John Oldham became a very successful coach. He helped many college teams get better.
Coaching the Golden Eagles
From 1955 to 1964, John Oldham was the coach for the Tennessee Golden Eagles. This team played for Tennessee Tech University. He spent nine years helping these young athletes improve their skills and teamwork.
Leading the Hilltoppers
After his time with the Golden Eagles, Oldham moved to another college team. From 1964 to 1971, he coached the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. This team played for Western Kentucky University. He coached the Hilltoppers for seven years, making a big impact on their basketball program.
Athletic Director Role
Besides coaching, John Oldham also served as an athletic director. In this role, he oversaw all the sports teams and athletic programs at a university. This job involves managing budgets, hiring coaches, and making sure student-athletes succeed both in sports and in their studies.
Legacy of John Oldham
John Oldham passed away on November 23, 2020. He left behind a great legacy in basketball. Many players and coaches learned from him. He helped shape the lives of many young people through sports. His dedication to basketball, both as a player and a coach, made him a respected figure in the sport.
