[ad_1]
CHARLOTTE — The foundation of John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” is simple: be loyal, enthusiastic and hardworking, among other things. Each level requires more from those who are willing to climb to the top. Have self-control, be conditioned, serene and confident. If someone can achieve each of the 15 steps, Wooden taught, they could reach the pinnacle: competitive greatness.
This pyramid has defined DeShaun Foster’s entire athletic life. Originally from Charlotte and moving to Southern California as a baby, he grew up to become one of the most decorated running backs the UCLA Bruins have ever seen. Foster recorded two 1,000+ yard seasons, set records as a freshman and senior, and was named a second-team All-American.
When he returned to Charlotte in 2002, he was a second-round pick for the Panthers. Carolina had just hired John Fox and was beginning a rebuild. At the center of Fox’s approach was a pyramid. It was one Foster knew well.
“The pyramid of success. That’s what Fox used for us to develop our culture,” said former safety and Foster’s teammate Mike Minter.
Minter was a safety with the Panthers from 1997 to 2006 before joining the coaching staff. He spent the last 11 seasons as Campbell’s head coach at the FCS level. While there, he used Fox’s approach, implementing the wooden pyramid and all that it encompassed.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. I’m talking about every block (the one Fox used), right? The cornerstones are being really tough and smart. And that’s what Coach Fox brought to us.”
That’s why Minter, one of several Panthers who have remained close to Foster, is confident his former teammate can adapt seamlessly to the position at UCLA. There is another reason too.
Minter was already in his sixth year when Foster joined the NFL and the Panthers. When he arrived in Charlotte, Minter looked for what he had always tried to find in young people to determine whether they would be successful: competitiveness. With Minter coming downhill to face the rookie, it only took a couple of padded practices to know Foster would be fine.
“Over the years we’ve had some nice collisions,” Minter laughs now.