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Bill Bowerman strived to test the boundaries, once saying, “If there are limits to what we can do, I don’t know what they are.” From designing new running shoes to petitioning the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) to improve athlete services, Bowerman forged ahead. An Oregonian through and through, Bowerman was born in Portland.
Bill Dellinger began his legacy at Oregon as an athlete and transitioned into a prominent distance coach during the 1970s and 1980s. As a student-athlete, Dellinger was a notable star under Bill Bowerman. He was a two-time NCAA winner, three-time All-American and three-time Pacific Coast Conference Champion. After college, Dellinger joined the ...
Running and track and field demonstrate the persevering attitude that drives the University of Oregon into the 21st Century. Legendary teacher and coach Bill Bowerman undoubtedly spearheaded efforts that heralded Eugene as “Tracktown U.S.A.”. But the foundation for track and field excellence developed years before Bowerman stepped onto the ...
Coaches Bill Hayward, Bill Bowerman, Bill Dellinger and Tom Heinonen played significant roles in shaping Oregon’s track and field dynasty. These Oregon leaders were instrumental in guiding all track and field athletes, from Olympians to recreational participants. They broke down barriers, challenged unfair regulations, and worked to improve ...
Hayward’s most recognizable trainee was Bill Bowerman, who played football for the Ducks and later joined the track team after some convincing by Hayward. In addition to his leadership at Oregon, Hayward also shared his knowledge internationally, playing various roles on the U.S. Olympic teams from 1908-1932.
Bowerman enlisted community support, and, in 1988, a $1.9 million renovation transformed and modernized the 440-yard track into the standard 400-meter oval. In the last 15 years, the additions of a new scoreboard and the Bowerman Building, as well as the recent completion of the Powell Plaza, keep Hayward Field competitive with other venues, keeping its “running” tradition alive.
That same year, Bill Bowerman took over coaching duties for the track and field team. With the arrival of Bowerman and the new successes in the competitive arena, changes in coaching duties inevitably followed. Recruiting on the Rise. An increased focus on recruiting fueled the momentum in the second-half of the century.
Bowerman also played a leading role in establishing the U.S. Track Team Exhibition Meets in Eugene in addition to assisting with the Olympic Trials bids and preparations. In addition to competing in three Olympics, Bill Dellinger served as the distance coach on the 1984 U.S. Track and Field Olympic team.
He is also the author of Bowerman and the men of Oregon: the story of Oregon’s legendary coach and Nike’s co-founder. Steve Prefontaine: THE Running Legend One of Oregon’s premier running legends, Steve Prefontaine set 13 American-records in seven different events from 1971-1975.
Hayward Field Timeline. 1919 – Original West Grandstand is built. Field is named after UO athlete and coach, Bill Hayward. UO football calls Hayward Field home until 1967. Bill Hayward, 1910. First practice day, Sept. 20, 1920. Coaches Bill Hayward and “Shy” Huntington at far left. 1921 – Six lane cinder track installed (approx. $10,000).
