Although the late Bill Bowerman retired from coaching Oregon track and field 36 years ago, those in the local track and field community say he helped build Eugene’s reputation as “Track Town USA.”
“When you go elsewhere in the world and mention Eugene, the sports fan thinks of Hayward first – not Autzen, not Mac,” said former Oregon Track Club runner Jon Anderson. “That’s just the truth.”
Former Oregon distance runner Kenny Moore, author of “Bowerman and the Men of Oregon,” said Bowerman’s push to host the 1972 Olympic Trials started in 1956 – when the OTC started.
Bowerman, the co-founder of Nike, also pushed to widen the track from six to eight lanes and wanted to host premier college meets, Moore said. In 1962, the University hosted a national collegiate championship, which Oregon won.
“The rest of the coaches and officials realized on that day – if they hadn’t before – that Eugene was an amazing place to go for meets,” Moore said.
Bowerman and Oregon track continued to host more premier meets and attracted talented athletes, including Steve Prefontaine.
Eugene defeated Los Angeles’ bid to host the ’72 Trials.
“The fact that Eugene was picked was not a walk-step thing,” Moore said.
Bowerman made sure to add his own touch to the trials that year. While Los Angeles wanted to host the meet during two days, Bowerman wanted athletes to compete in Eugene for eight days to mimic the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
Some questioned whether or not Eugene residents would come out to watch the meets during that long of a period, Moore said.
“But the fans were up to the challenge, and when there were a couple hammer throw rounds in the morning, everyone would come and cheer,” former meet executive Paul Edlund said. “Then they’d go float the river or go shopping, and come back later. Everyone adapted.”
Moore said Bowerman built a strong community of athletes, coaches, fans and officials.
“They understood and valued and treasured what they were seeing,” he said.
Moore said that current track and field head coach Vin Lananna played a role in bringing back the trials.
“It was very Bowerman-like of him – how he reached out to the whole community,” Moore said.
[email protected]