When Nike CEO Phil Knight announced he would resume donations to the Autzen Stadium expansion project Wednesday, the ripple effect from the statement stretched far beyond the Oregon football program.
Associate Athletic Director Renee Baumgartner said the money may help fund a team that doesn’t exist yet.
“Expanding the stadium is going to benefit the entire athletics program,” Baumgartner said.
The former women’s golf coach said the Athletic Department has considered adding a new varsity team, and Knight’s return to donating may move the deadline to “sooner rather than later.” Baumgartner said sports that could possibly be added include swimming, water polo, gymnastics, crew, lacrosse and field hockey. She added the Athletic Department would most likely add a women’s sport.
“We’re excited about adding another sport,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner joined many Athletic Department staff members in applauding Knight’s decision to resume donating. Several coaches expressed their pleasure with the Nike chairman’s announcement.
Oregon men’s golf coach Steve Nosler was a classmate of Knight‘s at the University. Nosler said he is excited for Knight’s return.
“I’m glad this has been resolved,” Nosler said. “Someone of his stature honestly stating their love of this institution benefits not only athletics, but the rest of the University as well.”
Oregon soccer head coach Bill Steffen also glowed over Knight’s decision.
“The revenue generated by the expansion benefits us all,” Steffen said. “It all floats the boat.”
The coach said his players will also benefit from the donated money.
“They understand that football doesn’t just raise money for football,” Steffen said.
Oregon Athletic Director Bill Moos gave his first good-news press conference in awhile Wednesday, and the leader of the Athletic Department was thrilled about a resurgence for the entire program.
“All our sports will be able to benefit from the revenue created, every day of the year,” Moos said.
The exact figures of Knight’s donations will not be made public, but coaches like Nosler said they understand any donation affects their teams in the long run. Small Oregon teams could start seeing an increase in operating budgets as early as next season, when the expansion project at Autzen should be done.
Nosler said he was most excited about how Knight came back.
“The way he handled it shows how he really cares about the program,” Nosler said, referring to Knight’s opinion piece in The Oregonian.
The coaches noted the influence Knight’s donation could have on academics.
“Obviously, academically and athletically, this will make an impact,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner, who now has the task of perhaps adding another sport, said Knight and the University were meant for each other.
“He loves sports, and he loves academics,” Baumgartner said. “It’s a natural fit.”
Peter Hockaday is a reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald. He can be reached at [email protected]