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Athletics and the Academy:
The History of Sports at the University of Oregon
Browse by Athlete or Coach
William J. (Bill) Bowerman, 1911-1999
Bill Bowerman, hailed as one of the world's leading track and field authorities, was coach at the University of Oregon for a tremendously successful 24 years. He is called by many the greatest track coach who ever lived, having inspired and trained 31 Olympians, 51 All-Americans, 12 American record-holders, 24 NCAA champions, and 10 sub-4 minute milers when that feat was rarely accomplished. During his career at the University of Oregon, the track team had a winning season every year but one, the Ducks won four NCAA titles and finished second twice, and his teams finished in the top ten 16 of the 24 years he coached.
Len Casanova, 1905-2002
Len Casanova was the head football coach at the Univeristy of Oregon from 1951 to 1967. In 1967 he became the University Athletic Director and retired from this position in 1970. Casanova was the winningest coach in school history with a record of 82-73-8. Three times he guided the Ducks to post-season appearances, including a visit to the Rose Bowl in 1958. After assisting with the completion of Autzen Stadium, he was associated with numerous fund-raising and special projects that have improved the athletic facilities significantly. The new athletic center, opened in June 1991, was named in honor of Casanova's 40-year contribution to the Ducks' athletic fortunes.
Bill Hayward, 1868-1947
Bill Hayward coached track & field and cross country at the University of Oregon from 1904 to 1947. He played a key role in bringing the UO track program to national and international prominence, especially through his involvement with Olympic coaching. Hayward assisted with the coaching of the U.S. Olympic track teams from 1908 to 1932. An additional highlight in Hayward's long career was coaching Bill Bowerman, who succeeded him as head track coach and brought further acclaim to the UO track & field program. In 1919, the first Hayward Field grandstands were built and named after the already well-loved coach.
Steve Prefontaine, 1951-1975
Arguably Oregon's greatest sports legend, no former Duck athlete captured the hearts of a nation as the brash, charismatic native son.
His quest after Olympic glory fueled the American running craze in the mid-1970s, and even though he was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 24, he still claimed seven NCAA titles, a fourth-place Olympic finish in 1972 (5K), and American records from the 2-mile up through the 10K.
Browse for Prefontaine Materials
Alberto Salazar, 1958-
Alberto Salazar joined the University of Oregon track team in 1976. Born in Cuba and raised in Massachusetts, he was attracted to the University of Oregon by the reputation of head track coach Bill Dellinger. He won the NCAA cross country title in 1978 and broke American records in the 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter, and marathon events. From 1980-1982, he won three consecutive New York City Marathons and also won the Boston Marathon in 1982. In his 1994, he returned to professional running to win the 54-mile Comrades Ultra-Marathon Champion race in South Africa.
Norman Van Brocklin, 1926-1983
Norman Van Brocklin, known as the "Dutchman", was the University of Oregon's first All-American quarterback. He led the Oregon team to the Pacific Coast Conference Title in 1948 before being drafted to the Los Angeles Rams NFL team in 1949. He went on to play for the the Philadelphia Eagles. After 12 successful years of playing professional football, he became a coach for such teams as the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
Browse for Van Brocklin Materials
For questions or information about University of Oregon sports history, please contact Heather Briston, Richard & Mary Corrigan-Solari University Historian & Archivist, at 541-346-1899.
The materials here are offered for research purposes. Reproductions of individual items may be requested by contacting the Image Services Center at 541-346-1946.
Last Modified: June 24, 2008Comments and questions to Digital Collections Administrator
Metadata Services & Digital Projects, University of Oregon Libraries