BOWERMAN & THE MEN OF OREGON
GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
We know his name and we understand his greatness. His career achievements live on in both Track and Field numbers, and his partnership in business. However, anyone fortunate enough to know him would only talk about his character. Bill Bowerman was born on February 19th, 1911 in Portland Oregon. Bill was a person of extreme skill. A varsity football player while at Oregon, enlisted in the United States Army, and of course, an excellent track and field coach. Bowerman was the epitome of versatility. He coached athletes to NCAA championships in fifteen of the seventeen track and field events. Sprints, distance, throws, and jumps, Bowerman pushed his athletes to reach their full potential. He was an extremely successful coach, but his greatest skill was one not linked to athletic ability. His mind was his greatest asset.
BE TRUE TO YOUR FEET Bowerman was an innovator. In every aspect of his life, he changed the way success was previously obtained. His innovations and craftsmanship were both minute and colossal. He famously custom made the shoes worn by the Oregon track team. Not for cost, but for weight. The lighter the shoe, the less weight the runner carried over the course of a race. Innovation at its finest. Also, Bowerman was a believer in rest. He frequently, and often at the frustration of his athletes, limited the amount they ran. Constant rigorous training requires constant rest, or the body becomes overworked. Whether in sport, or in life, Bill was one step ahead of the competition. His aspects of training were closely guarded secrets, which could only be obtained through a lifetime of dedication and study. His secrets made champions.
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There were no limits or final answers in our endeavor to find a better way of doing things
We know the phrase. It’s famous. It lives within each product Nike releases. Nike strives for elite athletes to get the best out of themselves, while also inspiring the average person to get up and “Just Do It.” The Nike mantra we all recognize has been a persistent theme of the company since its origin. The lifeblood of the company resides in the ideals of one man. Bill Bowerman.
JUST DO IT
“NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF”
“IF YOU HAVE A BODY, YOU ARE AN ATHLETE”
It is with these quotes that Nike evolved into what it is today. Bill Bowerman’s legacy lives on in his words. Words that molded his runners into Olympians and world record holders, words that have transformed a small shoe company into a global powerhouse, and words that continue to inspire and motivate the everyday athlete moving forward. Bill Bowerman was more than an elite track coach. He was a visionary.
“THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT’S BETTER TO ASK FOR FORGIVENESS THAN TO ASK FOR PERMISSION”
RULE 11: REMEMBER THE MAN
It’s said that you die two times. Once when you take your last breath, and the second when your name is mentioned for the last time. Bill Bowerman’s legacy will never die. His name is legend at the University of Oregon; where he coached men in track and in life. Rule #11 at Nike headquarters states simply, Remember The Man, in reference to the co-founder’s influence on longtime friend and partner Phil Knight. Nike keeps the Bowerman name alive by honoring him and his teachings with every product they create. His name is no longer in popular culture, but remains in the hearts of those he influenced throughout his life. Bill Bowerman will always be a legend, and legends never die.
DEREK BAGGETT BAGGETT@UOREGON.EDU @DEREKBAGGETT
NIK BROWNLEE NIK.BROWNLEE@GMAIL.COM @NIK_BROWNLEE
JENNY SUH JSUH0716@GMAIL.COM