THE BOWERMAN TROPHY In its first iteration, weighing over 35 pounds and standing at 20 inches tall and 20 inches wide, the body of the trophy is milled from a solid block of aluminum and plated with 18-karat gold. An acrylic fin is attached at the top portion of the trophy embossed with a three-dimensional image of Bowerman. One of the most unique, and telling, characteristics of the trophy is its use of a rubber, waffleshaped outsole for its bottom layer, a tribute to Bowerman’s invention of the waffle-shaped shoe sole. The Bowerman trophy is a stunning, one-of-a-kind figure that embodies the spirit of Bill Bowerman, combining aspects of speed, shape and asymmetry to forge a symbol of excellence in track and field.
THE
Bowerman AWARD WHAT IS THE BOWERMAN?
Now in its sixth year of existence, The Bowerman is collegiate track and field’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy in college football and is presented annually by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association to the top athlete at the collegiate level on the men’s and women’s sides. It is presented annually as part of the USTFCCCA National Convention. The USTFCCCA publishes a “watch list” of 10 men and 10 women under consideration for The Bowerman during the collegiate season each year. The Bowerman Advisory Board then finalizes a list of 10 semifinalists for both genders following the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships before announcing three finalists during the summer. The Bowerman voters consist of national and regional media personnel, track and field statisticians, NCAA collegiate administrators and presidents of affiliated organizations. In addition, USTFCCCA members collectively receive one (1) vote and fans collectively receive one (1) vote in voting for The Bowerman each year.
4
WHO IS BILL BOWERMAN?
Bill Bowerman’s legacy in track and field is undeniable. He served as the University of Oregon’s head track and field coach from 1949-72 and remained active at the University and in the coaching world even as the shoe company he founded, Nike, grew into a global sports giant. A University of Oregon graduate, Bowerman returned to his alma mater as its head track and field and cross country coach in 1948. Over the next 23 years, the Ducks experienced new levels of success, winning four national championships and twice finishing as the national runner-up. Bowerman’s athletes were equally as successful as he coached 24 NCAA individual champions, 33 Olympians and 64 AllAmericans, and athletes who have achieved 13 world records and 23 American records. Bowerman’s contributions extend far beyond the University of Oregon. Bowerman served as the National Collegiate Track Coaches Association’s (NCTCA) vice president in 1958-59 and took the helm as its president in 1959-60. The NCTCA is one of several predecessor organizations that now form
2021 TRACK & FIELD RECORD BOOK
the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Bowerman also served as the head track and field coach for the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team and played a leading role in Eugene’s successful bids to host the 1972, 1976 and 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials. Although Bowerman’s tenure at Oregon is long over, his impact on the University, on track and field and on the global sports arena continues to be felt. For his numerous contributions to the sport of track and field and to the coaching profession, Bowerman was an inaugural inductee into the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame in 1995. Note: This information has been compiled from the official website of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association at www.ustfccca.org.
