Introduction
In the world of sports, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Bill Bowerman. Kenny Moore's book, "Bowerman and the Men of Oregon," takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of this extraordinary coach, innovator, and visionary. From his tumultuous youth to his transformative coaching career and his role in co-founding Nike, Bowerman's story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to the sport of track and field.
This summary will explore the key ideas and pivotal moments in Bowerman's life, offering insights into the man who not only shaped the lives of countless athletes but also revolutionized the world of running for millions of people worldwide.
The Parable of the Mule Skinner
Bill Bowerman was known for his unconventional approach to coaching and motivation. Each year, as new freshmen joined the University of Oregon's track and field team, they eagerly anticipated some grand, inspiring speech from their esteemed coach. Instead, they were treated to Bowerman's guiding parable: the story of the mule skinner.
In this tale, a stubborn mule refuses to eat or drink, prompting its owner to seek help from a mule skinner. Upon arrival, the skinner takes a two-by-four wooden beam and strikes the mule between the ears, then again between the eyes. When the owner protests, the skinner explains his philosophy: the crucial first step to good behavior is to get the mule's attention.
This parable was more than just a story for Bowerman; it was a reflection of his own life experiences. Growing up in Fossil, Oregon, young Bill was a wild and rebellious child who hated authority. He slept outside and fought as if he had a death wish. His parents' divorce and the tragic loss of his twin brother in a freak elevator accident only exacerbated his unruly behavior.
It wasn't until Bill's brother Dan arranged for the 14-year-old to meet Ercel Hedrick, a school superintendent and certified mule skinner, that things began to change. Hedrick's harsh words and expletive-laden lecture served as Bill's wake-up call, much like the mule skinner's wooden beam. From that moment on, Bowerman channeled his pent-up energy into discipline, improving his grades and excelling in sports.
This transformative experience shaped Bowerman's coaching philosophy. He believed in the power of tough love and the importance of getting his athletes' attention. His athletes quickly learned that they would either obey his orders or face the consequences.
The Making of a Coach
Bill Bowerman's journey to becoming a legendary coach was filled with unexpected twists and turns. His insatiable appetite was legendary, often surprising those around him with his ability to consume multiple meals in one sitting. This same voracious approach to life would later manifest in his coaching career and business ventures.
Despite his passion for sports, Bowerman faced early setbacks. Twice rejected by Medford High's football coach Prince Callison for being too light, he initially found his place in the school band as a clarinet player. However, a chance encounter where he battered a former Medford footballer twice in one day for refusing to return his tennis balls caught Coach Callison's attention. This incident opened the door for Bowerman to play football, leading him to help Medford High win the Oregon state championships in 1927 and 1928. He also clinched the basketball title, earning the distinction of All-American, an honor bestowed upon outstanding amateur athletes.
At the University of Oregon, Bowerman's athletic journey took another turn. Legendary track and field coach Bill Hayward agreed to help improve Bowerman's running to enhance his football performance. Although Bowerman's football coach had banned his players from participating in track and field, this mentorship with Hayward proved crucial. Hayward became a trusted advisor, teaching Bowerman about injuries, prosthetics, tactics, and the high drama both believed was essential in producing elite athletes.
Bowerman's education at the University of Oregon was as diverse as his interests. He took classes in business, journalism, public speaking, and pre-med, ultimately graduating with a major in Physical Education. This eclectic educational background would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Upon graduation, Bowerman began his coaching career at Medford High, teaching history and coaching football. His nine-year tenure at Medford was marked by an impressive record of 59 wins, 13 defeats, and eight ties. It was here that Bowerman first dipped his toes into track and field coaching, leading Medford to field a running team for the first time in 15 years and winning three state championships.
Bowerman's attention to detail and commitment to his team were evident from the start. He would go to great lengths to ensure his team's success, even carrying Medford water to crucial away games. His dedication extended to enforcing team rules, as demonstrated by the time he caught quarterback Bob Newland breaking curfew by lying in wait in Newland's bed.
The course of Bowerman's life, like many of his generation, was dramatically altered by world events. On a Sunday drive with his wife Barbara, they heard the news of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Without hesitation, Bowerman made a U-turn and drove to the nearest barracks, where he was conscripted into the army, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Bowerman Goes to War
Bill Bowerman's military service during World War II was as eventful and impactful as his coaching career. Initially, the Army assigned him only menial jobs due to a childhood scar from playing mumblety-peg with pocket knives, which they deemed a significant injury. However, Bowerman's unique combination of skills as a skier and mule handler soon led to his assignment to the Tenth Mountain Division.
During his training, Bowerman's innovative spirit shone through as he improved the way mules supplied soldiers by guiding them through shortcuts. This ingenuity earned him a promotion to captain and later to major before his deployment to the Italian Alps in 1944.
Bowerman's time in Italy was marked by acts of bravery and quick thinking. Despite orders forbidding officers from driving, he didn't hesitate to commandeer a jeep to save the wounded Ralph Lafferty, driving him through treacherous roads to the safety of surgeons. This act of courage saved Lafferty's life.
His leadership skills were further tested when he was promoted from supplies to commander of the Eighty-Sixth's First Battalion. During a reconnaissance mission, Bowerman's team came under fire, forcing their vehicle into a ditch. Demonstrating his ability to think on his feet, Bowerman led his men to safety and warned their companions of the danger.
One of Bowerman's most remarkable wartime achievements came when he negotiated the surrender of 4,000 German soldiers. Upon hearing that nearby German forces were considering surrender, Bowerman, along with a translator and a few of his men, went to negotiate. Despite being held at a Nazi checkpoint, Bowerman's confidence and quick thinking prevailed. He demanded to speak with the Nazi general and, in a display of cool composure, told the general that the war was over. He proposed that to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, the Germans in that camp should surrender by 10 a.m. the next day. True to his word, 4,000 Germans laid down their arms the following day.
Bowerman's wartime experiences also revealed his compassionate side. As the war came to an end, he deliberately "lost" some of his mules, ensuring they ended up in the hands of Italian peasants who could put them to good use. When questioned about the missing mules, Bowerman simply claimed they had vanished.
Upon returning to America, Bowerman wasted no time in resuming his teaching career. He chose to ignore repeated calls to travel to Texas for the disbanding of the Tenth Mountain Regiment. When two military policemen came to arrest him, Bowerman's forceful personality came to the fore once again. He lectured them about his war efforts and dared them to proceed with the arrest. Faced with Bowerman's determination, the Army relented and allowed him to undergo his discharge in Colorado.
These wartime experiences, while harrowing, contributed to shaping Bowerman into the determined, innovative, and compassionate coach he would become. The leadership skills, quick thinking, and ability to inspire others that he honed during the war would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Molding a Dynasty
Bill Bowerman's appointment as head coach of the University of Oregon's track and field team in 1948 marked the beginning of a new era in collegiate athletics. When he took over, the program had only two full scholarships. Undeterred, Bowerman fought tirelessly to increase this number to ten and then found creative ways to further grow his team.
One of Bowerman's innovative strategies was to convince local mill owners to hire his athletes. This approach served a dual purpose: it helped the athletes fund their education and built resilience through hard work. To ensure accountability, Bowerman taped the job roster on his office wall, keeping a close eye on his athletes' work attendance.
Bowerman's commitment to excellence extended beyond recruitment. He was constantly seeking to improve his own knowledge of track and field. Recognizing that European runners dominated the sport in the 1940s, he meticulously studied their techniques. He was particularly intrigued by the interval training method used by Finnish runners, which placed equal importance on rest and recovery as it did on running.
This study led Bowerman to develop a revolutionary approach to training. He sought to find the optimal balance of work and rest for each individual athlete, customizing workouts to suit both mind and body. Once an athlete's ideal workout routine was established, Bowerman was strict about adherence. This personalized approach soon began to yield impressive results.
Bowerman's coaching philosophy emphasized mental strategy as much as physical prowess. He wanted his runners to use their heads, manage their energy efficiently, and finish strong. This approach transformed the University of Oregon into a powerhouse of track and field, attracting top talent from both home and abroad.
The impact of Bowerman's methods became evident when his athletes began consistently running four-minute miles, a feat that had been considered nearly impossible until Roger Bannister broke the barrier in 1954. Eugene, Oregon, and its Hayward Field became synonymous with excellence in track and field, hosting numerous American Olympic trials.
Bowerman's influence extended beyond the track. He worked tirelessly to grow the sport, making tickets affordable for children and low-income families. He also advocated for the combination of male and female events in Olympic trials, pushing for greater inclusivity in the sport.
The results of Bowerman's coaching were nothing short of extraordinary. Over his career, he trained 31 Olympians who collectively won eight gold medals. At the University of Oregon, his teams won 22 NCAA championships. However, Bowerman's impact went far beyond these impressive statistics. He was a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of amateur athletes, fighting against rules that prevented them from profiting from their hard work.
Despite his strict coaching style, Bowerman wasn't above using unconventional methods to test and build his athletes' character. He was known for his hazing practices, which included sneaking into the bathroom to surprise unsuspecting athletes. One of his most infamous rituals involved branding his top athletes with a hot key, a painful but coveted mark of belonging to the elite group known as "Bill Bowerman's Men of Oregon."
Through his innovative training methods, advocacy for athletes' rights, and ability to build not just great runners but resilient individuals, Bill Bowerman transformed the University of Oregon's track and field program into a dynasty. His legacy would extend far beyond Eugene, influencing the sport on a national and eventually global scale.
The Munich Terrorist Attack
The 1972 Munich Olympics marked a dark chapter in Olympic history and a significant moment in Bill Bowerman's coaching career. Selected to coach the US Olympic team, Bowerman's experience in Munich would test his leadership skills in ways he could never have anticipated.
Upon arrival in Munich, Bowerman's instincts as a former military man kicked in. He immediately voiced concerns about the inadequate security measures at the hotel where the athletes were staying. His objections, however, were met with resistance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the West German government, who were eager to present a friendly and open image in the post-World War II era.
Tragically, Bowerman's fears were realized on September 5, 1972, when eight members of Black September, a Palestinian liberation movement, infiltrated the Olympic Village and took the Israeli team hostage. The crisis ended in tragedy, with 12 victims losing their lives.
Bowerman's response to the attack demonstrated his leadership and compassion. He first learned of the situation when an Israeli athlete knocked on his door seeking refuge. Acting swiftly, Bowerman contacted the American Consul in Berlin and ensured that his team's hotel was secured.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Bowerman also had to navigate the complex emotional and political landscape that emerged in the wake of the attack. He faced tensions within his own team as Black athletes led calls for a boycott if the IOC allowed Apartheid Rhodesia to compete. The IOC eventually decided to exclude Rhodesia from the games.
Throughout this crisis, Bowerman showed remarkable empathy and leadership. He walked around consoling his athletes, listening to their arguments for and against continuing to compete in Munich. He made it clear that everyone's feelings about the situation were valid, whether they wanted to stay and compete or return home.
For Bowerman, the Olympic spirit represented humanity's alternative to war. Despite the tragedy unfolding around them, he believed in the power of sport to bring people together and promote peace. His handling of this crisis demonstrated not only his skills as a coach but also his capacity as a leader in times of extreme stress and uncertainty.
The Munich Olympics would leave an indelible mark on Bowerman and all those who were present. It served as a stark reminder of the world's conflicts and the vulnerability of even the most celebrated international events. Yet, through his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to his athletes, Bowerman helped guide the US team through this dark moment in Olympic history.
The Rise and Rise of Nike
Bill Bowerman's relentless pursuit of improvement for his athletes led him down an unexpected path: shoe design. Frustrated by the limitations of existing running shoes, Bowerman took matters into his own hands. He visited a shoe shop, observed various designs, and questioned the shoe seller about the manufacturing process. This curiosity sparked a passion for cobbling that would eventually revolutionize the athletic footwear industry.
Bowerman began by creating his own shoe lasts and molding custom shoes for his athletes like Otis Davis and Kenny Moore. It was a process of trial and error; some designs worked well, while others caused injuries. But Bowerman persisted, constantly refining his techniques.
His breakthrough came from an unlikely source: his wife Barbara's waffle iron. In his quest to create a sole with perfect grip, Bowerman poured liquid urethane into the waffle iron. This experiment would eventually lead to Nike's iconic Waffle line of shoes, known for their superior traction and lightweight design.
Bowerman's shoe-making endeavors caught the attention of Phil Knight, one of his former trainees. Knight had his own vision: to rival Adidas by selling cheaper trainers to both athletes and ordinary people. He traveled to Japan and secured a contract with Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka to distribute their Tiger brand in the United States.
Seeing the potential in Knight's venture, Bowerman invested $500 into what would become Blue Ribbon Sports. True to his nature, Bowerman wasn't content to be a silent partner. He applied his innovative spirit to improving the designs for their Japanese shoemakers, always pushing for better performance and quality.
However, the partnership with Onitsuka was not destined to last. When Knight learned that Onitsuka was seeking other US distributors, potentially jeopardizing Blue Ribbon Sports, he took decisive action. He flew to Japan and found different manufacturers, laying the groundwork for creating their own shoe company. They named it Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory, and made plans to start manufacturing in the US.
The transition wasn't smooth. Onitsuka sued, but the courts ruled in Nike's favor. With this legal hurdle cleared, Bowerman's designs could now be manufactured at home, under the direction of the Men of Oregon.
Nike's growth was meteoric. The company went public in 1980, setting the stage for it to become one of the world's most iconic sporting brands. Bowerman used his newfound wealth philanthropically, donating to various causes, funding scholarships, contributing to buildings at the University of Oregon, and establishing the Steve Prefontaine Foundation to honor the legacy of his former runner.
The story of Nike is not just a tale of business success; it's a testament to Bowerman's innovative spirit and his unwavering commitment to improving athletic performance. From a waffle iron experiment in his garage to a global brand, Bowerman's influence on the world of sports extended far beyond the track.
The Jogging Revolution
Bill Bowerman's impact on the world of running extends far beyond elite athletes and fancy shoes. He played a pivotal role in popularizing jogging as a form of exercise for the general public, a movement that would change the way millions of people around the world approach fitness.
The seeds of this revolution were planted during a trip to New Zealand. While visiting his coaching counterpart Arthur Lydiard, Bowerman was surprised to see men, women, and children of all ages out jogging on a Sunday morning. Lydiard explained the benefits of jogging for ordinary people and encouraged Bowerman, who seldom jogged himself, to give it a try. The key, Lydiard advised, was to go at a pace where you could still hold a conversation.
Initially struggling with this new form of exercise, Bowerman persevered for the six weeks he stayed in New Zealand. Upon his return home, his wife Barbara remarked that he looked ten years younger. This personal transformation sparked an idea in Bowerman's mind.
Back in Eugene, Oregon, Bowerman shared his newfound enthusiasm for jogging with a local newspaper. The article, which included a quote from Bowerman inviting everyone to come out to the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, sparked unexpected interest. What started as a group of 50 joggers quickly swelled to over 2,000 people showing up to run.
Overwhelmed by the response and concerned about potential health risks, Bowerman sent the crowd home and set about organizing a team of researchers, doctors, and coaches to establish safe jogging principles for different ages and weights. This methodical approach was characteristic of Bowerman's coaching style, always prioritizing safety and individual needs.
Bowerman was pleased to discover that, much like his athletes, different people needed different "doses" of exercise at various stages of their lives. However, unlike his competitive runners, he urged the general public to focus on having fun and not to worry about competition. The primary benefits he observed were weight loss and increased alertness, improvements that could benefit anyone regardless of their athletic ability.
To spread the word about this new fitness phenomenon, Bowerman co-authored a book simply titled "Jogging." At Barbara's insistence, they made sure the book was inclusive, adding tips specific to women. The book was a runaway success, selling over one million copies and helping to launch the jogging craze across America and beyond.
This jogging revolution represented a democratization of running. No longer was it a sport reserved for elite athletes or young people. Bowerman had taken running off the track and made it accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. This shift in perspective would have far-reaching effects on public health and fitness culture.
Bowerman's promotion of jogging aligned perfectly with Nike's mission to provide shoes for every type of runner, from Olympic athletes to weekend joggers. The jogging boom helped fuel Nike's growth, as more and more people sought comfortable, high-quality running shoes for their new hobby.
The impact of Bowerman's jogging advocacy cannot be overstated. He helped transform running from a competitive sport into a widespread form of exercise and self-improvement. This shift not only improved the health of millions but also created a new market for athletic shoes and apparel, further cementing Nike's place in the sports industry.
Through his coaching, shoe design, and promotion of jogging, Bill Bowerman left an indelible mark on the world of sports and fitness. His legacy lives on in every jogger who laces up their shoes for a morning run, whether they're aware of his influence or not.
Final Thoughts
Bill Bowerman's life story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. From his rebellious youth to his transformative experiences in World War II, and from his legendary coaching career to his role in co-founding Nike, Bowerman's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
As an educator and coach, Bowerman shaped the lives of countless athletes, instilling in them not just physical prowess but also mental toughness and strategic thinking. His "Men of Oregon" became more than just a team; they were a brotherhood forged through shared challenges and triumphs.
Bowerman's innovative spirit led him to revolutionize athletic footwear, co-founding Nike and changing the face of the sports industry. His waffle-iron epiphany is now the stuff of legend, a perfect example of how creativity and practicality can combine to create something truly groundbreaking.
Perhaps one of Bowerman's most significant legacies is the jogging revolution he helped spark. By making running accessible to people of all ages and abilities, he democratized fitness and changed the way millions approach their health and well-being.
Bowerman's impact extended far beyond the track or the shoe store. He was an advocate for athletes' rights, a mentor to many, and a visionary who saw the potential for sport to bring people together and promote peace, even in the face of tragedy as seen during the Munich Olympics.
Bill Bowerman passed away at his home in Fossil, Oregon, in 1999 at the age of 88. But his influence continues to be felt in the world of sports, fitness, and beyond. Perhaps one of the most touching tributes came in 1979 at Nike's annual sales meeting. A montage of poignant moments from Bowerman's life was played to the soundtrack of "My Way," moving all the Men of Oregon to tears. Even the tough-as-nails mule skinner himself was seen wiping away a tear.
In the end, Bill Bowerman's story is not just about sports or business success. It's about the power of one individual to inspire, innovate, and make a lasting difference in the world. From the tracks of Oregon to the jogging paths in neighborhoods across the globe, Bowerman's legacy continues to inspire people to push their limits, think creatively, and always strive for excellence.