Get the fully story on running legends including Steve Prefontaine, Kenny Moore and Alberto Salazar.
During Bill Dellinger's 29 years as the head cross country coach, Oregon captured four NCAA Cross Country Championships, five runner-up finishes and four third-place honors. On the track and field side, Oregon brought home one NCAA Championship (1984) under Dellinger.
From world-class competitors, such as Bill Dellinger and Steve Prefontaine, to regionally-known stars, such as Claudette Groenendaal and Boyd Brown, Oregon's leading track and field athletes span generations and disciplines, creating a diverse and reputable track and field heritage. Although every student-athlete contributes to Oregon's track and field history, a select number stand out above the rest.
The University of Oregon's connection to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships spans nearly a century, playing a defining role in the heritage and future of Track Town, USA.
More than 30 years after his tragic death, Steve Prefontaine remains a track and field icon. The annual Prefontaine Classic, held in his honor at Hayward Field, helps to preserve his memory. The meet, an event unparalleled in the United States, brings out the best of the best.
Bill Bowerman strived to test the boundaries, once saying, If there are limits to what we can do, I don't know what they are. From designing new running shoes to petitioning the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) to improve athlete services, Bowerman forged ahead.
It's not just a place to train; it's not just a place to compete; it's not just a place to watch track and field—it's Hayward Field.
The only site to host three consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials (1972, 1976, 1980), and the future host of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, Eugene maintains its reputation as the center of track and field. These events and Oregon's student-athlete Olympians contribute to the strong relationship between the UO and the Olympic Games.