Bill Bowerman

William J. Bowerman (b. February 19, 1911 in Portland, Oregon, d. December 24, 1999)

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February 19 - 1911 - Portland, Oregon - December 24 - 1999

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Bill Bowerman was an American track and field coach and businessman. He spent his entire career as a head coach at the University of Oregon. At Oregon, between 1949 and 1972, Bowerman coached Nike founder Phil Knight as well as Kenny Moore, Bill Dellinger, Mac Wilkins, and a young Steve Prefontaine. He guided the Ducks to four NCAA team titles.

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University of Oregon - Phil Knight - Kenny Moore - Bill Dellinger - Mac Wilkins - Steve Prefontaine

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Bowerman was also known for crafting his own sneakers on a waffle iron. His theory was custom-made sneakers would weigh less on the feet of his runners and cut down on blisters. With Phil Knight, Bowerman parlayed his waffle-soled sneaker into Nike Inc. which was founded in 1964.

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After his retirement from Oregon, Bowerman coached the 1972 United States Olympic team in Munich. He was replaced as head coach at Oregon by former pupil Bill Dellinger.

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Today, the headquarters for Nike is located on Bowerman Drive in homage of the company's co-founder.

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