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Home , Amy Cragg, Bill Bowerman, Bowerman Track Club, Emily Infeld, Evan Jager, Nike Oregon Project

AUGUST 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Business Members ...... 2, 3 “Crazy Idea” That Became Nike Oregon Athletes to Rio...... 2 Editor’s Note: Rita Radostitz, a longtime OTC member and recent addition to the OTC Board On Your Mark...... 3 who has worked on the staff of TrackTown USA, reviewed “ Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of OTC All Comers Meet...... 3 Nike” by . Phil Knight is an Honorary Lifetime Member of OTC. Nike, the company that Events Calendar...... 4 he co-founded with , has generously underwritten the OTC , Butte to Butte...... 4 making it one of the top three invitational meets in the world. MASTERS NEWSLETTER Vin’s Track Town...... 5 Reviewed by Rita Radostitz tion – working as a Run/Walk Series...... 8 He wanted to be a professional athlete, team to do things Consider Receiving but wasn’t quite good enough. So he fell the right way no OnTrack by Email back on a “crazy idea” that would allow matter what oth- him to stay involved in the sport. Pursuit ers might say or Do you receive OnTrack in the mail? Do you have internet of that “crazy idea” led him around the believe; and, of access? If so, you might con- world and then back home to Portland – course, to victory sider switching to receive the ’s monthly where he and a group of misfit men (who – against all com- newsletters via email instead of

called one another “Buttface”) committed ers and against all SCRIBNER OF COURTESY PHOTO snail mail. The Club incurs extra costs themselves to three things: to play – the odds. in printing and mailing that it idea of having fun while creating, building It helped that many of the misfits on his doesn’t by sending your news- letters to your email inbox each and selling the best in the team were also distance runners who had month. By making the switch, history of running; to a culture of innova- continued on page 6 you can help us save a signifi- cant amount of money that can be applied to other programs and otherwise support the Behind the Scenes with sport. Wade Bell’s 46 years makes him the Bill Bowerman coached to a sub-four-min- If you would like to have your newsletters emailed instead of third-longest serving volunteer at Hay- ute mile. He also went on to run interna- a paper version, contact our of- tionally and make the 1968 Olympic Team. fice at (541) 343-7247 or email ward Field. While others [email protected]. work behind the scenes, But once his days as an elite athlete Bell is really located be- were done, he had no thoughts about leav- Oregon Track Club Office Hours: Monday-Friday, hind the scenes – under ing the sport behind. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT 2350 Oakmont Way, Suite 201 the west grandstand, as “Bill Bowerman was teacher of boys Eugene, OR 97401 and maker of men, and he used to believe Phone: 541-343-7247 a clerk of the course. Email: [email protected] Of course, his con- Wade Bell strongly that you give back to which you OnTrack is published by the got something from,” Bell said. Oregon Track Club Board of Directors. nection with the iconic Oregon Track Club, P.O. Box 11364, Eugene, OR 97440 Issue #67, August 2016 Many of the key figures who helped make Distributed free monthly. venue goes back further than that. Bell www.oregontrackclub.org • [email protected] ran for the Ducks and is one of the 11 men continued on page 7 OnTrack AUGUST 2016

Business Members AHM Brands Many Oregon Athletes to Brown Contracting, Inc. Byrke Beller MD, - Pacific Women’s Ctr Compete in Rio Olympics CAMERON MCCARTHY LANDSCAPE Whether you go to Rio or watch these When it comes to Oregon Track Club ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS - CHAMPION MEMBER at home, it won’t be hard Elite athletes, keep your eyes peeled for Cascade Dermatology to catch an athlete with some kind of tie and Mo Aman (Ethiopia) in Chambers Construction Company Curtis Restaurant Equipment to Oregon. the 800, in the 1,500, Custom Orthotics Former Ducks to look for include and Tom Farrell (Great Brit- D2000 Safety, Inc. (OTC Elite), who ain) in the 5,000, Dave Henry Real Estate Services, Inc. looks to defend his title (Burundi) in the 800 and Aisha David E. Carmichael, Attorney - in the decathlon, Galen Praught (Jamaica) in the Supporter Member Rupp, who qualified to . Douglas Gallagher Law Office Downtown Athletic Club - compete in the 10,000, in Among the other no- Supporter Member which he earned a silver table athletes with Eclectic Edge Racing Eugene Airport medal in 2012, and the Oregon ties are Nike Eugene marathon, Matthew Oregon Project’s Mo Eugene Physical Therapy, LLC - Centrowitz (1,500), Farah (Great Britain, Supporter Member Eugene Running Club and 10,000), Eugene Running Company (javelin), (, Eugene Wellness Center Johnathan Cabral (110 hur- steeplechase), Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission dles, Canada), Chris Winter (of Gresham, shot put), Shan- European Touch Painting Co (steeplechase, Canada), Carlos non Rowbury (, FIREHOUSE SUBS - CHAMPION MEMBER Trujillo (marathon, Guatemala), English 1,500), (Bowerman Track Franklin R. Lulich, CPA, P.C. Gardner (100), (200, 4x100 Club, 10,000), and and GANT Custom Homes - Supporter relay pool), (400), Alexi (both Bowerman Track Club) Member Garden Way Chiropractic Center Pappas (OTC Elite, 10,000, Greece), Bri- in the marathon. Gleaves Swearingen LLP, Attorneys anne Theisen-Eaton (Canada, OTC Elite, competition gets un- at Law heptathlon), and Zoe Buckman (1,500, derway Friday, August 12, and runs Golden Realty Handy Ed Construction Australia). through Sunday, August 21. Health & Safety Institute Current Ducks include (110 Hughes Financial Group at Wells Fargo Advisors - Supporter hurdles), (200) and Ari- Member ana Washington in the 4x100 relay pool. Hutchinson, Cox, Coons, Orr & Sherlock, P.C. Innovative Print Group Kalen Electric & Machinery, Inc. Kathleen Dugan LMT Let’s Move LLC Lile/Eugene Moving & Storage LPL Financial - Kelly G. Higgins, Financial Advisor

2 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

On Your Mark: An Incredible Month Business Members Marilyn Milne at Public Relations by Kim McManus, OTC president feet running (toddling) their first 60 me- Services LLC - Supporter Wow! July was an incredible month of ter dash to our masters athletes proving Member exciting track and field and August will Mark Stapleton DMD, MSD, PC that running is a sport of the soul, Or- Dentistry For Children have us all watching egon Track Club is providing a wonderful Michael Keller Realty of to see Team USA com- service with our All Comers Meets. Spokane, WA - Supporter Member pete on an interna- I am already thinking about the up- Mike Fanelli tional level. coming cross country season and excit- Musgrove Mortuaries & Cemeteries It is truly incredible ed to see our Ducks compete at the Bill National Fire Fighter - Supporter Member to know we were able Dellinger Invitational on September 16 at Nike Running Eugene to see those athletes the Springfield Country Club. One of our On Track and Field, Inc. compete on Hayward core missions is to promote and encour- OREGON DENTAL CARE - CHAMPION MEMBER Field. Congratulations to TrackTown USA age the track and OREGON MEDICAL GROUP team members, volunteers, officials and field (and cross country) teams, so come ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC - CHAMPION the meet operations crews who put on out and enjoy the XC meet while cheer- MEMBER this fantastic event. In the middle of it ing on our favorite team! Pacific Continental Bank all, our July Fourth Butte to Butte pro- Finally, I want to offer appreciation Paint the Town LLC Pink Buffalo Racing vided thousands of people the opportu- to our team who provides this monthly Postal Pharmacy, Inc. nity to race, walk, stroll and roll across newsletter. Jim Murez, our editor, has Prichard Partners, Inc. Eugene – way to go Eclectic Edge Racing! diligently put together an engaging and RANDOM LENGTHS - CHAMPION MEMBER As the OTC All Comers Meets wrap up informative newsletter for our member- RBC Wealth Management, Todd G. a busy summer, I wanted to compliment ship. His team of editors (thank good- Bosworth Jill Mestler, Celina Hess and all of the All ness for them) deserves a round of ap- Rexius Forest By-Products Rogue Ales & Spirits - Supporter Comers volunteers who provided oppor- plause. Thank you Bill, David, Nathaniel, Member tunities for our community to run, jump Erin, Rita, Phil, Kari, Laurie and Jennifer Run Hub Northwest - Supporter and throw. OTC All Comers are an integral for your great work! Member Runnin’ Wild program for our Club. From the tiniest Sapient Private Wealth Management Sightline Property Inspections SLOCUM ORTHOPEDICS, PC - CHAMPION MEMBER Sports Conflict Institute The Carpet Company TRACK TOWN PIZZA - CHAMPION MEMBER TRACKTOWN ORTHODONTICS - CHAMPION MEMBER Trisha Kluge, LMT TYREE OIL, INC. - CHAMPION MEMBER UPS Store - Springfield Valley River Inn Runners at their mark for a race at the special OTC All Comers Meets held this summer at the US Wilson Sound and Lights Olympic Trials - Track and Field .

3 OnTrack AUGUST 2016

EVENTS CALENDAR Large Turnout for 2016 Butte to Butte (Always confirm event with event host) With 4,730 registrants between the A special thank you goes out to EWEB, August 10K, 5K and 4 Mile Mayor’s Walk, the 2016 Ophelia’s Place, Run Hub NW, Train Like 3......  OTC All Comers Meet, Aquafina OTC Butte To Butte was one of You Mean It and Laurelwood Golf Course 12-and-younger, the largest since its inception. for facilitating water stations along the 4......  OTC All Comers Meet, Runners and walkers from all 50 states course. 13-and-older, Hayward joined us at Eugene’s 43rd annual road The new finish line and post-race fes- Field 11......  OTC Run/Walk Series, race, and among the 4,730 were 341 Or- tival were a huge hit with local vendors 5K XC, Dorris Ranch, egon Track Club members. More than 150 and live music. The 5th Street Public Springfield volunteers held positions on the course Market cafes opened early and dished up 13...... Scandia Run, 5K, 10K, Junction City as marshals, handed out race bibs in the delicious food for Butte customers in the 20...... Monkey Face Half days leading up to the race at the Hil- morning, and the Milo Fultz Jazz Band Marathon, 13.1M, 4M, Smith Rock State Park ton Hotel and helped in the finish chute played in the parking area at 5th Street 20...... Silvan Ridge Twilight 5K, on Fifth Avenue between High and Pearl as well. Eugene Streets. 27...... 5K on the Runway, Eugene 27......  Salmon Run 5K, Mapleton 10K Top 3 Women 10K Top 3 Men September Juliane Accurso – 34:26 Joe Bosshard – 29:40 3...... Hardest Hardcore Trail Carrie Dimoff – 34:52 Ryan Dohner – 30:03 Runs, 14M, 5.5M, Oakridge Caroline Williams – 35:42 Dan Kremske – 30:36 5...... Eugene Brews Cruise 5K, Eugene Top 10K Masters Female Top 10K Masters Male 8......  OTC Run/Walk Series, 5K, Deanna O’Neil – 39:24 Joshua Gordon – 33:43 Eugene 16 ......  Invitational XC, 5K Top 3 Women 5K Top 3 Men Springfield Country Club 25...... Florence , Elvin Kibet – 16:00 Damion Flores – 14:34 Florence Amy Van Alstine – 16:19 Austin Bussing – 14:37 Do you have an event to add to Christine Babcock – 17:06 Joe Stilin – 14:40 the calendar? Contact Jim Murez at [email protected] with the Top 5K Masters Female Top 5K Masters Male day, time and location. Melissa Todd – 17:52 Jason Holroyd – 16:25

New 10K Records Established in 2016: Overall Men - Joe Bosshard (26, Boulder, CO) - 29:40 Female 11-14 - Rylee Putilnik (14, Boca Raton, FL) - 39:25 Male 15-19 - Levi Thomet (19, Eugene, OR) - 31:38 Male 20-24 - Ryan Dohner (24, Flagstaff, AZ) - 30:03 Male 25-29 - Joe Bosshard (26, Boulder, CO) - 29:40 Female 30-34 - Carrie Dimoff (33, Portland, OR) - 34:52 Male 50-54 - Eric Williams (51, Salem, OR) - 34:16 Female 55-59 - Julie Cole (55, Chardon, OH) - 45:42 Male 60-64 - Jerry Roberts (63, Myrtle Point, OR) - 38:37 Male 80-84 - Larry Williams (80, Springfield, OR) - 53:57

4 Oregon Track Club Masters AUGUST 2016 : Cheesehead, Runner, Coach by Don McLean times. Bill was known for the hard/easy philosophy and in Mike Manley, 74, may be the funniest runner/coach around, general undertrained his athletes. I definitely needed that. so say some who have known him for decades. No more 32 to 40 times 400 workouts for me, which I did He was also one of the best steeplers of his day, winning while in the Marine Corps. There remained, however, the 7-10 gold twice in the 3000m steeplechase at the Pan American mile one-way runs a couple times a week with my students’ Games in 1971 and 1975. He ran the steeple at the 1972 Mu- written work in my backpack. nich Olympics, but didn’t reach the finals. Is it true you rode your bike to Hayward Field for the finals at In 1982, he was the first American master to go sub 30 in the Nationals? If so, why? 10K and first American master to go sub 2:20 in the marathon. That was late summer of 1975 when the Pan Am qualifying He taught at North Eugene High School. On the side, he meet was in Eugene. It was only 3 1/2 miles from our Ascot coached, among others, Brad Hudson, Ken Martin, Marla Run- Street home. It was a nice day and an easy and a pleasant yan and a heavenly host of Oregon Track Club notables. Now way to get to Hayward Field. Connie and our boys: Mark (6), retired, he resides in Eugene. Jason (5), and Geoff (almost 4), all wanted to go for a bike Born a cheesehead, attending/competing at the University of ride. We were a convoy of four bikes with Geoff in a kid’s bike Wisconsin, after a pit stop in Southern California, you moved seat on the back of my bike. I think a couple of coaches saw to Eugene. Why? us riding through Alton Baker Park on the way to the track. I I joined the Marine Corps in 1965 shortly after graduating was 33 at the time, and I guess I didn’t get too nervous be- from UW with the intention of running during my tour of duty. fore races anymore. After going through OCS [Officer Candidate School], I did com- What’s the story on coaching Salem’s Debbie Eide who pete for almost two years before getting orders to Vietnam. made the inaugural (1983) World Championships team in the When I returned in April 1968, I went to Wisconsin to pick marathon? up my wife, Connie, who was in Wisconsin living with her par- I was coaching Debbie, as well as Cathie Bellamy (née Twom- ents. We hopped in our car and went to Southern California ey), at the time. They both became good friends and occasion- so I could train for the 1968 Olympic Trials, with the inten- al training and racing buddies. Both a joy to work with. Debbie tion of going to Eugene in hopes of being coached by Bill was married and living in Salem and wanted to continue her Bowerman, whether I made the team or not. I did not. We training and racing. She contacted me and I agreed to help. immediately drove to Eugene where I registered at the Uni- She came down to Eugene to train occasionally, but she was versity to attain a teaching certificate. a teacher, so most of her training was in Salem, often in the I had been in Eugene for the 1964 NCAA Trials. Who wouldn’t early morning before heading to work. She was very talented want to move here? Wisconsin is nice, but have you ever and worked hard for what she wanted. It was a great pleasure tasted the beer they make there? I’m still a Cheesehead, to help her reach the very first IAAF World Championships. though. Go, Packers!” Who mooned you at Hayward Field before the Olympic Trials, and why? You were coached by Bill Bowerman. Compare and contrast his coaching style and regimen with what is done today. Well, to be accurate, it wasn’t me who got mooned. It was Weights? Core work? Cross training? Cathie Bellamy. Whether or not it was deserved, I plead the Fifth. We did weights and core training, but it wasn’t as specific Cathie was doing rhythm 200s at Hayward Field on a sunny and regimented as it is now. It was much left up to me. late morning session a week or so before she was to run the I really had little time to cross train, though I did play some 1987 World Championships marathon in Rome (Cathie thinks basketball under the Washington Bridge and at the YMCA at continued on Masters page 2

MASTERS 1 Manley continued from Masters page 1 OTCM Picnic Draws it was before the 1988 Olympic Trials, but admits to having a mem- Members for Food, Fun ory quite blinded by the experience). Continuing the OTCM On the fourth or fifth 200m rep, while running past the water jump tradition, we held our pit, Cathie crumbled to the track. “Oh ****,” says I, as I begin run- picnic at Morse Ranch ning down the infield to see what happened. As I approach the point July 16. of her crumble, I noticed she was holding her gut and shaking. Ed Kousky grilled I also notice out of the corner of my very concerned eye that four burgers, and Sandy An OCTM Bocce game. shiny objects were throwing off a significant glare from where the Pashkin showed us her Bowerman statue now stands. These objects apparently were the Bocce skills. cause of Cathie plunging to the track in hysterical mirth. The shiny It was a perfect day objects were the butts, as far as I can remember, of (Editor’s note: for a picnic in the park. We are withholding the names of the alleged offenders in order to protect the innocent and maybe not-so-innocent.), who had just Food and conversation in the shelter. finished their Sunday 18-. Now, see if you can imagine such a spectacle! John Gillespie Holds Some old runners coached by you still talk about your infamous, torturous Hendricks Park workouts. Describe and explain the purpose. Sprint Clinic for Masters It was a disciplinary measure to keep the troops in line. Bill Del- A group of our Mas- linger and Harry Johnson did the same thing. It developed power ters athletes gathered in the legs, efficiency of the cardiovascular system, and mental on Saturday, July 30, toughness. And, most important, it got them to listen to the coach! for a sprint clinic with called you a strength and stamina coach. An especially John Gillespie, former valuable workout for her was a 3-5 mile tempo run at an even pace, just shy of oxygen debt. (It hurts just typing that sentence.) How sprint, jump and throws often was that done? coach at UO (1982- Yes, well, there are some athletes who need a coach with a great 1998). Many of those deal of strength and stamina. The tempo run is something I learned there had never done Group listens to Coach Gillespie. from well-renown sport physiologist, Jack Daniels (the person, not a lot of the drills John the refreshment). Depending on the time of year, pretty much no showed them, but they more than once in a while. were eager to learn Funniest runner/coach ever? new techniques to help Yeah, well, it never got me on the Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert them become more ef- shows. I think, whoever said that, must have mistaken me for Don ficient and powerful Kardong, though I’m not sure he made it either. He and I did go to in the sport that they China with a US team in 1975, but the jokes we told pretty much love. went bust with our Chinese hosts. John had them skip, Training for the hurdles. In “Bowerman and the Men of Oregon,” quotes a UO hop, go over hurdles professor that you/others “kept in touch more closely and been and even throw a shot put to engage new muscles intertwined in each others’ lives more than any combat-bonded and demonstrate how sprint training is not only for group I ever studied.” True? What was the bond? sprinters. I think it was beer, or wine, for Kenny. Unfortunately (for us), John will be unavailable to Why don’t more people steeple? offer this training on an ongoing basis. OTCM is still Seriously? I think it’s because most people can run faster with- seeking a coach willing to give one hour a week to lead out barriers. That being said, a half dozen “steeple people” today, this type of workout. If you are, or know of someone have run 3000 meters over the barriers faster then I ever ran with- who is willing, please email Trisha at [email protected]. out the barriers.

2 MASTERS www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB Vin’s Track Town: My Heartfelt Thanks by community achieve its ambitious goal of making TrackTown One month ago, as I walked into Hayward Field before the 16 the “best Trials ever.” opening ceremony of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Tri- Here are some numbers to consider: als, I was struck by a number of extraor- Nearly 177,000 fans packed the stands at Hayward Field, dinary sights and sounds. the second-highest attendance figure in Trials history, and To me, the stadium and surrounding that doesn’t include the more than 2,000 spectators who area have never looked better. The field lined the streets of Salem to cheer on the race walkers, of play was immaculate, the stands were and another 5,000 who showed up to watch the men’s and filled and the spectators were buzzing women’s hammer throw being contested inside the oval for with anticipation. The adjacent Fan Fes- the first time in history. Vin Lananna is tival was rife with activity, from wide- the Associate­ Each of the final two days at the Trials broke the previous eyed kids lining up at the Starting Block Athletic Director­ single-day attendance record at Hayward Field – 22,602 on at the University to those sampling a wide variety of food of Oregon and Day 5 of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. We had 22,847 fans and beverage options while preparing to President of show up on Saturday, July 9 followed by 22,944 on Sunday TrackTown USA. watch the competition unfold on the two for the final day of competition. huge video boards. The City of Salem should be congratulated for fully em- The officials, including nearly 30 outstanding members bracing the men’s and women’s 20,000-meter race walk, al- of the Oregon Track Club, were dutifully in place, eagerly lowing us to expand the TrackTown USA spirit to the State awaiting the flood of athletic performances which, over Capitol steps, and providing the competitors with what the course of the next 10 days, would come to represent they called the “best crowd” in race walk history. a not-so-subtle shift in our sport, as we crowned 86 first- Similarly, “Hammer at Hayward” will go down as an his- time Olympians. toric milestone for that event, with most of the credit go- Nearly everywhere I looked, I was met with a welcoming ing to our own Lance Deal, who not only designed and built smile from one of the more than 2,000 volunteers who form the hammer cage, but worked tirelessly to create a memo- the backbone of everything we do at TrackTown USA. One rable experience for the athletes. of those volunteers – her name was Janet – thanked me for My thanks also go out to all those who made our youth allowing her the opportunity to be a part of such a magnifi- initiatives so compelling. cent event. Now in its third season, the TrackTown Youth League My response? I was the one who wanted to thank her. presented by Providence Sports Medicine took another I have said this before: Without the unwavering support step forward as more than 1,500 youngsters from across of our Oregon Track Club volunteers – who are truly profes- the state of Oregon participated in 14 regional all-comers sionals in so many different ways and in so many walks of meets, culminating with 300 kids advancing to the cham- life – our vision to change and grow the sport in a positive pionship meet at Hayward Field. direction for future generations in this country would not In addition, the Trials’ edition of the Oregon Track Club’s be possible. All Comers Meet was a spectacle to behold; perhaps the So, please allow me to offer my heartfelt thanks to ev- most successful ever as more than 1,200 people – most of eryone at the Oregon Track Club who played a role, no mat- whom came from out of town – took part in several events ter how small or large, in helping the Eugene-Springfield continued on page 8

5 OnTrack AUGUST 2016

Shoe Dog continued from page 1 endured being coached by the legendary Bill Bower- man (he of hot keys in the steam room and hot rub- ber on waffle iron fame.) The endurance they’d built in their legs and lungs surely helped as their small business – Blue Ribbon Sports – struggled against bankers who didn’t believe in them, suppliers who

couldn’t get shipments to market on time, and NIKE OF COURTESY PHOTO Phil Knight PHOTO COURTESY OF HTTP://WWW.NIKEBLOG.COM/ OF COURTESY PHOTO competitors who wanted to crush the little com- Phil Knight in the early days of Nike. pany that could. The origin story arc of Nike is well known – unexceptional runner makes it big by brilliant business acumen and a partnership with an innovative running coach who wanted to help his athletes run faster. But the details of the story – from the perspective of the founder – had never been told in any accurate detail. The iconic Nike , designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971. In “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” Phil Knight exposes the near failures and often inadvertent successes of the “crazy idea” that became Nike. He tells of his own self-doubts and the bigger doubts of his father (who was his first financier). Of the twists and turns and steep learning curve required in or- der to work with business partners who came from another culture and another country (Japan). And of the underlying fortitude that striving for excellence re- quired. Mr. Knight often says that the turning point in his life was when Coach Bower- man asked to be a partner in the venture that eventually became Nike. It was a partnership that was based not on an equal sharing of the workload, but on the pairing of different areas of expertise and the deep trust needed for a successful collaboration: Bowerman innovated on shoe design; Knight figured out how to get those innovative shoes built and sold. “Shoe Dog” is an intriguing read for anybody with even a passing interest in track and field. But what is surprising is what a page-turner it is! The characters are well drawn, the pacing is perfect and the language is spare, but eloquent. The storytelling about Nike ends just after the company goes public, so there are many chapters left unwritten: Michael Jordan and the ascent of individually branded athletes, the pivot toward sustainability that Mr. Knight hints at in the epilogue, and more of the personal – for example, the partnership with Oregon Health Sciences University to raise millions for cancer research. As with all good books, the end leaves you wishing for more.

6 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

Wade Bell continued from page 1 TrackTown USA what it is today, such as Tom Ragsdale, Bob New- land and Ray Hendrickson, encouraged Bell to consider officiat- ing. Bell also recalled meets he ran where the officials thought the event was about them, rather than the athletes, and he wanted to flip around that point of view. “As an official, I’m there to help them in any way I can, to make sure they have a fair and equal opportunity to compete,” he said. Bell is one of the officials who assembles the runners in the staging area under the west grandstands prior to their events and gets them out on the track with just enough time to limber up be- fore toeing the line. He has been an official in all six Olympic Trials at Hayward Field. He’s been there for all of the iconic venue’s historic moments. But because of his station under the grandstand, he misses a bunch of the action. “When the meets over, I often won’t know who won,” he said. But Bell is one of the critical linchpins in keeping the meet run- ning smoothly. He and the rest of the officiating crew at Hayward are experienced enough to know how to make up time when the meet falls behind and deft enough to know when to keep things Wade Bell running as a member of the UO team. from getting too far ahead, too. He draws upon his years as an elite athlete to manage the competitors as they go through their final preparations before what could be the defining moments of their lives. “I don’t want to hurry them,” he said. “It takes a little bit of relaxed patience. I don’t try to get them to talk to me. I might say something like, ‘I know what they’re feeling.’ They’re primed and ready to go. “I’m the last official they’ll have contact with. In my mind, it’s a very critical time for the athlete. That’s a crucial time mentally. They need to have time to do their final mental preparation. I feel very strongly I want to give them the best opportunity to prepare.” He has had help from a solid crew of clerks, some of whom have been part of the behind- the-scenes staff for more than two decades, citing Al Tarpenning, Jenifer Pleus and Erin Regali. And he’s a big reason for Hayward Field’s reputation that you can set your watch to the meet’s schedule. “I got a lot out of track and field and wanted to give back to track and field,” he said. “And I felt the best way I could give back is through officiating.”

7 And it all started in Oregon. Lananna continued from page 5 From the U.S. and World Indoor Championships in Port- capped off by an all-ages “victory lap.” land last March, to the Pre Classic, NCAAs, U.S. Olympic All those involved should take a bow! Trials and inaugural TrackTown Summer Series at Hayward As always, I was humbled by the many partnerships we Field this summer, no other state in the country played a formed with government entities and other organizations to bigger role in preparing Team USA for the Road to Rio. make these Trials so successful – the cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, the State of Oregon, the University of Oregon, Travel Lane County, Lane Transit District, USA Track Run/Walk Series Set for Aug. 16 The August edition of the Oregon Track Club’s popular & Field, the U.S. Olympic Committee and the entire TrackTown Run/Walk Series will be held at Dorris Ranch with a 5K cross USA staff. Their collective expertise was invaluable. country race at 6 p.m., August 16. My gratitude to all of the local businesses who worked Entry fees are free for Oregon Track Club Members, $5 for hard behind the scenes to roll out the red carpet for our non-OTC members. On the event day, registration is held visitors, and special thanks to our 10K Club members, who from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm. contributed so generously in private donations. Thank you to our series sponsors: Eclectic Edge Racing, Finally, and most important, I must thank the more than Downtown Athletic Club, Bigfoot Beverages, Track Town 1,000 athletes and 500 coaches who put on an incredible show Pizza, Oakshire Brewing and RBC Wealth Management. as we filled the Team USA roster with 129 men and women who will represent our country at the Rio Olympics in August.

Many thanks to Kim McManus, Erin Regali, Bill Kelly, Kari Westlund, David Wilkins, Nathaniel Teich, Phil Sutton, Jennifer Touchette (graphic designer) and Jim Murez (editor) for their support of this newsletter. Please contact Jennifer Touchette at [email protected] or Jim Murez at [email protected] if you have newsletter questions, comments or content.