William Jay Bowerman, born in 1911 in Portland, built a multifaceted career as an American track and field coach, entrepreneur, and military officer. Over a tenure at the University of Oregon, he reshaped the American approach to athletic performance, while his later co-founding of Nike fundamentally transformed the global footwear industry through his unique inventions.
Military Service and Education
Before his coaching and business success, Bowerman attended Hill Military Academy and North Medford High School, later graduating from the University of Oregon. He joined the United States Army following the Pearl Harbor attack, eventually serving as a Major in the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment within the 10th Mountain Division. He was honorably discharged in October 1945.
Coaching at the University of Oregon
Bowerman became the head track coach at the University of Oregon in 1948, viewing himself primarily as a teacher. His teams, the Men of Oregon, achieved 114 dual meet wins against 20 losses and secured four NCAA team titles between 1962 and 1970. He coached 33 Olympians and multiple world record-holding relay teams. He retired from this position on March 23, 1973.
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After observing fitness clubs in New Zealand in 1962, Bowerman introduced the concept of recreational jogging to the United States. He co-authored the book Jogging in 1966, which sold over a million copies. He also served as the head coach for the United States track and field team at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
Business Innovation
As a co-founder of Nike, Bowerman shifted the company from a distributor to an in-house manufacturer of performance footwear. He applied his technical expertise to invent successful shoe lines including the Cortez and the Waffle Trainer. His contributions to footwear technology led to his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1911, Portland
- Died: 1999, Fossil
- Military Rank: Major
- Education: University of Oregon
- Notable Recognition: National Inventors Hall of Fame, 2014
- Awards: Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal
Questions readers ask
What was Bowerman's military rank?
He served as a Major in the United States Army.
Did Bowerman hold political office?
No, he ran for a seat in the Oregon Legislature in 1970 as a Republican but lost the election.
Which athletic products did he invent for Nike?
He invented the Cortez and the Waffle Trainer.
Achievements
- Bronze Star Medal
- National Inventors Hall of Fame — 2014
- Educated at University of Oregon and North Medford High School
