The National Distance Running Hall of Fame established The Bill Bowerman Coaching Award with Nike, Inc. in 2001 to recognize Bowerman's outstanding coaching ability, his idealism, and his inspirational guidance. Past winners include inaugural winner Jeff Johnson. Johnson, one of the first employees of Nike and personally hired by Bowerman, was the coach of the Nike Farm Team for seven years. The 2002 winner was Bill Squires of Melrose, Massachusetts. He was nominated to coach the 1980 Olympics Team and went on to found and coach the Greater Boston Track Club. While there, he coached events ranging from the 5K to the marathon and produced 17 National TAC Championships.

The 2003 Bowerman Coaching Award will be presented at the 6th Annual Induction Ceremony of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame on July 12, 2003 in Utica, NY. Winners will be notified in advance and receive a trip to Utica, along with hotel accommodations for themselves and a guest.

The National Distance Running Hall of Fame, located in Utica, NY, was established five years ago to commemorate and honor the accomplishments of distance runners, preserve and promote the sport of distance running, and to educate the many visitors on the rich history of distance running in the United States.

Bowerman Background

Bowerman coached the University of Oregon Track and Field team from 1949-1972, leading the Ducks to four NCAA team championships. In his tenure he coached 64 All-Americans, 24 individual NCAA champions and 33 Olympians - including American running great Steve Prefontaine. He finished his career as coach of the 1972 USA Olympic team in Munich, a teacher of struggle and responsibility, he delivered on his job description: "produce champions."

Nominations can be downloaded and submitted online at: www.bowermanawards.com or mailed directly to the National Distance Running Hall of Fame at: 114 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2003.