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Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore is a captivating biography that chronicles the life of legendary track coach Bill Bowerman. It delves into his innovative training methods and his role in shaping the careers of iconic athletes like Steve Prefontaine.
When the University of Oregon’s track and field team turned up for the annual welcome dinner at the home of the esteemed and dreaded Bill Bowerman, freshmen in the squad always expected some grand speech that would serve as a guiding principle.
Always, they were treated to Bowerman’s guiding parable:
There’s a stubborn mule that wouldn’t eat or drink. The owner seeks help from a mule skinner. When the skinner arrives, he gets a two-by-four wooden beam and floors the mule with a vicious hit between the ears. Then he strikes again between the eyes. To the owner’s protest, the skinner lays down his guiding philosophy. The crucial first step to good behavior is to get the mule’s attention.
Bill Bowerman would know. Growing up in Fossil, Oregon, he’d been a wild truant who hated authority, slept outside, and fought like he wanted to die. That rebellious streak worsened after his parents, former Oregon Governor Jay Bowerman and teacher Lizzie Hoover divorced. The young Bill also carried the trauma of watching his twin brother lose his life after a freak elevator accident.
Deciding their mother couldn’t handle Bill, his brother Dan arranged for the 14-year-old Bill to meet Ercel Hedrick, Medford school superintendent and certified mule skinner.
Hedrick hit Bill with every expletive he knew, telling the boy what a disgrace he’d been to his mother. Bill Bowerman left that office a changed boy, channeling his penned-up energy into a discipline that would elevate his grades and whatever sports he played.
Now a coach and bona fide mule skinner, Bill Bowerman let every group of athletes understand they would obey his orders or suffer the consequences.
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon (2006) is a riveting tale about track and field coach Bill Bowerman’s relentless drive to produce the best athletes from his base in his native Oregon. Through innovation and sheer force of character, he inspired a community to fall in love with running, and in the process co-founded Nike.
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon (2006) is a captivating book that delves into the life and legacy of legendary track coach Bill Bowerman and his impact on the sport. Here's why this book is worth reading:
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
The main message of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon is the extraordinary story of the legendary track and field coach, Bill Bowerman, and his innovative training techniques that revolutionized the sport.
How long does it take to read Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
The reading time for Bowerman and the Men of Oregon varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Bowerman and the Men of Oregon a good book? Is it worth reading?
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon is a captivating read for anyone interested in sports, coaching, and the history of running. It offers inspiring insights and highlights the importance of perseverance and innovation. Definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
The author of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon is Kenny Moore.