Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon summary
Kenny Moore
The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder
17 mins
Brief summary
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.
Table of Contents
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
The parable of the mule skinner
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.
Want to see all full key ideas from Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
Key ideas in Bowerman and the Men of Oregon
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Bowerman and the Men of Oregon about?
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 Review
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:
- Highlighting Bowerman's innovative coaching methods and unconventional training techniques, it provides valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike.
- Through in-depth interviews and meticulous research, Kenny Moore brings the story to life, giving readers a deep understanding of the man behind the coaching legend.
- The book goes beyond track and field, exploring Bowerman's cultural and societal influence, making it a fascinating read for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Who should read Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
- Track and field fans
- Followers of the American Olympic movement
- Nike aficionados and people curious about the history of apparel brands in sport
Categories with Bowerman and the Men of Oregon
Book summaries like Bowerman and the Men of Oregon
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon FAQs
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.
What to read after Bowerman and the Men of Oregon?
If you're wondering what to read next after Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emotion by Design by Greg Hoffman
- Boost! by Michael Bar-Eli
- Flip It by Michael Heppell
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- Shift by Ethan Kross
- The French Revolution by Thomas Carlyle
- Moneyball by Michael Lewis
- Problem Hunting by Brian Long
- The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine
- Atomic Habits by James Clear