Customer Reviews

Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though I am a big track and field fan, and I even went to the NCAA National T & F Championship meet at Oregon in 1962, I never realized how big an influence Bill Bowerman was on his athletes and on the whole state of Oregon.

This well-researched volume gives the reader a true understanding of Bowerman-the-man, his roots and his impact on Oregon society. It was a wonderful read and an inspiring personal journey.

I knew that Bowerman coached Pre and had an influence on Nike and the jogging boom of the 70s, but Moore's biography fills in all the gaps from Medford to Mexico City. Bowerman's life reads like a case-closing defense of the Great Man theory of history, at least for track & field. His accomplishments are truly remarkable and well-rendered by Moore.

wow , lots of book for your dollar and the greatest training methods of the greatest track coach ever.

I feel like i'm stealing when i got this book.

" a runner is a much smarter athlete then a football player " don't call him coach .

Bowerman was one of the best XC and Track coaches in the Nation. His story is captured in this books and tells remarkable tales of his life that will live in distance runners hearts for years to come. This is a must get book and is much better than any other book even Running with the Buffalos. Dont pass this book up!!!

I came to running due to lifestyle/genetics catching up to me in my forties. I picked up Kenny Moore's biography after watching his movie "Without Limits". I enjoyed it without being a "runner". It is very well written and describes a fascinating life that lives through all the major events of the twentieth century. Bill Bowerman is quintessential GI generation always true to his beliefs building a life with a focus on service - guiding young boys into becoming men via athletics or serving his country to overcome darkness in WWII. He excelled in this for well over 60 years. Kenny Moore who was one of those boys brings out a lot of detail of the man, the sport and the times which make this book a great read for both serious runners and non-runners. As a side note he also provides great detail about the start of Nike and Bowerman's major role in both starting and growing it to become both a sports and cultural icon. I would put Moore's writing in the same company as David Halberstam and David Moraniss who represent to me the elite writers of sports in the last 20 years. I hope he writes more books!

Kenny Moore has written an OUTSTANDING book about an EXTRAORDINARY man. Bill Bowerman coached the University of Oregon track and cross country teams for 25 years. He led them to National Championships in both sports. He led an extaordinary life.

He was raised by a single mother and participated in track and football as on the high school and collegiate levels. He fought in WWII in the 10th Mountain division. While at UO he help start a shoe company because his athletes could not get a decent pair of running shoes. The company became NIKE.

He coached many Olympians including Kenny Moore(4th place - marathon - Munich '72). He was the head track and field coach at the '72 games. He coached Steve Prefontaine.

Kenny Moore tells the Bowerman story with loving detail. His unique perspective of being one of Bowerman's former athletes gives the book a special glow. Moore is also an excellent writer (Sports Illustrated: "Best Efforts" is a classic). Bowerman was a great man with flaws. Moore paints the complete picture in a loving, understanding fashion. THIS AN OUTSTANDING BOOK!!!

this is an amazing biography, both as a book about sport and a book about an incredible man. definitely read this book.

This book goes into the life of running coach legend Bill Bowerman. Was a great read, and highly recommend to any running or Nike fanatic.

Kenny Moore crafted a detailed and well researched book about the life of Bill Bowerman, who was so much more than "just" a track and field coach and co-founder of Nike. It was great to learn so much about the history of Bowerman and the State of Oregon at the same time. You can sense Mr. Moore's closeness to Oregon and the University's track program but also to Bowerman himself. Bowerman seems to possess the minds of all he touched over the years. This is a great book for runners of all types, either competitive or recreational.
One warning to those who read while traveling, the print size is very small and the book has many long descriptive stories of individual races.

Anyone of a certain generation - i.e., baby boomer - with a particular interest in long distance running and track & field will love this book. Bill Bowerman was a one-of-a-kind and the world is a better place because of him. A tough coach, a real driver of men, he was one of those unique individuals able to get the best out of his athletes, stuff they themselves (Moore included) didn't think they were capable of.

I was a high school distance runner back in the late 60s and we all knew Bowerman's reputation and admired him and his teams. Even our cross-country coach emulated his training techniques. Heck, we all figured everyone knew who Bill Bowerman was.

This book, for me and others like me, is a great trip down nostalgia lane - as well as providing lots of behind-the-scenes details and information that I found fascinating. Great read!