A running hero to not just all the athletes he coached while at the University of Oregon, but to distance runners throughout the nation, Bill Dellinger has established a reputation of unassuming excellence in the world of running.

Dellinger was born in Grants Pass, Oregon on March 23, 1934, and went to college at the University of Oregon where he started training with esteemed coach Bill Bowerman. Beginning his career knowing little about racing and competition, he soon showed just how far he had come when he became the first sophomore at Oregon to win the NCAA mile in 1954 and later went on to win every collegiate cross-country race.

In 1956, Dellinger beat the American 5000 meters record three times, and won the 5000 meters at both the NCAA and Olympic Trials. Not feeling ready to compete in the Olympics however, he dropped out of the Olympic final in Melbourne, and started running twice a day to improve. He went on to compete in the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games, and became the 1959 Pan American Games 5,000 meters champion. He won three national titles and set numerous national records.

After serving as Bowerman’s assistant coach, Dellinger became University of Oregon head coach in 1967, coaching stars like Steve Prefontaine and Alberto Salazar. His teams won four NCAA cross-country titles and placed second four more times. His expertise in running were matched only by his flawless coaching.

Dellinger retired in 1999, but continued to coach a few individuals. He suffered a stroke in August 2000, but has undergone rehabilitation and is beginning to coach again.