Bill Dellinger

Event: Distances

Inducted to Hall of Fame: 1975

His more recent success as the long time (1966-1999) head coach at the University of Oregon, where he guided the careers of running legends Steve Prefontaine and Alberto Salazar, sometimes obscures the fact that Bill was a heck of a runner himself. He competed at three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal at 5000m in '64. He broke the American record three times at 5000m, and once tied the 3-mile record.

Bill helped to get the inaugural version of the Mt. SAC Relays off to a rousing start by setting an American record in the 2 mile (8:48.2). This was the first in what has become a long string of major records set at the Relays and Memorial Stadium.

As head coach at Oregon, he led his teams to four NCAA cross-country titles, and one outdoor track title.

Born: 1934

College: University of Oregon

• 2-Mile
  • 1959: 1st, 8:48.2 (AR)
• Mile
  • 1960: 1st, 4:07.7

• PRs:
  • 1500m: 3:41.5
  • mile: 4:02.7
  • 2-mile: 8:43.8
  • 3000m: 8:04.4
  • 3-mile: 13:36.9
  • 5000m: 13:49.8
• Olympic Bronze Medal, 1964
  • 5000m: 13:49.8
• Pan-Am Champion, 1959
  • 5000m: 14:28.4
• NCAA Chamption, 1954
  • Mile: 4:13.8
• Set 3 American Records @ 5000m:
  • 1956: 14:26.0
  • 1956: 14.25.5
  • 1956: 14:16.2