http://www.sloh.org/oregon-athletics-association/
Steve Prefontaine Biography
Steve Prefontaine was January 25, 1951 in the small town of Coos Bay, Oregon. His father Raymond was a capenter and his mother Elfriede was a seamstress from Germany. Steve Prefontaine was a typical child of high school and wanted to play football and traditional sports. Prefontaine though was too small for these sports and decided to run.
Steve Prefontaine started his running career at Marshfield High School and became one of the most sought after brokers in the United States. He was undefeated in cross country and track his junior and senior years. Pre was very versatile and can handle a 1:54 800 meters to a 13:52 5000 meters race. His senior year at Marshfield High School set the American record in running two miles.
Coach Bill Bowerman University of Oregon Instructional realized talent and recruited him heavily. The fall of 1969 Steve Prefontaine was presented on campus and ran cross country in the fall. By the time he finished his career at the University of Oregon won an impressive seven NCAA national titles: three in cross country, 1970, 1971 and 1973 and four in the two miles in track, '70, '71 '72 and '73. Steve Prefontaine was the first athlete to win four consecutive titles NCAA track the same event. He also held eight collegiate records including the mile races at 3 and 6 miles that have not been broken.
Steve Prefontaine continued the functioning of the race and made the Olympic team in the 1972 meters over 5000. He ran a brave race and led most of the last mile, but ended fourth, one place outside the medals. Pre was an icon in Oregon and people fill the seats at Hayward Field to watch Steve run. He never lost a race at Hayward Field and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. His fans will be glad in it instead of just him. Before it was said and done broke Steve Prefontaine's record own or other American 14 times different.
Steve Prefontaine was also involved in his community. He volunteered at Roosevelt Junior High School and started a running club in the Oregon State Prison. Often corresponded with many of the inmates to give them hope. He was very frank as the Association Amateur Athletic (AAU) tried to amateur athletes. If it were not for track and field athletes of today would not be in the bargaining position they are in.
Steve Prefontaine died on May 30, 1975 driving home from a track meet was the same day. He had just set the American record in the race 5000 meters and his MG convertible sports car hit a rock and overturned killing him. Pre was only 24 years old. The news of his death shocked the community of runners from around the world.
Steve Prefontaine legacy will live on forever. There have been two movies about his life and there is a track meet held in his honor every year. The Prefontaine Classic is held Hayward field with some of the best track and field athletes in the world. High and college runners keep alive their memory by publishing some of his famous quotes of the existence of T-shirts. While there are track and field Steve Prefontaine will always be remembered.
About the Author
John Hopple sells
Steve Prefontaine posters
. Go to his website for
running posters
and
Track and Field posters
.
Athletics at Southwestern Oregon Community College