Bill Dellinger to be Honored on July 30 at Hayward Field
07/22/25
EUGENE, Ore. — The University of Oregon will host a public memorial honoring the life and legacy of Bill Dellinger on Wednesday, July 30, at Hayward Field. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7:00 p.m. at the corner of East 15th Avenue and Agate Street. The event takes place the evening before the start of the USA Track and Field (USATF) Outdoor Championships in Eugene.
Dellinger, who passed away on June 27 at the age of 91, was a cornerstone of Oregon’s track and field tradition as both an elite competitor and a highly successful coach. As a Duck, he won NCAA titles in the mile (1954) and 5,000 meters (1956) and set multiple American records. He competed for the United States in three Olympic Games (1956, 1960, 1964), earning a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics with a time of 13:49.8.
Following his competitive career, Dellinger transitioned into coaching and became Oregon’s head track and field coach in 1973. He led the Ducks to four NCAA cross country team championships and one NCAA track and field title in 1984, when Oregon scored a meet-record 113 points. Under his guidance, Oregon athletes set 18 American records, won 12 NCAA individual titles, and made 17 Olympic appearances.
For those who are unable to attend in person, RunnerSpace.com will offer a free live broadcast of the event, available to everyone, starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.
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