KevinM wrote:
SMART ALEX wrote:Havent read the whole thread. I may not be saying anything new. But Galen is wearing the Oregon Jersy to get the Collegiate Record.
Rupp had his last chance at the "CR" as Track and Field News considers it, at NCAAs. They do keep a separate list for post-NCAA performances.
As far as Rupp wearing a UO jersey versus a Nike kit -- is there really a difference? I don't say this to be a smartass, but don't most people consider Nike and Oregon to be so intertwined that 1) it was a forefone conclusion that Rupp would be offered a Nike contract (indeed, the offer was likely made as long as 5 years ago), and 2) the UO jersey is as much a part of the Nike running brand as any other symbol other than the Swoosh itself.
Amazingly enough, because of the falling out between Dellinger and Bowerman, for most of the last 40 years Oregon and Blue Ribbon/Nike were very seperate.
Too much history to go into, but at times Oregon was outfitted by several different companies. At one point in the late 70's, once comapny provided the athletes with sweats, another company rain suits, uniforms were made by a privte citizen (Mrs. McChesney), gear bags were provided by yet another company, and shoes were provided by several companies. The score board at the time was also sporting the name of a non Nike running shoe company, that was based in Eugene. ("Osaga")
Nike has only in recent history, gotten associate with Oregon Track on a full basis.
It would seem otherwise, seeing as Nike's roots are in the Oregon track program etc.
But for large pieces of the Dellinger years, there was tons of seperation and diverse vendors providing equipment to the Ducks.
Contrary to what some might think, Nike doesn't "buy" Oregon. It is a privilege for Nike to give back to one of the two schools that gave inspiration to its birth. (Stanford is the other school).
Phill went undergrad to Oregon, and got his MBA at Stanford.