NATIONAL DISTANCE RUNNING HALL CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR THE BOWERMAN COACHING AWARD

Utica, NY (April 9, 2002) – The National Distance Running Hall of Fame today
announced that it has opened the nomination process for the Bill Bowerman Coaching
Award. The award is given annually to a US distance running coach who, like
Bowerman himself, is more of a teacher than a coach, constantly nurturing athletes to
find their best within their mind and body.

Bowerman, the legendary University of Oregon track coach from 1949-1972, introduced
the importance of jogging and fitness to the U.S. He lead the University of Oregon to
four NCAA team championships and coached 64 All-Americans, 24 individual NCAA
champions and 33 Olympians – including American running legend Steve Prefontaine.

The National Distance Running Hall of Fame established The Bill Bowerman Coaching
Award in 2001 to recognize Bowerman’s outstanding coaching ability, his idealism, and
his inspirational guidance. Jeff Johnson, founder and former coach of the Nike Farm
Team in northern California, won the award last year.

The Award will be presented at the 5th Annual Induction Ceremony of the National
Distance Running Hall of Fame on July 13, 2002 in Utica, NY. Winners will be notified
in advance and receive a trip to Utica, along with hotel accommodations for themselves
and a guest.

The National Distance Running Hall of Fame, located in Utica, NY, was established
four years ago to commemorate and honor the accomplishments of distance runners,
preserve and promote the sport of distance running, and to educate the many visitors on
the rich history of distance running in the United States.

Nominations can be downloaded and submitted online at: www.bowermanawards.com.
The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2002. For more information, please visit:
www.bowermanawards.com.