Profiles of the University of Oregon’s Early Track and Field Coaches
Photo provided by UO Libraries and Special Archives.
“The rapid growth and development of track and field athletics at the University of Oregon has been something remarkable. From the humble beginning made six years ago, this department of student enterprise has grown, until its track teams rank foremost among those of the Pacific Coast.”
1895 – Joseph R. Wetherbee became the first Director of Physical Education at the University of Oregon in 1894. Prior to this, he served as physical education director at the YMCA in Seattle and Salem. In addition to teaching physical education courses, he coached the UO team to victory at Oregon's first intercollegiate track meet in 1895. After two years, Wetherbee left to pursue a medical career, becoming an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
1896, 1898–1901 – William O. Trine, known as “Whiskers & Dad,” was a prominent Oregon-born sprinter who once held national records in the 100- and 220-yard dashes. He became a celebrated coach, guiding many UO athletes to intercollegiate records. In 1900, under his leadership, the team defeated the University of Washington in Seattle during their first out-of-state meet. After five successful seasons, with only one loss, Trine left coaching to pursue horse breeding and racing, later becoming the groundskeeper at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. In 1903, he returned to coaching, taking the role of Director of Athletics and Physical Training at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University).
1897 – John “J.C.” Higgins set the Oregon intercollegiate record for the 100-yard dash at 10.15 seconds while also serving as coach during his senior year. Higgins was also a member of the 1895 UO football team. After graduating from the UO in 1897, he earned a J.D. from the University of Washington in 1902 and pursued a career in law.
1902 – Charles A. Redmond, known for his performance in the 440-yard dash, excelled in several events. As team captain in his senior year, he led the UO track team to an intercollegiate championship. Redmond began his college career at Pacific College, where he ran the 440 in 51 seconds, before transferring to UO in 1899. After graduating in 1902, he became a professor of economics and history at Ashland Normal School (now Southern Oregon University).
1903 – William Ray, a standout sprinter at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) in the early 1890s, began coaching at Pacific College (now George Fox University) in 1897. He trained Charles Redmond, who set a new regional record under his guidance. In 1903, Ray's coaching at UO resulted in a 3-1 record, with the team’s only loss coming to Albany College (now Lewis & Clark College), coached by Bill Hayward, who would take over the UO program the following year.