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1972: Pre, UO Track, Nike Shoes and My Life with Them All

Since its start in 1972, Nike has employed nearly half a million people. Only four have outlasted Steve Bence. In “1972,” Nike’s Program Director in Footwear Sourcing and Manufacturing—and an All-American runner at Oregon in the early 1970s—shares about his coach, Bill Bowerman; his friend, Steve Prefontaine; his running career at the UO; and his 40-plus year career at Nike. Regarding the latter, Bence offers the seldom-told manufacturing story from Nike’s early years. Combined, he has created a book that belongs on every running enthusiast’s shelf.

Phil Knight, Nike co-founder: “Steve Bence, a nationally ranked 800 meter runner and 40-plus year teammate of mine at Nike, brings a unique perspective on the Nike story. I enjoyed his book, and think you will, too.”

Curtis Anderson, TrackTown USA/OTC Elite Press Officer: “Who would have thought it would be possible to plow fresh ground amidst the larger stories of Pre, Bowerman, Knight and Nike? But along comes Steve Bence, a former 800-meter runner who walked on at Oregon in the fall of 1971. He competed for Bowerman, considered Pre one of his closest friends, and when his unlikely UO career came to a close, he signed on to help Nike establish its early overseas operations. Now, a half-century later, Bence provides an insider’s view of those iconic figures and company with an authentic voice that takes readers on an emotional ride filled with rollicking tales and somber reflection. A wonderful read that left me wanting more.”

Kenny Moore, Olympic marathon and former “Sports Illustrated” writer: “The classic hope of any writer is to find the most perfect words for telling a story; the French have it right, “le mot juste.” Yet, over and over, Steve Bence does that, even more than that in telling his take on history as a runner at University of Oregon and as an early employee at Nike. Every time Bence asserts he is not a writer, his text proves otherwise. Every time he avers he is not the right historian to define Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight or Steve Prefontaine, his knowing stories prove the opposite.”

Publisher ‏ : ‎ AO Creative (August 8, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0977230635
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0977230631
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

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Since its start in 1972, Nike has employed nearly half a million people. Only four have outlasted Steve Bence. In “1972,” Nike’s Program Director in Footwear Sourcing and Manufacturing—and an All-American runner at Oregon in the early 1970s—shares about his coach, Bill Bowerman; his friend, Steve Prefontaine; his running career at the UO; and his 40-plus year career at Nike. Regarding the latter, Bence offers the seldom-told manufacturing story from Nike’s early years. Combined, he has created a book that belongs on every running enthusiast’s…

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Based on 8 reviews

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  1. Amazon Customer –

    Great Read
    If you are, or were a distance runner you’ll enjoy this book. I already knew soo much about Pre, Nike and the Ducks track team yet still learned new things and really enjoyed the book. It’s written in a way that just keeps the pages turning. I thank Steve for putting his experience into a written format for the rest of us to enjoy.My cons: LOTS of ERRORS/MISTAKES!!! I couldn’t believe the amount of errors in this book. I’m not suggesting Steve lied about any facts in the book… not at all. It just seems as though nobody edited the writing. However (and this is huge), at the end of the book he lists multiple ways to get in touch with him. Whether or not you’ll actually reach Steve is besides the point. I chose to reach out, and was contacted shortly thereafter about my “critiques.” I couldn’t believe someone would do so, and so quickly after my message was sent. Not only that, but he (or whoever responded) was not negative or defensive about my (constructive) criticism. He acknowledged the mistakes and vowed to fix the errors.The book was great; the response was better. Do yourself a favor and buy/read this book.

    Amazon Customer –

  2. Jacob Rodgers –

    Excellent book. A must read for any runner.
    I briefly met Steve Bence at PRE’S Rock in Eugene, Oregon. I’m reading Steve’s book right now and I’m loving it. Synchronicity brought me to know Steve Bence. If he reads this, he’ll understand.

    Jacob Rodgers –

  3. john –

    Easy and entertaining read – well written
    Really enjoyed Steve Bence’s account of both his track career and relationship with Steve Prefontaine and Bill Bowerman – as well as his long and diverse career at Nike – easy and flowing read. If you are a track fan, and shoe-dawg – this is a must read

    john –

  4. Geoffrey J. Wilhelmy –

    Well Done
    To add to the other positive reviews for this work, I’ll add these thoughts. The author was a walk-on at the University of Oregon, during the Bill Bowerman-Bill Dellinger era. He eventually performed well enough to earn a full scholarship. He captures perfectly the running environment of the 70’s when the boom was starting and Nike was coming into being. Of particular interest to me was his chapter on the filming of Without Limits. Two Prefontaine movies were produced, one in 1997 and the other, Without Limits, in 1998. A former UO runner, Kenny Moore was brought on Without Limits to make it as authentic as possible. Steve was tasked with enlisting Prefontaine’s girl friend, reluctant to contribute, Mary Marckx, to advise on the movie. This chapter reveals details that have never before been made public. This was a splendid era and the author has enriched us with his memories.

    Geoffrey J. Wilhelmy –

  5. RDL –

    An Insider’s Story
    Many books have been written about Nike’s origins, history, and the bumpy journey that the company has taken to get to it’s current place as the industry leader. Few books have told that story as intimately and from the perspective of an early insider as Steve Bence’s “1972” does.As amazing as Nike’s products are, the real key to the company’s success has always been the crazy cast of characters that leveraged their passion to create the foundation for what the company has become. Steve tells that story as only an insider could. Fascinating. I loved this book.

    RDL –

  6. Kirsten J. –

    Must read for all lovers of NIKE. How it all started from a guy who’s been there from the beginning!
    I count myself lucky as someone who got the opportunity to drink the swoosh kool-aid for nearly 15years & doubly lucky to work w/ Steve (albeit briefly) in the global Ftwr L&D group. Thank you for sharing your story, Steve. I would have gobbled up another 10 chapters on how much you and the team overcame to grow it from it’s infancy to the world leader it has become. I would have also loved to have heard more about your family and how they each grew through the years with all of the moves. I’m sure they each have some wonderful stories about embracing change and being resilient.

    Kirsten J. –

  7. Roger Saltsman –

    Follow your dreams, and never give up.
    Steve Bence wrote a great memoir. How many people do you know that started their career in the early days of Nike and went on to be a great success as the company navigated the uncharted waters of the US and soon worldwide sport shoe business. It was illuminating about how hard it is to produce great quality shoes in volume.Steve Bence learned to push himself to his utmost limits as a walk on at the University of Oregon and relied on those strengths as he progressed up the ranks of Nike.This was an enjoyable read. Recommended highly.

    Roger Saltsman –

  8. John Kernan –

    Great memories
    More information on the character of Pre and the Nike hierarchy. Good Read.

    John Kernan –

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