The University of Oregon men’s track and field team officially christened its tradition of excellence by winning its first NCAA Track and Field championship in front of a hometown crowd in 1962.

Jerry Tarr won the 120 hurdles and 440 hurdles, Harry Jerome won the 220 hurdles, Dyrol Burleson won the mile and six other Ducks finished fifth or higher in their events in the meet.

Mel Renfro, an all-purpose back for the football team, finished second in the 120 hurdles and third in the long jump, while Mike Lehner (steeplechase), Keith Forman (mile), Clayton Steinke (steeplechase), Dave Steen (shot put) and Les Tipton (javelin) all earned All-America recognition for their efforts. Jerome also placed second in the 100 meters.
During the year, Jerome set a world record in the 100 yards at 9.2 seconds, while the 440 yard relay team of Tarr, Mike Gaechter, Renfro and Jerome established a world record at 40.0.

Burleson and Jerome (Canada) had both competed in the 1960 Olympic Summer Games. The title was the first of four under coach Bill Bowerman, who guided the program for 24 years beginning in 1948.

1962 Oregon Track & Field Team – Coach Bill Bowerman, Ted Abram, Barry Adams, John Burns, Dyrol Burleson, Jerry Close, Keith Forman, Marty Frank, Mike Gaechter, Ron Gomez, Harry Jerome, Mike Lehner, Terry Llewellyn, Sig Ohlemann, Jim Puckett, Vic Reeve, Mel Renfro, Archie San Romoni, Dave Steen, Clayton Steinke, Jerry Stubblefield, Jerry Tarr, and Les Tipton.