In today's Sunday Oregonian John Canzano lists the " Oregon's 25 Most influential Figures in Oregon Sports". Portland Mayor Tom Potter heads the list but Phil Knight comes in at number 2. I have listed his entrys that may be of interest to Oregon Duck fans. The comments in (parentheses) and the bold lettering are mine and not Canzano's.
Here is Canzano's list:
1. Tom Potter (NR): Portland mayor, 64, has big-time clout when it comes to the Major League Baseball in Portland and goes down as the go-to guy for all parties in the Trail Blazers ownership saga. Potter's influence extends to PGE Park and other popular venues. (Not of interest to this downstate Oregon Duck fan but I included him because he is #1)
2. Philip H. Knight (1): Nike founder, 68, has a net worth of $6.9 billion, buying him huge influence. Donated more than half of the $90 million needed to expand Autzen Stadium. Knight is now the pivotal player in Ducks basketball-arena project.(He was Number 1 last year)
4. Mike Bellotti (7): University of Oregon football coach, 55, has a contract that guarantees him a percentage of Ducks season-ticket sales revenue. Holiday Bowl appearance locks up his status as the state's most influential coach. (Mike is moving up after being number 7 last year)
6. Tom Jernstedt (3): Native Oregonian and NCAA executive vice president holds two degrees from UO. He negotiated the NCAA's $6 billion television contract, runs the men's basketball tournament, and is a board member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
8. Bob De Carolis (5): Oregon State athletic director, 53, spearheaded the $80 million "Raising Reser" stadium-expansion project and successfully fought off Notre Dame for baseball coach Pat Casey's services. ( He beat out Moos who is # 12 below)
11. Mike Riley (8): Oregon State football coach, 53, saw consecutive bowl-game streak snapped with 5-6 record in 2005.( At least Bellotti is number 4 above)
12. Bill Moos (11): The 55-year-old UO athletic director has icy relationship with top booster Knight. His legacy now rests with shaky basketball-arena project.
13. Jay John (16): OSU basketball coach, 48, needs to break the school's 16-year NCAA Tournament drought to increase clout. ( Beats out Kent who is number 23 below)
14. Vin Lananna (NR): UO director of track and field has Knight's backing and is rumored to be the frontrunner to someday replace Moos as athletic director.
16. Joey Harrington (14): Former Ducks' quarterback, now with the Miami Dolphins, is so popular in Oregon that he should run for governor (What is his political party?)
21. Peter Jacobsen (18): Since 1988, Peter Jacobsen Productions has produced more than 250 events ranging from charity events to major national championships.
22. Kevin Love (NR): Lake Oswego High basketball player took on Nike over summer league and now finds himself at the center of fierce UCLA-North Carolina recruiting battle. (One that got away... Where is Singler? I want a Love vs Singler rematch at Mac Court next year)
23. Ernie Kent (17): UO men's basketball coach survived dismal season, but didn't get his annual contract rollover from Moos. Kent-watch begins in October.
(To see the entire list click on the title above for a link)
I know, this is just one man's list and "he doesn't like the Ducks" but it was fun to read anyway.
