Abstract
“Running Barefoot and Inspired by Bolero: Oregon State's First National Champion”
January 9, 2014
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)
In the interview, Story recounts his upbringing in Orange, California, including his struggle with polio, his love of the outdoors, his early running career and athletes that he admired as a young man. Much of the interview focuses on Story's time at Oregon State College with particular attention paid to his athletic endeavors. Memories of his teammates and coach Sam Bell are shared, as are the details of his training regimen. Story also reflects on the 1961 NCAA cross country championship meet and the attention that his barefoot victory generated. From there, he discusses his 1961 track season and the changes in his interests that led him to drift away from running in favor of exploring the outdoors. The remainder of the interview is concerned with Story's life after Oregon State, including his teaching and coaching career at Wallowa High School and his continuing passion for the wilderness.