The two years, 1968-69, in men's track and field at Oregon State are among the best in school history in any sport.

Head Coach Berny Wagner.

Head Coach Berny Wagner's 1968 thinclads won OSU's first Northern Division crown since 1946, as the brilliant Willie Turner led the way with victories in both sprints and a winning anchor leg in the 440 relay.

Rival Oregon, also fielding a strong team, was thrashed 80-65, and the Beavers went on to place sixth in the national championships.

High jumper Dick Fosbury (more about Dick in a minute), discus thrower Tim Vollmer, and Terry Thompson, winner of the Pac-8 880, were named All-American.

Most of this outstanding squad returned for the '69 season. Coach Wagner found himself particularly blessed with high jumpers.

Along with Fosbury, both Steve Kelly and John Radetich could clear 7-feet or more, an unheard of strength in the event.

As expected, OSU defeated all eight opponents in dual meet competition by convincing scores, including powerful UCLA 87-67 and Oregon 91-63.

Above: The 1968 track team won OSU's first Northern Division crown since 1946. Bottom left: Discus thrower Tim Vollmer was named All-American in 1968 and 1969. Bottom right: When high jumper Dick Fosbury won a Gold Medal at the Mexico City Olympics in '68, he was already well-known to Beaver track fans. All photos from The Beaver.

At the NCAA's in Knoxville, Tenn., the Beavers turned in their best showing ever with a tie for third-place and the crowning of three national champions: Fosbury in the high jump; Jim Barkley, who posted an NCAA record 844.4 in the steeplechase; and Steve DeAutremont, with the first of two career national titles in the hammer.

Tim Vollmer was second in the discus, joining his three teammates above as All-Americans

When Dick Fosbury won the Gold Medal at the Mexico Olympics in '68, he was already well-known to Beaver track fans around the country.

He had already won the NCAA national championship at Berkeley with a leap of 7-2 1/2 to follow Northern Division and Pac-8 titles.

A year later he duplicated the three championships.

By Chuck Boice. Edited by George P. Edmonston Jr.