Book Endorsements for 1972
“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.”
“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.”
“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 he 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. ”
“Steve Bence is tenacious. He is also loyal, smart, funny, kind, and honest. In his autobiography, all these characteristics are apparent. They radiate out of every sentence. Nothing is hidden in the seams. He tells his whole story, his truth. Anyone who is interested in those stories of how Nike came to be and how a half-miler could evolve into a marathoner with time and tenacity will love this book. I did.”
“A fascinating, authentic look into the people and culture that contributed to the growth of Nike and of Track Town USA. A must-read!”
“Bence’s story is full of heart, offering stories that create a movie in one’s mind about why Nike is Nike and why the people who live and work at Nike carry a special feeling about what they’re doing. … This book is a gift. Anyone who reads 1972 will see that anything is possible if you follow your heart and believe in what the spirit of an athlete and the heart of a coach can do together… or one skinny kid with oversized running shoes can do in a lifetime.”
“A personal story, a sports story, a business story, a passion story, beautifully told, by a man who lived every word of it.”
“I loved the book! It’s a running-geek story, a wonderful, easy-to-read life story written by a talented and dedicated man. It’s a personal story that will make you smile, cry, and cheer.”
“Life tells the best stories and this touching book invites you to join Steve Bence, this humble and motivating “Runner for a lifetime,” on his vivid memories of icons like Pre and his early days at Nike. Get inspired by him embracing lifelong flexibility, adaptability, and dealing with change—and simply enjoy this run!”