3:58.6
April 23, 1960, Eugene
On the race: “I only got under 4 because of Ernie Cunliffe of Stanford,” Burleson said. “He and I were close friends, and he came out of the start on fire. I had to run fast to just stay with him at the start. I truly give him tons of credit for my time.” Without a fancy scoreboard, Burleson didn’t automatically know his time.
On Bowerman: Burleson received the first track scholarship Bowerman had ever given. Bowerman had been in contact since Burleson’s junior year of high school, leaving workout routines written in green pen on yellow paper. Burleson’s proudest moment is that after receiving the scholarship he thought, “OK, he gave me a full ride. I am never going to lose a race for him. My plaque in the Oregon Hall of Fame says that I never lost a race for Bill.”
On his life now: Heart problems have affected his ability to attend track events, including this week’s Pre Classic and this summer’s Olympic Trials. He calls himself “the ultimate track spectator, living vicariously through the sport.” His favorite athletes are former Duck Joaquim Cruz and current Duck Edward Cheserek. “I get more excited watching races now than in some of my own races.”
