We Grew Wings: the untold story of the women of Oregon, Two teams.Two eras. Two Chances

Film Major: "We Grew Wings"
Just about every American Track fan could tell you about Steve Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Bill Bowerman and the Men of Oregon. But how many could tell you about the Women of Oregon? "We Grew Wings" does that and is required viewing for any true fan of the sport.

Ellen Schmidt-Devlin produced the film and introduced it to the media at the Track and Field Writers Association breakfast during the Olympic Trials. It debuted that week at historic McDonald Theatre in Eugene and was released on DVD this week.

Schmidt-Devlin's film introduces many to the stars of the 1985 National Champion team and the early stars of the Oregon Women's program; including Grace Bakari, Claudette Groenendaal and Leann Warren. The film also underscores the 40th anniversay of Title IX and its positive effect on Women's Track and Field.

Prior to the film, I was unaware of Leann Warren's excellent career at Oregon and her surprise qualifying for the 1980 Olympic Team in the 1500...

Potential was there, but focus and connectivity lacked
It is hard for me to write this, but I was greatly disappointed by "We Grew Wings". I have coached varsity girls track & field for almost a decade and attended the 2011 NCAA Championships in my home state of Iowa and own my share of "PRE" gear and posters, so I had several connections to this film. Yet, I actually fell asleep during it.

I wish I could give a glowing review, track & field needs it, women's sports need it, but "Ge Grew Wings" unfortunately failed to connect the two generations of teams more than the trivial fact that they were champions and runner-up in the NCAAs. I think the elements were there to make a great film, though. They could have added several back stories of how they recruited the right pieces. They could have added the aspects of their grueling training that made them 'team-first' athletes as another touch. Jordan Hasay sitting in a solo ice bath talking about group ice baths just didn't cut it.

I had hoped to show this film to...



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