Ted Ogdahl became an All-American halfback at Willamette as a junior in 1942. He then transferred to the University of Pacific to play his final year under Amos Alonzo Stagg and played professionally for two seasons in San Diego. After his playing days were over, Ogdahl coached Grant High of Portland to three state grid championships in four years, compiling a record of 37-3-3, including 27 straight wins. In 1952, he became head football and track and field coach at Willamette. In 20 seasons leading the football team, the Bearcats went 98-64-10 to become the winningest coach in school history. His teams won or shared seven conference titles and his 1960 and '68 teams were the last Willamette teams to go undefeated on the gridiron. During 13 track seasons he coached Willamette's first two national champions in the sport- hurdler Dean Benson and three-time high jump champ Ken Ashley. The Oregon Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association named Ogdahl Oregon's Man of the Year in sports in 1960. He died July 29, 1988 at the age of 66.