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The Genius of Ted Haydon
by Jim Knoedel

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Ted Haydon was renowned for creating the University of Chicago Track Club in 1950, a unique blend of college and club that changed the way track and field organizations were seen. Over the years seventeen club members qualified for the Olympic Games — in 1956, 1960, 1964, 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984 — Jan Johnson finishing third in the pole vault in 1972 and Rick Wohlhuter also third at the 1976 Games in the 800 meters.

He was an assistant coach for the 1968 and 1972 Olympic teams and was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1975. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, a fedora on his head, and the two stopwatches around his neck.

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The Genius of Ted Haydon
and the University of Chicago Track Club

University of Chicago Track Club

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© 2025 Jim Knoedel

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