When I moved to Oregon in 2007, Kenny Moore had just published "Bowerman and the Men of Oregon." There were many wonderful pages dedicated to one Charles Wade Bell: UO half miler, Olympian, CPA, and longtime Clerk at Hayward Field. I think he just earned his 50 year volunteer pin!
If you haven't read "Bowerman," it's a treasure trove. Kenny talks at length about Wade's first (only?) sub-4 mile, and there's a bittersweet section about how Wade contracted food poisoning in Mexico and didn't advance. Bowerman was adamant in saying Wade would have passed Ralph Doubell in the homestretch for the 800m win.
Wade later became Bowerman's accountant, and was clear about never having invested in Nike, nor not once made any recommendations to Bill about endowments. Wade wanted no appearance that he had a conflict of interest....The man had integrity.
At every home meet, Wade and his clerking partner in crime Jenifer made sure that each event started like clockwork, keeping a steady flow of competitors moving onto the track. He might have been his best during the hundreds of 4x400 relays, juggling the third and fourth leg lineups like a chess master.
Before the 2016 Prefontaine Classic, OTC invited the first 10 UO sub-runners back to share some stories. Arne, Roscoe, Archie, Jim G, Jim B, Wade et al.....lots of laughter that night
After the new stadium was completed, I asked what he thought Bowerman's impression would have been. Wade chuckled and said, "Bill would have thought it was a big much, and then he would have enjoyed it."
During the World Championships two years ago, I was leaving the track and happened to see Wade hugging John Carlos. I have to say, my breath caught for a second. Fortunately, I was able to get a few shots of a great moment.
Rest in peace, sir. You made track meets fun.
