University of California Athletics

Walter Christie Compiled an 81-42-1 record in his 32 years as the Bear track & field head coach. He led Cal to the 1922 NCAA championship and also claimed the Intercollegiate AAAA Championships in 1921, '22 and '23 . Christie was named the U.S. Olympic coach in 1924. He coached a long list of top athletes including Eddie Beeson and Karl Shattuck, both former world record holders. In the early 1960's, the "Friends of California Track" raised funds to build the Walter Christie Bench, which stands just outside the running track on the west side of the field and the oval at Edwards Stadium was dedicated in his honor in 1967.