The 25 Most Influential List
The 25 Most Influential Figures in Oregon Sports
©John Canzano
Here is this year's list:
1. Tom Potter (NR): Portland mayor, 64, has big-time clout when it comes to the Major League Baseball in Portland and goes down as the go-to guy for all parties in the Trail Blazers ownership saga. Potter's influence extends to PGE Park and other popular venues.
2. Philip H. Knight (1): Nike founder, 68, has a net worth of $6.9 billion, buying him huge influence. Donated more than half of the $90 million needed to expand Autzen Stadium. Knight is now the pivotal player in Ducks basketball-arena project.
3. Paul Allen (2): The 53-year-old Trail Blazers owner controls only Major League professional sports franchise in state. Allen is the sixth-richest man in the world.
4. Mike Bellotti (7): University of Oregon football coach, 55, has a contract that guarantees him a percentage of Ducks season-ticket sales revenue. Holiday Bowl appearance locks up his status as the state's most influential coach.
5. Nate McMillan (15): Blazers coach is in year two of six-year $27.5 million contract and commands enough juice to remain his own man, even with the franchise future cloudy. Assistant coach with USA Basketball.
6. Tom Jernstedt (3): Native Oregonian and NCAA executive vice president holds two degrees from UO. He negotiated the NCAA's $6 billion television contract, runs the men's basketball tournament, and is a board member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
7. Mike Scanlon (NR): General manager of Rose Quarter turned Rose Garden Arena around and led venue to No. 1 industry ranking in tital events in 2005. Scanlon proved his clout with successful bid to host the 2009 men's NCAA Basketball Tournament.
8. Bob De Carolis (5): Oregon State athletic director, 53, spearheaded the $80 million "Raising Reser" stadium-expansion project and successfully fought off Notre Dame for baseball coach Pat Casey's services.
9. Pat Casey (23): OSU baseball coach led the Beavers to the College World Series national championship, increasing his in-state juice overnight.
10. Steve Patterson (10): Blazers president, 48, enters the final year of his contract holding "interim general manager" title. Sits on the board of directors at OHSU.
11. Mike Riley (8): Oregon State football coach, 53, saw consecutive bowl-game streak snapped with 5-6 record in 2005.
12. Bill Moos (11): The 55-year-old UO athletic director has icy relationship with top booster Knight. His legacy now rests with shaky basketball-arena project.
13. Jay John (16): OSU basketball coach, 48, needs to break the school's 16-year NCAA Tournament drought to increase clout.
14. Vin Lananna (NR): UO director of track and field has Knight's backing and is rumored to be the frontrunner to someday replace Moos as athletic director.
15. Garrett Smith (NR): University of Portland women's soccer coach led program to national championship in 2006.
16. Joey Harrington (14): Former Ducks' quarterback, now with the Miami Dolphins, is so popular in Oregon that he should run for governor
17. Larry Williams (NR): University of Portland athletic director full of bold moves, including claiming TV rights for the Gonzaga-UP basketball game, and hiring men's basketball coach Eric Reveno.
18. Martell Webster (NR): Blazers guard quickly emerging as the authentic, talented young face of the franchise. Led the team in "Read to Achieve" appearances.
19. Angela Batinovich (NR): Portland Lumberjax majority shareholder and managing partner, 24, became the youngest owner in pro sports last year. Member of Portland YWCA Board of Directors.
20. Kevin Pritchard (NR): Blazers player personnel director engineered draft-day frenzy that resulted in a league-record six trades. Leading candidate for vacant GM position.
21. Peter Jacobsen (18): Since 1988, Peter Jacobsen Productions has produced more than 250 events ranging from charity events to major national championships.
22. Kevin Love (NR): Lake Oswego High basketball player took on Nike over summer league and now finds himself at the center of fierce UCLA-North Carolina recruiting battle.
23. Ernie Kent (17): UO men's basketball coach survived dismal season, but didn't get his annual contract rollover from Moos. Kent-watch begins in October.
24. LaVonda Wagner (25): OSU women's basketball coach led Beavers (16-15) to the National Invitation Tournament in her inaugural year at the helm.
25. Jennie Logsdon (NR): Owns and maintains website (
www.ifish.net) that helps organize state anglers. State Fish and Wildlife department visits site to stay on top of things.
Snug 2
Jennie makes Oregonian top 25
Jet~~~
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