Oral Histories

Interview of James Bush

UCLA head track and field coach. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Subtitle:
Right Man at the Right Time: J. D. Morgan
Series:
Right Man at the Right Time: J.D. Morgan
Topic:
Sports
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA Intercollegiate Athletics Staff
Biographical Note:
UCLA head track and field coach. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Interviewer:
Rose, David A.
Interviewee:
Bush, James
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This series documents the contribution of UCLA Athletics Coach J.D. Morgan through interviews with individuals who had worked with Morgan both inside and outside the UCLA community.
Abstract:
James Bush on his memories of J. D. Morgan: First encounter with Morgan; “This man runs a tight ship”; Morgan’s outstanding qualities as athletic director; Personal support in a tough year; Generosity to track and field program; Comprehensive knowledge of sports; Unwillingness to delegate authority; Techniques of interpersonal intimidation; Rivalry in track and field with USC; Failure to establish a UCLA invitational track meet; Morgan’s wariness of external influences; Involvement in NCAA; Foreign athlete controversy; Morgan’s professional relationship with Bush; Interest in track and field program; Feelings about women’s athletics; Problems of concentrating authority in one man; Special admission of athletes; Pressure to win; Impact of social climate of 1960s and ‘70s on intercollegiate athletics at UCLA; Bush’s relationship with John Wooden; Wooden’s relationship with Morgan; Morgan: judge and jury; Morgan’s legacy.