of his career, so the hat kept his hair out of his face. After realizing the cap was part of his identity and for good luck, he wore it for the remainder of his career. Post-Olympics At the 1973 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Wottle won the mile run in a time of 3:57.1. He earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Bowling Green State University in 1973. In June, 1973, Wottle and 1972 U.S. Olympic teammate Steve Prefontaine (5000M) raced each other in the mile at a meet at the University of Oregon. Wottle defeated Prefontaine on his home track, running 3:53.3, which was the 3rd fastest mile in history at the time. Prefontaine ran 3:54.6, the 9th fastest mile at the time. Only world record holder Jim Ryun (3:51.1) and Kip Keino (3:53.1) had run the mile faster than Wottle. After the race, a fan attempted to run off with Wottle's signature golf cap, but he chased the thief outside the stadium and retrieved his cap. Professional career in athletics Wottle turned professional in 1974, but retired from competitive running quite soon after that. Later, he became a college track coach at Walsh College (Ohio) (1975–77) and Bethany College (West Virginia) where he also served as Director of Admissions (1977–81). Career after athletics Wottle served as an administrator at Rhodes College from August 1983 until his retirement in June 2012. He was Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for 28 years before spending his final year at the school as the Special Assistant to the President. He then served as the Interim Vice-President for Enrollment Management at Millsaps College. From September 2013 to April 2014, Wottle was the interim Vice President for Enrollment at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Awards and honors Bowling Green State University inducted Wottle into its Hall of Fame in 1978. Wottle was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1982. In 1990, the Mid American Conference inducted Wottle into their Hall of Fame. In 2016, Wottle was inducted by the Ohio High School State Athletic Association into their Circle of Champions. References External links 1950 births Living people American male middle-distance runners Athletes (track and field) at the 1972 Summer Olympics Bowling Green Falcons men's track and field athletes Olympic gold medalists for the United States in track and field Sportspeople from Canton, Ohio Medalists at