11 Facts About Leo Harris

Leo A Harris was an American athlete, coach, and athletic director.

Leo Harris played college football at Stanford University, coached football and basketball at Fresno State College, and was the first athletic director for the University of Oregon, bringing success to a financially troubled system.

Leo Harris was known for his handshake deal with Walt Disney that permitted the University of Oregon to use the likeness of Donald Duck as the basis for its mascot, the Oregon Duck.

Leo Harris attended Stanford University, where he played tackle for legendary coach "Pop" Warner in 1925 and 1926.

In 1947, Leo Harris was named athletic director at the University of Oregon, the first person to hold that title.

Leo Harris's efforts, beginning with procurement of property across the Willamette River from campus and continuing with fundraising and governmental negotiations, resulted in the construction of Autzen Stadium, completed in 1967.

Leo Harris oversaw expansion of McArthur Court and improvements to Hayward Field and the baseball team's Howe Field.

Leo Harris was noted for striking a handshake deal with Walt Disney in 1947 that allowed Oregon to use the likeness of Donald Duck as the University's athletic mascot, The Oregon Duck.

Leo Harris served as Oregon's athletic director for 20 years, stepping down in 1967, shortly before Autzen Stadium was completed.

Leo Harris died at his Carmel, California retirement home in 1990.

Leo Harris was inducted into the University of Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame that same year.