About Us:

We Grew Wings is a documentary film chronicling the untold story of the championship-level University of Oregon women’s track and field teams.

The movie encompasses personal interviews, never-before seen event footage and a historical view of the Women of Oregon. “We Grew Wings” is a story of camaraderie, teamwork, personal struggles and personal triumphs. The film showcases the differences and similarities between two generations of athletes. These women faced it all to be champions — often in the shadows of the men’s programs.

While the well-known University of Oregon men’s track and field dominated the spotlight, the early women’s track program strove to break new ground just as Title IX was presenting new challenges and opportunities for universities across the country. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX and “We Grew Wings” provides a unique look at the inside of women’s sports during those changes. This is the first time that many of these stories have been told.

The project was created and has been led by Executive Producer Ellen Schmidt-Devlin. She sought out Portland filmmakers Erich Lyttle and Sarah Henderson. Sarah brings over fifteen years of editorial, documentary, corporate and fine art still photography experience to the project. She also has several years of shooting, producing and creative directing for motion picture projects for clients including Fuel, ESPN, Intel and Nike. Erich Lyttle is an Emmy Award winning director, writer and producer with almost 30 years of experience crafting documentaries, television series and films. In the past several years, he has completed four feature length documentaries and a feature length dramatic film. 

While “We Grew Wings” has a significant focus on the past, filming didn’t wrap up until April 7th so current athletes could be seen in action. Throughout filming, the movie brought former and current athletes together several times so the viewer is witness to the bonds that keep the history of women’s sport alive and moving forward.