The 150-plus women on hand at Saturday's Women in Athletics Celebration didn't have time for pity parties during their tenure as Chico State athletes. They were too busy competing, and in some cases, fighting for a chance to participate.
But they do know how to party. That was evident during the three-hour celebration packed full of reunions, rekindled friendships, and joy during which each woman in attendance received the Block "C" letter that, prior to 1980, was only awarded to the University's male athletes.
"I think this is one of the bigger events, apart from playing the sports, of our lives," Chico State Athletics Hall of Famer Kathy Neal told Dan Reidel of the Chico Enterprise-Record. She came all the way from Belchertown, Mass., to attend the ceremony.
Laughter rang out in the Bell Memorial Union from the time it opened until it closed as stories were shared and memories sparked.
"These were the years that were the best years of my life, running for Cherrie Sherrard and being part of the team. I wouldn't trade it for anything," said Julia Orri. "At the time, we didn't know what we didn't have, but now it's wonderful to be recognized for our efforts."
Chico State Director of Athletics Anita Barker hatched the dream and Assistant AD Mitch Cox made the celebration a reality.
"This is long overdue and it's something the University owes you, honestly," Barker told the group. "This is intended to be a gift for all of you."
It was taken as such.
"Some good things take awhile, but as long as they happen, that's the important thing," said legendary Chico State Women's Basketball Coach Fran Coslet. "The women that are being honored today are getting their rightful due, and it's really not important how long it took."
Keynote Speaker Deanne Vochatzer pointed out that letters were not the only thing it took some female athletes a long time to get. Vochatzer couldn't even get time on the track during her first year at Chico State.
Vochatzer, who went on to become the 1996 U.S. Women's Track & Field Olympic Coach and NCAA Track & Field Coach of the Year, would throw the homemade hurdles her father constructed over the fence on Sundays and practice alone. One Sunday she was discovered and removed.
Finally, after appealing to the University President Eugene Hill, Vochatzer was allowed to practice on the track. She went on to finish third in two events at the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Championships prior to her illustrious coaching career. She's a member of many Hall of Fames and widely considered one of the West Coast's best ever track & field coaches. Saturday, Vochatzer finally got her "C." She couldn't be happier.
"It was a little overwhelming, a little emotional," Vochatzer told the Chico Enterprise-Record. "It's a very special day in the history of women's athletics in Chico."
