Chico State Athletics

 

Chuck Carey - Chico, CA Soccer - 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974		Bob Rinehart – Orland, CA Wrestling-1976, 1977
Renda Cary-Davis – Berkeley, CA Track & Field - 1973-1976		Herb Scott Snow Skiing-1961-1965 Cross Country- 1960, 1961 Track & Field-1961
Laura deGhetaldi – San Diego, CA Track & Field – 1972-1975 Soccer Club – 1973-1978		Rich Sorenson - Rocklin, CA Football-1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
John Fredotovich – Emeryville, CA Football-1941, 1942 Football Manager-1946, 1947 Boxing Trainer/Manager-1948		Chris Verhulst – Reno, NV Football-1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
Dennis Helms – Paradise, CA Football-1964, 1965 Boxing-1965, 1966		Honorary Inductees:
Michael Mickey Maxwell - Pleasant Hill, CA Wrestling: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 Boxing: 1966, 1967, 1968 Soccer: 1967, 1968, 1969		Don Batie – Chico, CA Men’s Soccer Coach – 1967-1995 Assistant Track Coach – 1967-1974 Associate Athletic Director – 1989-1994 Athletic Director – 1995-2002
Rex McDougal – Browns Valley, CA Basketball – 1954, 1955, 1956 Baseball – 1955 Tumbling – 1957, 1958		Margie Wilson Athletic Secretary – 1973-present

Chuck Carey - Chico, CA
Soccer - 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

Chuck Carey was a member of the 1971-1974 Chico State varsity soccer teams that won Conference Championships all four years that he played. Coach Don Batie says, Chuck Carey was a one-of-a-kind, outstanding player that made a tremendous contribution to Chico State soccer. Chuck also served under Batie as the assistant coach for the Chico State Soccer team in 1976.

Chuck Carey was selected by his teammates as the Most Valuable Player for the 1974 season. He was also selected First Team All-Northern California Soccer Conference all four years: After graduation and over a four-year period, Chuck played professional soccer in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He played for the San Antonio Thunder, Portland Timber, and the Detroit Express.

Chuck Carey’s record of service to the university and the Chico community is equally outstanding. He was involved in the first youth soccer league formed in Chico. Since 1977 Chuck has served as head or assistant coach for various youth soccer teams in the North State, and has been instrumental in developing an outstanding annual tournament for select level youth soccer.

Chuck completed his bachelor of arts in religious studies from Chico State in 1975 and his master of arts in physical education from Chico State in 1980. Since graduating Chuck has managed a successful contracting business in the Chico area. Chuck is married to Jennifer and has three sons: Ryan, 16, Eben, 14, and William, 12.


Renda Cary-Davis – Berkeley, CA
Track & Field - 1973-1976

Renda Cary-Davis is one of the most talented sprinters to ever attend CSU, Chico. Beginning with little track and field experience in 1973, Renda managed to not only succeed in track & field, but excel in academics, and was named the Outstanding Senior Athlete in 1976.

She was named the Northern California Athlete of the Year in 1975, AAU 100 Meter Champion in 1975, qualified for AIAW Nationals four-consecutive years and anchored Chico’s 4 x 100 relay team that was ranked sixth in the nation in 1973-1975. She was also ranked in the top 20 in the nation for both the 100 and 200 meter sprints. Renda graduated from Chico State in 1976 with a double major in physical education and black history.

Renda began her service to communities work back in the 1970’s. With Coach Deanne Vochatzer, Renda and other Chico State track athletes put on clinics in elementary schools, high schools, and Special Olympics. Renda was a centerpiece, and kids were always drawn to her.

Renda’s life has always involved community service and volunteer work. She served as a volunteer coach at St. Augustine in Oakland from 1988-1996, coaching track & field, cross country, volleyball, and softball. Most recently 1996-present, Renda has been participating on the State Teen Prevention Collaborative. This program is called Project Hope, Helping Oakland Prevent Pregnancy Through Education.

Currently, Renda is working at Berkeley Youth Alternatives, a non-profit organization that targets at-risk youths, actively involved with the improvement of the well being of young lives.


Laura deGhetaldi – San Diego, CA
Track & Field – 1972-1975
Soccer Club – 1973-1978

Laura entered Chico State as a freshman from Daly City. She was a physical education major and competed in track & field all four years. Women’s soccer began in 1973 as a club with Laura being one of the charter members.

As an athlete at Chico State, Laura was an outstanding 880 runner, competing in the national championships in 1973-1975. Through her excellent soccer play at Chico State, Laura was offered a professional contract to play soccer for San Paulo Brazil in 1976. She instead taught at Orland High School and was the girls’ hockey head coach, boys and girls’ track & field assistant coach, and choreographed dance productions.

Laura left Chico to complete a master’s degree in physical education and adaptive physical education at the University of Oregon in 1978. She also completed her doctorate in physical education and adaptive physical education at the University of Northern Colorado in 1998.

Laura taught at the University of Colorado as a lecturer and instructor in the Department of kinesiology and supervisor of student teachers in the department of education from 1986-2001. The list of contribution to her profession during these years is extensive and impressive. She served as president of CAHPERD in Colorado. At the 2002 AAPHERD convention, Laura was one of the three keynote presentations and spoke on School Violence with the defense attorney representing Columbine High School. She worked as a consultant with the Colorado public schools on Conflict Resolution – School Violence Prevention .

Laura has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for her work. She received the Outstanding Adapted Physical Educator in the United States, presented by the Adaptive Physical Education Council in 1989. She has received numerous grants and had numerous articles published, as well as a short story. She is well known in Colorado for her organization of a service learning project known as The Breakfast Club. The goal of this project was to provide a before-school program for the multi-culturally diverse children in schools. The program offers an exercise session and a free nutritional breakfast.

Laura has recently moved to San Diego with her husband Bob Baker and four children.


John Fredotovich – Emeryville, CA
Football-1941, 1942
Football Manager-1946, 1947
Boxing Trainer/Manager-1948

During John’s elementary, junior high and high school, he never failed to make a team and always strived to be the best in the sports he participated. He focused on his responsibilities and demonstrated a bulldog tenacity to perform to the best of his physical capabilities. In high school because of his determination and enthusiasm and constant work habits, John made the Oakland Athletic Football Leagues All-City team as a guard.

During John’s enrollment in high school, he became involved in the art of boxing, at the Oakland Athletic Club. However, training was long and arduous and John had to make the decision to concentrate on his education as a means to another vocation in life or to become a professional boxer. John decided to opt for the future through education. Although John chose a career outside of boxing, the lessons and training experienced as a boxer endowed him a strong physique and a mind set to achieve his best with hard work and a positive attitude. His last fight was a fitting closer; he won the bout by a second round knockout.

As a freshman and sophomore at Chico State College he made the varsity in football both years. In 1942, John again became a force as a guard in his sophomore year when the team ended the season with five wins and one loss. In his first game, against San Francisco State, he made a tackle on the opening kick-off on the 5-yard line. John played the remaining games with the same enthusiasm

The bombing of Pearl Harbor drastically changed the lives of millions of student athletes. John enlisted in the Marine Corps and was eventually assigned to the 5th Marine Division in Hawaii for future operations. John’s E company was the 12th wave and all hell broke loose. His younger brother was the 1st wave in the 27th Marines. John’s company had the assignment to take Mt. Suribachi. He was wounded on the left side by a mortar shell shattering his leg and destroying the bicep of his left arm. Through the quick and professional medical care, the doctors were able to save his left leg and arm but John’s recovery took19 months. The injury ended his athletic career.

After the war, John re-registered in 1946 at Chico State College to complete his quest to finish his education. John’s disability was never a factor that hindered his desire to be a college student and seek skills to prepare for a vocation following graduation.

John concentrated his efforts on academics and balanced his college experience by participating in several student activities: Blue Key Organization, Delta Psi Delta fraternity, Industrial Club, Block C Club, Newman Club, Upsilon Phi Tau.

Because of his previous experience, he became an assistant trainer and instructor on Art Acker’s boxing team. This sport was introduced by Mr. Acker for the first time at Chico State and was highly successful in its first year of college competition. John’s contribution of time and effort was a factor in the success. He served also as football manager for two years.

John was well respected by the faculty and popular with his fellow students. In 1947 he was elected Sheriff of Pioneer Day. In 1948, as a senior, he became editor of the college yearbook, The Record.

John’s greatest achievement came after graduation. He became teacher/counselor in the Oakland Public School System, the same schools that he had attended as a boy. John contributed fifty years of service to help youngsters attain the skills necessary to meet their lifelong needs. President Clinton commended him for his exemplary dedication to the profession of teacher and counseling.


Dennis Helms – Paradise, CA
Football-1964, 1965
Boxing-1965, 1966

Dennis Helms, physical education teacher/coach at Paradise High School for the past 34 years, attended Chico State from 1964-1968 where he received his teaching credential. Prior to attending Chico State he played four years of football and track at Lodi High School and two years of football at Stockton Junior College. During his time at Chico he participated in both football and boxing and was Honorable Mention All-Conference in football in 1965. He was also very active in the Chico State Block C Club where he was vice president in 1967.

Dennis started coaching at Durham High School in 1966 in the areas of football and wrestling as he completed his credential work. In 1968 he took a job at Paradise High School where he continues to teach. At PHS, Dennis coached football for 28 years winning three junior varsity championships, three varsity championships, and the NSCIF championship in 1980. He was voted NSCIF Football Coach of the Year in 1981. His 32 years as wrestling coach at PHS resulted in 11 junior varsity championships, 11 varsity championships and four varsity NSCIF championships. He was selected as NSCIF Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1986.

In the area of athletic administration, Dennis served as Paradise High School athletic director from 1975-1985 and was a member of the NSCIF Wrestling Rules Committee from 1975-2000. He also served as chairman of the Physical Education Department at PHS, advisor for the Block P Club, and head of ushers at Paradise graduations for 29 years.

In 1976, Dennis married DeAnn Burrell. They have a son, Todd, and two daughters, Tori and Megan. All three children have been, or are at the present time, active in athletics at Paradise High School. Todd is currently working on his teaching credential and has coached wrestling at Paradise and Durham for the past three years.

Dennis is a teacher/coach who is committed to excellence both on and off the field of competition and is a highly organized and caring person. As his former coach and college instructor Willie Simmons stated, "Dennis was one of those ‘born teachers’. He is among the top five percent of our physical education graduates during my tenure."


Michael Mickey Maxwell - Pleasant Hill, CA
Wrestling: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
Boxing: 1966, 1967, 1968
Soccer: 1967, 1968, 1969

Mick Maxwell was a four-time conference finalist in wrestling, winning one championship. He participated in two NCAA college division national championships. He was a two-time conference finalist in boxing, winning one championship. He participated in the growth and development of the soccer program.

He served on the CSU Board of Control, representing physical education. In 1968 he was awarded the Outstanding Senior Athlete award from the Blue Key Association and the Northern California Sports Boosters, as well as the Art Acker Award.

Upon graduation he became a teacher and coach at Yuba City High School, coaching for 27 years. For 14 years he was the head wrestling coach, being twice selected the League Coach of the Year. He coached football at all levels, including five years as head coach. He also served as an assistant coach in track and golf, and as the assistant athletic director.

He is currently teaching and coaching wrestling at University High School in West Los Angeles, where he also serves as the assistant athletic director and represents the Los Angeles City C.I.F. Section on the state wrestling rules committee.


Rex McDougal – Browns Valley, CA
Basketball – 1954, 1955, 1956
Baseball – 1955
Tumbling – 1957, 1958

Rex enrolled at Chico State in 1954 as a married veteran, after four years in the Air Force, with one child. He graduated in 1957 with his bachelor’s degree and two children. In 1958 he completed his master’s. Rex had a busy college life, being a parent, student, and athlete, while working at night at the Continental Nut Company.

As an athlete, he was known as a real competitor, loyal to his team, and knew what had to be done and when. He was held in the highest esteem by his teammates and later his professional colleagues.

Rex first taught and coached at Chico High School where he produced outstanding basketball teams, winning five consecutive league championships. He moved on to Yuba College where he taught health and physical education and coached basketball and golf. He later moved into administration as division chair, then athletic director, and finished as the dean of community educational services (1971-1984).

He was a member of the citizen advisory committee that initiated the establishment of the Yuba City, California Parks and Recreation District. He is also a founding and continuing member of the Yuba College Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.


Bob Rinehart – Orland, CA
Wrestling-1976, 1977

Bob was recruited to Chico State as a community college transfer after he received J.C. All-American honors as a California State Finalist. Bob was a Far Western Conference Champion both years; he earned All-American honors both years placing sixth in the nation as a junior and third in the nation as a senior. As a junior he helped lead his team to the Conference Championship in 1976 and in his senior year he was voted Team Captain, Outstanding Wrestler for Chico State, and Chico State Men’s Senior Athlete of the Year. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he became a math teacher and coach for Orland High School where his teams have won several league and section championships. Currently he is the athletic director at Orland High School and hopes to help other athletes have the same positive experiences he has enjoyed.


Herb Scott
Snow Skiing-1961-1965
Cross Country- 1960, 1961
Track & Field-1961

Herb Scott entered Chico State in the fall of 1960. His freshman year he competed in cross-country, snow skiing, and track & field. As a track & field distance competitor, Herb competed in the one and two mile, as it was called then. He ran a sub 4:40 mile.

Herb competed in skiing for four years in all four events: cross country, jumping, downhill, and slalom. He was the team captain three years. He qualified and participated in the US Olympic ski team tryouts in Oregon in 1962. In 1963, as a three-year letterman, Herb was an intragal member of Chico State’s undefeated cross-country ski team season. He jumped over 700 feet and skied over 70 mph. He represented Chico State on the ski slopes from Lassen, California, to Vail, Colorado. He was a gentle man on campus but a fierce competitor on the hill. He was more than just an excellent athlete. He was an exceptional person. He gained the respect from all of us that knew him-and earned it, says his former high school track & field coach, Mel Jones.

From 1961-64 the Grand Prix Bicycle Races were held during the Pioneer Days celebration and Herb was champion three consecutive years. Herb graduated in 1965 with a physical education major, a minor in math, and obtained his master’s degree. He enjoyed intramural football, and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Following graduation, Herb taught at Liberty Union High School in Brentwood from 1966-85. He taught college-prep math and coached throughout his teaching years: cross country, track, and golf. He was the golf coach at the time of his death. Following his death, the graduating class of 1985 at Liberty Union High School requested that the math wing be renamed S-Wing in honor of Herb. That request was granted. In 1991 when a new math/computer building was completed, a dedication ceremony was held to name the new building Scott Hall. In the spring of 1985 an annual perpetual Herb Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund for math students was established.

Herb’s long time friend and colleague, John Meyer, states, Although he presented a calm demeanor and was quite approachable, you would soon realize that ‘Mr. Scott’ didn’t put up with ‘slackers’ and would soon ‘introduce’ you to his regiment for success. When math tutoring his students, there would be physical exercise before lessons—to ‘sharpen the mind’.

Jerry Miller who coached and taught with Herb for 20 years says, He was an outstanding coach who always put his athletes first. His athletes respected him and were always well prepared for competition. Herb always made anything he was associated with fun. His players liked him. He was so genuine. He would go the extra mile to help them both on the field or off.

Although killed by a drunk driver in the prime of his life, Herb’s affect upon those he encountered was unbelievable. Meyer remembers that the 1500 capacity gymnasium where Scott’s memorial service was held was overflowing with mourners. Meyer said, The uncontrolled outpouring of pain, anguish, and sorrow from so many for the loss of their friend, teacher, and coach stands as a true testament to the value of the man who was Herb Scott.



Rich Sorenson - Rocklin, CA
Football-1972, 1973, 1974, 1975

Rich was a Chico product attending Chico High lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and golf.

Beginning his career at CSU, Chico in 1972, Rich was the place kicker for four years, setting all school records for kicking: Most field goals, per game season and career; longest field goal and consecutive points after a touchdown without a miss. Rich also punted during the 1974 –75 seasons, averaging 38.5 yards per punt.

Rich was named to the All Far Western Conference Second Team in 1974 and the First Team in 1975. Rich was the finest kickoff and extra point kicker in the long history of Chico State kickers. He was recognized for his talent by being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and was in their training camp during the 1977 and 1978 preseasons. Rich was a victim of the soccer-style kickers, as the NFL replaced all head-on kickers during his attempt to become a member on the Seahawks’ roster.

As Rich was completing his credential at CSU, Chico, he was an assistant football coach at Chico Senior High School. He completed his masters degree in educational management in 1990 and is currently an elementary school principal in the Roseville City School District.

Rich married his wife, Diane, in 1982. They have three sons: Zach, 16, Nick, 14, and Josh, 12. Since 1989, Rich’s coaching has focused on his sons’ various teams, primarily baseball and soccer.



Chris Verhulst – Reno, NV
Football-1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

Chris grew up in San Ramon, California, where he attended California High School, lettering in four sports – football, track, soccer, and baseball. He was All-Conference in football, track, and soccer. He was recognized as the Most Valuable Athlete and Athlete of the Year for his high school in 1984.

Chris began his Chico State career in 1984 and majored in business administration. He lettered all four years in football and was All-Conference three years and All-American status two years. To quote Coach Mike Bellotti, Chris was instrumental in helping us (Chico State) achieve our number 10 national ranking for Division II football in 1986.

Chris holds the Chico State record for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was selected as Chico State’s 1988 Male Athlete of the Year and played in the East/West Shrine Game.

The Houston Oilers drafted Chris as a tight end in the fifth round of the 1988 NFL draft. He also played for the Denver Broncos. Chris played for four years before injuring his achilles tendon.

In 1995 Chris was voted into the Bay Area Athletic Hall of Fame.

Chris currently lives in Sparks, Nevada, where he is a proud father of four children, Austen, Olivia, Isabelle, and Charlotte. Chris is married to his high school sweetheart Mary Vize, who also attended Chico State (Class of ’89). He is currently the Vice President of International Development for Microflex Medical Corporation, a world leader in medical device manufacturing.


Don Batie – Chico, CA
Men’s Soccer Coach – 1967-1995
Assistant Track Coach – 1967-1974
Associate Athletic Director – 1989-1994
Athletic Director – 1995-2002

Don Batie retired this year after completing his seventh year as director for the university’s Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports program and in the past his name was synonymous with men’s soccer at Chico State.

During his tenure as athletic director, Don has seen a number of major projects completed, including Nettleton Stadium, University Soccer Stadium, University Softball Field, and new seating and flooring in Acker Gym. Don also was instrumental in moving the athletic program into the California Collegiate Athletic Association, and starting the athletic scholarship program at Chico State. Don served five years on the Executive Council, two years on the Executive Board of Directors, and was president of the California Collegiate Athletic Association in 2000-2001.

Prior to his position of director of athletics, Don served as associate athletic director for six years, assisting with athletic administration and department fundraising.

Don has always had a love affair with sports. He started in youth sports at age six and continued with a very successful high school and college-playing career. He was an All-State running back in high school football, and won the state championship in the pole vault both his junior and senior years, breaking the state record each time. Don accepted a track scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico where he set the school and conference record in the pole vault. Don suffered a career ending knee injury his junior year that turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it brought him back to the sport he really loved, soccer. He played two years on the UNM soccer team and assisted the team during his graduate year under the guidance of coaching great, Dr. Frank Papsy.

Before stepping down as Chico State’s head soccer coach in 1995, Don had been coaching soccer since 1964 when he was an assistant at the University of New Mexico. He served as head coach and head track coach at College of Santa Fe in 1965 and 1966 prior coming to Chico State.

In 1967 he was hired at Chico State as the head soccer and assistant track coach, a role he performed through 1974. He compiled an impressive record of 326-153-45 in 28 seasons as the Wildcats’ soccer coach. Chico State won 15 conference championships during is tenure and went to the NCAA tournament 12 times. His teams went to the Final Four on four occasions.

At the time of his retirement, Don has the third most wins among all NCAA Division II men’s soccer coaches. His coaching efforts and talents have not gone unnoticed. He recorded his 300th collegiate career victory in 1993 and was presented with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Letter of Commendation in 1994. Also, as one of the co-founders of Chico Youth Soccer League, Don was instrumental in getting youth soccer started in the North Valley.

In the seventies Don took a leave of absence from Chico State to coach professional soccer. He coached the San Antonio Thunder of the North American Soccer League during the 1975 and 1976 seasons. Don was fortunate to coach several world class players including England’s Caption Bobby Moore who was considered to be one of the best in the world. One of the highlights of Don’s career was when Pele gave Don his game shirt after San Antonio beat the New York Cosmos in 1976.

Don now plans to do what is most important to him: spend time with his family. He and his wife Merle will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year. They are proud parents of three children; Carey, Lindy, and Donnie and seven grandchildren; Jessica, Tylyn, Summer, Dylan, Doug, Emma, and Justin.



Margie Wilson
Athletic Secretary – 1973-present

Margie Wilson came to Chico State College in the fall of 1969 from nearby Oroville. Her original intention was to be a teacher but many changes happened along the way. She was hired in the physical education department as a student. In the fall of 1973 Margie became the full time athletic director’s secretary. With the years, Margie’s job has evolved. What began as a basic typing and filing position has turned into one of managing a budget of over two million dollars.

Since the 1970’s so many names, faces, and programs have come and gone. About the only things that have continued to be around are the buildings and Margie. Margie has worked closely with nine different athletic directors: Don Scott, Rex Grossart, Dick Marshall, Joan Wallace, Don Miller, Clark Yeager, Janet Kittell, Don Batie, and Anita Barker. Each of them has imparted their unique qualities in Margie’s evolution. During Margie’s tenure, Chico State has been in three different conferences, had three different university presidents, has introduced scholarships, and has seen many NCAA changes

Being a shy person, Margie has been the one behind the scenes who helps make day-to-day operations possible. Her consistency and expertise have been very valuable to athletics as she has assisted new athletic directors and coaches learn the ins and outs of Chico State athletics. Margie’s job is not always an easy one. Ask any coaches’ wife or husband, when they are in season , it requires special care and Margie has quite a knack for handling them.

One of the perks of Margie’s job has been to work with some wonderful people. Her bosses, the coaches, students, and athletes make it more that just a job. They have been appreciative of Margie’s hard work and their kindness and good-hearted teasing keeps her on her toes. Margie has often stated that the athletic department is like her second family and it has been a labor of love. The problem of small programs, however, is having to say good-bye to some very good friends as they move on the new opportunities in athletics and education. It is the bittersweet part of the job that Margie has had to experience many times over the years.

Being involved in athletics has not been just a job but an experience. She has always been a fan of Wildcat sports. She has seen the play of Pete’s and Puck’s basketball teams, participated in being part of the tunnel at soccer games, baked or froze in the stands with Barbara Trimmer, Carol Hall, Merle Batie and her cow bell, and the other coaches’ wives as they rooted on our football and soccer teams. She sat in amazement at Chico’s championship baseball teams and watched in awe in Acker as some of America’s finest gymnasts came to perform. She has even fallen asleep during Midnight Madness . What commitment!