2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

Traci Ciapponi-Frazier – Women’s volleyball (1989-92), Track & Field (1989-90)

Antone Curtis – Men’s Basketball (1991-93)

Robert Jellison, Sr. – Football (1930-32), Boxing (1931-32)

Aaron Martella – Men’s Basketball (1990-94)

Tim Niles – Gymnastics (1971-74)

Chris Pane – Football (1973-74)

Kenneth “Andy” Solum – Water Polo (1963-66), Swimming (1964-67)

Julie Sprague Deckert – Women’s Volleyball (1987-90)

Evan Weir – Football (1968-69), Wrestling (1969-70)

Prescott “Puck” Smith - Honoray Inductee

Also honored at the event will be the 2007-08 Chico State Athletes of the Year:
    Scott Bauhs - Track & Field
    Audriana Spencer - Women's Basketball

Hall of Fame Inductee Bios

Dr Traci Ciapponi-Frazier

It turned out well for Chico State Athletics that Traci’s twin sister, Teri suggested they try out for the volleyball team in the fall of 1989. Even after 20 years have passed, Traci still holds four records at Chico State including block solos (122), block assists (333) and games played (460). Traci is also ranked fourth all time in kills (1,024) and attempts (2,438). In 1992, Traci was named first team All-Region and led the Cats to their first NCAA play-off appearance. At the end of her senior year, Traci was selected first team All-NCAC as well as a member of the Northwest All-Region Team and helped lead the Wildcats to a top 15 national ranking.

However, the end of volleyball season did not mean the end of competition. She was a successful track and field athlete as a part of the hurdle crew and competed in the heptathlon. Traci remains on the all time top ten list for her achievements in the 100-meter hurdles.

Beyond her athletic career, Traci continued impressive success. She earned both her bachelor’s (1993) and master’s (1995) degree in Physical Education from CSU, Chico. With degrees in hand, Traci than traveled across the country to the University of Virginia to pursue her doctoral degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Motor Learning.

In the Fall of 1999, Dr. Ciapponi-Frazier returned to her alma mater as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and continues to enjoy teaching today.

Antone Curtis

Antone Curtis transferred to Chico State University from Compton College in the fall    of 1991. Over the next two years he became one of the most outstanding leaders in the history of Chico State basketball. During the 1991-1992 and 1992-1993 seasons, Antone led the Wildcats to two Northern California Athletic Conference Championships and two NCAA tournament appearances, while being named first team All-NCAC, as the captain for the Chico State team.

As an outstanding point guard, Antone had the rare ability to inspire and motivate his teammates, while maintaining a rare blend of class and charm. His pleasing personality and ferocious competitive spirit became the heart and soul of the Wildcat program.

In 1993, Antone was named the Chico State Male Athlete of the Year, as a tribute to his outstanding contributions to the Chico State Athletic Department. He remains fourth all time in career assists despite playing just two seasons in a Wildcat uniform.

After his playing days, Antone entered the coaching profession, first as the head coach for the freshman basketball team at Chico High School from 1996 to 1998 and then as an assistant under fellow hall of famer Puck Smith at Chico State. His tremendous teaching and motivational skills have made a significant impact on the young basketball players in the Chico community for over a decade.

Currently Antone is an Equipment Room Technician in the Chico State Athletic Department and lives in Chico with the love of his life, Kami, and his daughter, Andrea.

Robert Jellison Sr

Bob Jellison, Sr. participated in both football and boxing during his time at Chico State University. He was the Wildcats’ only All-Conference selection in the 1931 season as he anchored the offensive line at the guard position. The following year, Bob showed his versatility by moving to the starting fullback position.

After leaving Chico, Bob taught high school physical education and coached mostly football and swimming in Danville, Hanford and Bakersfield. His success followed him from player to coach as he acheived eighteen straight section championships as a swim coach.

Bob returned to Chico in 1962 and earned his master’s degree in Physical Education at Chico State. Bob listed Art Acker as one of the most influencial people in his life and his son enjoyed Art’s many stories about his dad while he attended Chico State from 1958-1963.

While in high school in Princeton, CA, Bob played clarinet in their national championship band. The band won the title in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1927. Playing on the trip under the direction of John Phillip Souza was one of Bob’s proudest moments.

Bob passed away in July 2002 after a successful and fulfilling life at the age of 90.

Aaron Martella

The only Chico State basketball player in history with the distinction of playing on four consecutive conference championship teams almost never stepped foot on the hardwood at Chico State. An interesting set of events led Aaron Martella into the Wildcat uniform. After major back surgery on two ruptured vertebrae discs ended his football career at Fresno State, Aaron decided to trade the field for the hardwood and join the Chico State basketball team.

At just 6-4, Aaron may have been considered undersized as a post player, but his enormous competitive spirit and aggressive style of play allowed him to dominate in the paint. Aaron’s list of accomplishments during his career is extensive including two time first team All Northern California Athletic Conference player, NCAC Most Valuable Player (1993-1994), NCAC Player of the Year (1993-1994), NCAC Athlete of the Year (1993-1994) and Chico State Male Athlete of the Year (1993-1994). Aaron cites fellow hall of famer Coach Puck Smith as one of his most significant influences on and off court. Coach Smith’s emphasis on academics pushed Aaron to excel and graduate.

After graduation, Aaron continued his success being recruited to play by a semi-pro basketball team in a European League based in Malta.

Aaron returned home in 1995 to join the family business and begin his career in agriculture. Coach Smith’s influence proved effective as Aaron translated his efforts on the hardwood to the workforce to help expand into a successful businessman.

Aaron married his high school sweetheart, Shawna, in 1996; they have two beautiful daughters Caleigh, 8 and Giana, 6.

Tim Niles

Tim Niles and the word “gymnastics” have been synonymous in Northern California for nearly forty years. After suffering a spinal injury while competing at Diablo Valley College, Tim’s long time friends were able to convince him to travel to Chico State and join the Wildcat gymnastics team. This move proved to be one of the most pivotal in Chico State Gymnastics history.

Tim was an eight-time Far West Conference champion, helping lead the Wildcats to the FWC title in 1973-1974. He was named the FWC “Athlete of the Year” in 1974 and finished in eighth place overall at the NCAA Division II championships.

After graduating in 1974, Tim co-founded the Chico Gymnastics Center, the first gymnastic training facility in the North Valley.

After leaving Chico, Tim relocated to Lake County where he has been General Manager of Quail Run Fitness Center as well as dabbling in commercial and residential real estate.

For the past several years, Tim along with his life partner, Maureen, have been operating a horse boarding and training facility outside of Lakeport. They spend most of their time in Lake County enjoying their ranch with their children and grandchildren.

Chris Pane

The list of former Chico State football players who went on to play professional in the National Football League is not long. Former Wildcat Chris Pane, however, helped make it longer. Chris was a two-year All-Conference player at Chabot College and turned down full ride scholarship offers from Idaho, Maryland and Washington State to wear a Wildcat jersey.

Chris left his mark on Chico State Athletics not only as two-time All-Far West Conference Athlete, but also as a member of the Little All-Coast Division II Team as a defensive back in 1973 and 1974. He was the leading punt returner in 1973 and his eight interceptions in a single season still stands at a tie for the school record. In 1974, Chris was named team MVP as well as Outstanding Defensive Player all while serving as his team’s captain. Chris was also named Chico State’s 1970s Player of the Decade.

In 1975, Chris signed as a free agent for the World Football League and just one year later signed as a free agent with the NFL, playing four years for the Denver Broncos as a part of the famed “Orange Crush” defense. Chris helped lead the Broncos squad that captured the 1977 AFC Championship and reached the franchise’s first Super Bowl.

Following his pro career, Chris worked in real estate and the housing development trade. From 2000-2004, Chris built and raced RX-7’s for NASA. He currently works as a marketing director for Enerpower, an energy management company. Chris is active in his church, teaching and facilitating Bible study.

Chris and his wife Terrie, live in Walnut Creek with their champion Golden Retreiver, Indy.

Julie (Sprague) Deckert

It is not possible to reminisce about Chico State volleyball and not remember the exciting and exuberant Julie Sprague. The four-year starter truly left her mark in the record books and in the hearts of the fans. After graduating from Chico State in 1991 with a BA in Physical Education, Julie continued her education by receiving her Masters of Science degree in Sport Performance from Sacramento State in 1994.

Julie was a member of the Chico State’s Women’s Volleyball team from 1987-1990. During Julie’s four-year volleyball career at Chico State, she was named the Northern California Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player in 1990. She became a two-time First Team NCAC All Northwest Region player, First Team NCAC All Conference player, and holds the school records for kills and digs in a single season. In 1990, she set a NCAA Division II single match record for number of kills. In her senior year, Julie was named the Chico State Scholar Athlete Award.

After graduation, Julie became a physical educator, volleyball coach and professional athlete. Following her dream to play professional beach volleyball, Julie moved to Manhattan Beach to compete on the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) tour. She played on the AVP tour for the next ten years. Currently, Julie is a physical education instructor at the University of Southern California.

Julie and her husband, Rick and their daughter Taylor Nicole live in Manhattan Beach.

Evan Weir

Evan Weir is the perfect example of the Chico State Wildcat athlete who not only excelled in athletics during his Chico State days but also continued success in his post-Wildcat years. Evan Weir participated in both football and wrestling while attending Chico State, but while excelling in both, his achievements in wrestling are most noteworthy. He lettered in football in 1968 and wrestling in 1970. During his 1970 wrestling season, he placed first in his weight class at the Far Western Conference Championships, and went on to participate in the Division II National Championships and became an All-American. Evan was one of the top six wrestlers in the nation in his class in 1970.

Evan currently is a teacher in the Sacramento City Unified School District. He has spent his last 32 years as a Resource Specialist at John F. Kennedy High School. Not only has he gained an excellent reputation as a special education teacher from both his peers and administration, he has devoted his life to working with kids in many different capacities. He has been a yearbook advisor, wrestling coach, wrestling official, participant in many JFK band and choir trips and their promotional activities. Outside the school arena, he has been an assistant Boy Scout scoutmaster and active in the Sacramento Jazz Society for over 20 years.

Kenneth “Andy” Solum

Most cats don’t like water, but one Wildcat who thrived in it was Kenneth “Andy” Solum. A four-year competitor in both swimming and water polo, Andy set school records in the 200-yard freestyle and as a member of the 800-yard relay team.

He helped lead the Cats to three Far West Conference team championships and was a two-time All-American swimmer. In water polo, Andy was a four-time first team All-FWC pick and a member of the 1966 FWC championship team. The team finished third in the California State Championships in 1966 with Andy as their captain. Andy graduated with a BA in Industrial Arts and went on to earn his MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1975.

After graduation, Andy served as a Marine Aviator and was a fighter pilot flying over 100 combat missions in South Vietnam and Laos. He retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel and was bestowed many military awards, including the Navy Achievement medal and two Meritorious Service medals. The next stop was United Parcel Service Airline. He retired after eighteen years along with the Boeing 727’s.

He and his wife Donna have been married for 31 years and have four children, three of which are Chico State grads. They have three grandsons and two granddaughters. Andy has enjoyed coaching age group swim teams and Little League baseball and T ball.

Currently Andy is working on a project to restore a Korean War vintage fighter, an F-86 Saber Jet, with the commemorative Air force in Reno, Nevada.

Prescott “Puck” Smith- Honorary

Prescott “Puck” Smith graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965, with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Physical Education. While at Southwestern, Puck was the co-captain of Southwestern Basketball team and the president of the Independent Student Association. After teaching and coaching in Sacramento for a year, he entered the U.S Army in 1966 and received his commission as an Infantry Officer in 1967.   In 1968, Puck served with the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol/Rangers where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal for Valor.

After his return in 1970, Puck resumed his teaching and coaching career as the head basketball coach at Grant High School in Sacramento until 1975. He was twice named Metro Coach of the year and in 1975 was named Superior California Coach of the Year and was nominated to the Sacramento Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1975, Puck coached at many Division I schools.

In 1987, Puck was named the head coach at Chico State, where he served for twenty-one seasons. At Chico State, Puck was named NCAC Coach of the Year three times. In 1992, he was named the Northern    California Intercollegiate Coach of the year and in 1993 Puck was named the Chico Sports person of the year. Puck won four NCAC championships and took five of his teams to the NCAA tournament. He retired as the second winningest men’s basketball coach in Chico State history.

Scott Bauhs- Male Athlete of the Year

He didn’t even run for the Wildcat cross country squad in the fall, but the accomplishments of Scott Bauhs were a year-round phenomenon.

In October, he finished sixth overall at the San Jose Half-Marathon then was selected by U.S. Track and Field to be part of the U.S. team at the Ekiden Relays in Chiba, Japan. After a tenth place overall finish in the Men’s Open race at the 2008 USA Cross Country Championships, Bauhs earned himself a spot on the U.S. World Championship team where he competed at the World Cross Country Championships in Scotland. In typical fashion, Bauhs stepped up and recorded the fourth fastest time by an American at the race. In the spring, all Bauhs did was run the third fastest 5K in Division II history, run the fastest 10K in the U.S. this year, and become only the 308th American to run a sub-four minute mile. He concluded the year by winning the 5,000 meter national championship at the NCAA Track & Field Championships. He was named CCAA Male Athlete of the Year and USTFCCCA Division II National and West Region Athlete of the Year. This summer, Scott competed in the US Olympic Trials in Oregon.

Audriana Spencer- Female Athlete of the Year

The Chico State Wildcats had several outstanding senior women competing in the 2007-08 season, but Audriana Spencer’s impact not just as a player, but as a leader made her stand out above the rest. Audi Spencer concluded her fabulous four-year career with the Wildcats by leading the team to their third CCAA championship in the last four years, and the inaugural CCAA conference tournament championship. Spencer was tabbed first team All-West Region and first team All-CCAA after leading the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game while shooting an amazing 52% from the field and 87% from the free throw line. Spencer finished her Wildcat career as the school’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals made, 3-point field goal percentage, wins and games played.

At the annual Chico Enterprise Record awards banquet, Spencer was honored for not only her consistent and tremendous play on the basketball court, but also for being a positive role model and an example of what being a student-athlete is all about. Acker Gym just won’t be the same when the Wildcats take the court without number 24 in the lineup.

Chico State Athletics

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2008 Hall of Fame Inductees