1971 Camellia Bowl Football Team
Nancy Love Artist – Volleyball (1965), Badminton (1966-1967), Field Hockey (1966-1967), Tennis (1966-1967), Track (1968)
Dan Eckley -- Baseball (1970-1971), Wrestling (1970-1974)
Richard Gregory – Baseball (1997-1998)
Edward "Jake" Hodges – Basketball (1990-1991)
Chandra "Flinn" Jones – Track and Field (1997-2000)
William "Bill" McConnell – Baseball (1961), Boxing (1961-64), Football (1961-64)
Don Steinsiek – Boxing (1967-1969), Football (1965-1968), Wrestling (1965-1966)
Richard "Rich" Tolette – Football (1961-1964), Track (1961-1964), Wrestling (1961-1964)
Jennifer "Jenny" Spoon Wettemann – Cross Country (1998), Track & Field (2000)
Wayne Tarr -- Honorary Inductee
1971 Camellia Bowl Football Team
The Golden Anniversary of Chico State football took place in 1971. Fittingly, it was also the program’s golden age. The 1971 Wildcats set the school record with a 9-1 regular-season record, and though they suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Boise State in the Camellia Bowl, which decided the champion of the West Region, the team is still remembered as the standard by which all other Chico State football seasons are measured by. The Wildcats outscored their opponents 366-132 and earned a share of the Far Western Conference title under Head Coach Pete Riehlman, who was named the conference’s Coach of the Year. Split end Rex Smith was the Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Jewell McCullar the Defensive Player of the Year. Joining Smith and McCullar in receiving First Team All-Conference distinction were tackle Bob Bonner, guard Mike Connors, defensive lineman Al Davenport, and safety Jim Wilkins. Halfback Dave Demek, center Tim Driver, and cornerback Dave Tetzel earned Second Team honors. Quarterback Mike Salsedo and tackle Tom Aldredge were named honorable mention.
Those are just 11 of the 52 players who made up that historic roster, coached by Riehlman, Vern Rosene, Don McCaulley, Don Miller, Dick Trimmer, Gary Agnitsch, and Dr. Maxwell Lee. Athletic Director Rex Grossart was also a key contributor to the program.
The 32-28 Camellia Bowl loss was agonizing because Chico State dominated the game and led 28-7 in the fourth quarter. The loss stung at the time, and likely still does. But looking back, it does nothing to tarnish the Chico State football program’s golden season.
Nancy Love Artist -- Volleyball (1965), Badminton (1966-1967), Field Hockey (1966-1967), Tennis (1966-1967), Track (1968)
Give Nancy Love Artist a “High 5” tonight, in recognition – one finger representing each of the five sports she participated in while attending Chico State. And give her another one for being just as successful in those endeavors as she was diverse. Artist participated in badminton, tennis, field hockey, volleyball and track and field. She and teammate Betty Schwartz were the top-ranked doubles badminton team in Northern California. And she was part of Chico State’s No. 2 doubles team in tennis. She was part of Joan Wallace’s ultra-successful field hockey team in 1967 and 1968, earned one letter in volleyball in 1965, and scored points for the track and field team in the 220, 440 and 880-yard relays at the 1968 All-College Conference meet.
She got her start in athletics at an early age by playing regular games of baseball, basketball and football in her neighborhood in which most of the kids her age were boys. Her love for competition grew from there.
After college, Artist went on to a 28-year teaching and coaching career at Yuba City High School and created an after school sports program that is still used today. She is also very proud of her work with others living with disease since being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease herself in 1979. Not surprisingly, though her life has changed since then, Nancy has again risen to the challenge. As former US Women’s Olympic Track and Field Coach Dee Vochatzer put it: “…she is truly an inspiration to us all.”
Dan Eckley -- Baseball (1970-1971), Wrestling (1970-1974)
A two-time NCAA Championship Tournament qualifier and Far West Conference champion, Dan Eckley clearly made the most out of his four-year wrestling career at Chico State University. He helped the Wildcats finish 11th and 14th in the nation during that time while compiling an impressive 67-20 record and earning four letters for his jacket.
Dan got his collegiate career off to a fast start, winning the conference title in his sophomore season. He added a third-place conference finish as a senior. He was a team captain, team MVP and earned the award for the most takedowns.
Dan parlayed those four years of experience into an outstanding coaching career following his graduation. In fact, he was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame last year thanks to a dual meet record of 305-50-2, 11 league championships, and five section titles in 24 years between Anderson High School, Nunberg American High School, and West Valley High School in Cottonwood. Perhaps Dr. Dick Trimmer said it best: “Dan Eckley is a shining example of someone who wore the Wildcat uniform with pride and later became an alumnus that we can all be proud of.”
The Vice President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during his time at Chico State, Dan’s faith has always played a key role in his life. He is currently a co-Elder and Pastor of Small Group and Family Ministries at the Anderson/Cottonwood Neighborhood church.
Richard Gregory -- Baseball (1997-1998)
Rich Gregory is, without a doubt, the most feared slugger in the history of Chico State baseball. His 29 career home runs are the most by any player to wear the Wildcat uniform and his 147 RBI are the second most. But he was so much more than a power hitter for the Wildcats. He helped put the Chico State baseball team on the map, when in 1997, he hit .396, blasted 16 home runs, and drove in 87 to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Division II national championship.
Gregory’s career batting average of .395 is the second highest in Chico State history, and he’s the only two-time All-American in Chico State baseball history. According to former head coach Lindsay Meggs, “he energized the program with a confidence that was second to none.” Meggs continued by saying “Every good team has players that put up numbers, but on the great teams, those same players establish your identity. They become your heart and soul. Rich Gregory will forever be remembered as not only a two-time All American and a national champion, but as the heart and soul of the best team in Chico State history.”
A First Team All-American in 1997, Gregory earned Second Team All-America honors in 1998 by hitting .394 with 13 homers and 60 RBI while leading the Wildcats back to the College World Series where they were among the final four teams before being eliminated.
What can never be eliminated, however, is the mark Gregory made on the Chico State baseball program.
Edward "Jake" Hodges – Basketball (1990-1991)
Edward Hodges, known during his time in Chico as “Jake”, spent just one season in a Chico State basketball uniform. But he made the most of every minute. Hodges was named the Northern California Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-West Region selection after averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game during the 1990-91 season. He led the Wildcats to a 22-win season, the Northern California Athletic Conference title, and a berth in the NCAA Championship Tournament West Regional.
Hodges still ranks fourth in Chico State history in 3-pointers made in a season with 84 and blocks in a single season with 37. He was a team captain and earned the Most Valuable Player award at the 1990 Mac Martin Invitational Tournament.
Hodges went on to graduate from Chico State in 1994, and all the while, kept his hand in local basketball. He was a student assistant at Chico State from 1992 to 1994 as the Wildcats won three more NCAC titles and then helped coach Butte College to a conference championship during his time as an assistant coach from 1994-98. Hodges was also a local AAU basketball coach from 1992-98 and mentored many young players who went on to successful careers, including some at Chico State.
Hodges joined the U.S. Army in 1999 and served with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Iraq from 2004-06. He is currently serving as a recruiting Sergeant in Birmingham, Alabama.
Chandra "Flinn" Jones – Track and Field (1997-2000)
Chandra “Flinn” Jones is the finest thrower in Chico State history. Period. The 2000 NCAA Champion in the discus and All-American in the shot put remains the school’s record holder in both events. And it’s not even close. Her discus mark of 171-feet-1 inch is 12 feet further than the second longest throw in school history. And her shot put mark of 49.25 feet is over a foot better than the next best mark. Jones earned All-Northern California Athletic Conference honors in both events in 1998, 1999 and 2000, the year she won her NCAA title.
That was the culmination of an amazing few years. Jones actually spent 1st through 5th grade in Kenya. After moving back to the states she eventually earned a basketball scholarship, but transferred after two years despite leading her team in scoring. After meeting Chico State’s throwers and coach Tom Fahey, she quickly gave up basketball for the unknown. She had never picked up a throwing implement in her life. But four years later she was an NCAA Champion.
Jones still competes in USATF master’s competitions and volunteers as a certified USA Track and Field official at local meets. She also gives her time to recruit, lead and train a team to compete in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climbs, a vertical stair climb race up as many as 42 floors. After all, she’s used to reaching amazing heights.
William "Bill" McConnell -- Baseball (1961), Boxing (1961-1964), Football (1961-1964)
Bill McConnell was a two-time All-Far Western Conference defensive back on the Chico State football team. He earned three letters in the program from 1962-1964. He also boxed for three years and spent a year manning second base for the baseball team. Those facts don’t even begin to describe what a well-rounded individual he was.
His life was clearly about so much more than athletic accomplishments. While a student at Chico State, McConnell was a key member of the Block C Society, manning the concessions booth that enabled the club to finance several youth charitable programs at the time. And upon his graduation with a bachelor’s of science degree and a secondary teaching credential, he taught at Petaluma Junior High School. After one year teaching, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. One week before he was to return home, McConnell’s patrol was involved in a firefight. He was shot and killed while administering medical aid to a fellow soldier. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Following his death, at the request of a friend of the avid sportsman, the U.S. Forest Service named the creek where he killed his last deer “McConnell Creek.”
There are many ways to remember this great young man. And now, he’s a member of the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame as well.
Don Steinsiek – Boxing (1967-1969), Football (1965-1968), Wrestling (1965-1966)
Don Steinsiek seemed to be everywhere for the Chico State Wildcats in the late 1960s. Everywhere, that is, where the tough guys were. Steinsiek was a four-year starter at center for the football team, an outstanding wrestler for two seasons, and an important contributor to the boxing program for three years.
On the gridiron, Don started every game in which he played and earned three varsity letters. Following both his junior and senior seasons he was named the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and earned All-Conference honors. Following his senior season in which he was a team captain, Steinsiek received the Mr. Wildcat Award, chosen by the Chico State coaching staff.
On the wrestling mat, Don finished second in his weight class in the conference one season and third in the other. And in the boxing ring, Steinsiek was truly a force to be reckoned with. In 17 bouts his only non-win was a split decision, and he won the Far Western Conference Championship as a senior.
After graduation and earning his teaching credential, Don began a 32-year career in education, in Willows and Chico. In 1992 he was selected the Chico Unified School District’s Most Outstanding Secondary Educator. He was named to the Fairview High School Hall of Fame in 2003, and was elected into the Chico Public Education Hall of Fame in 2008.
Few Chico State athletes have accomplished as much as Don has on the playing field and outside of it. He is certainly deserving of tonight’s honor and a true Wildcat.
Richard "Rich" Tolette -- Football (1961-1964), Track (1961-1964), Wrestling (1961-1964)
Rich Tolette was a popular and active member of the Chico State community, much like his good friend Bill McConnell. Like McConnell, Tolette was a member of the football team and also excelled in other sports. In Rich’s case those sports were wrestling and track and field. And like his friend, Rich was an active member of the Block C Society and helped run the concessions booth that enabled the club to finance several youth charitable programs at the time. Tolette earned All-Far West Conference honorable mention honors on the football field and earned two letters apiece in football, wrestling and track and field. He was known for his enthusiastic spirit, which helped him to excel in athletics despite being small in stature.
Tolette graduated in 1964 and went on to teach, completing one year at Paradise Middle School. Wanting to serve his country during the height of the Vietnam War, Tolette volunteered and served with the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles.” Tragically, he was killed in action on July 25, 1968.
He would receive the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and heroism.
Fittingly, a scholarship was established at Chico State in joint memory of Rich and Bill, providing educational opportunities for future Chico State students.
Rich’s was life was sadly cut short, but his memory lives on through his loved ones, the scholarship in his honor, his beautiful medals and now through his induction into the Chico State Hall of Fame.
Jennifer "Jenny" Spoon Wettemann -- Cross Country (1998), Track (2000)
When Chico State cross country and distance coach Gary Towne was asked about Jenny Spoon, he began to describe what he calls, “The Perfect Season.” When Chico State women’s track & field coach Oliver Hanf was asked to describe her in a couple sentences, he misunderstood and gave two words—an expletive and the word “Amazing.” He went on to describe her as a great teammate, versatile, clutch, and poised.
Spoon’s “perfect season” took place in the spring of 2000 and culminated in her unbelievable performance at the NCAA Championships in which she finished third in the 1,500 meters while setting a school record and earning All-America honors, fourth in the 3,000 meters while setting a school record and earning All-America honors, and eighth in the 5,000 meters, and again, earning All-America honors. Throughout that season she improved her time at each distance each time she ran, with the rare exception coming in meets in which she competed in more than one race.
Jenny transferred to Chico State from Azusa Pacific and saw her first action in a Chico State cross country uniform. She finished fifth at the NCAA West Regional Championships to lead the Wildcats into the NCAA Championships for just the second time in school history. The team finished 16th, which at the time, was the best finish in the history of the program.
So how do you describe someone that had the most dramatic impact on the Wildcats’ women’s distance running program it has ever seen? Towne simply calls Jenny Spoon the best female distance athlete ever to wear a Chico State uniform.
Wayne Tarr -- Honorary Inductee
Wayne Tarr, tonight’s Honorary inductee to the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame, would be the first to admit that he wasn’t the greatest athlete to ever don the Wildcat uniform. Tarr’s contribution to the success of Chico State Athletics wasn’t his ability to put the ball in the hoop, but rather his ability to encourage his team to do so. As Chico State’s head yell leader, Tarr became a legend for his spirited and creative yells. There has been no equal to the energy and crowd involvement that was generated through his creativity and leadership. His reputation resulted in post-graduate requests to lead yells, including 25 years with the San Francisco 49ers (spanning three Super Bowls) and 10 years with the San Francisco (now Golden State) Warriors. He even returned to Chico State in the 1970s at Mac Martin’s request to lead yells when Chico State’s basketball team was in the playoffs. He also led yells for Hartnell College and Cal. All that yelling might make it hard to remember that Tarr was an athlete. He earned one letter each in track and cross-country and earned a pair of letters in basketball. And the response that followed Wayne’s lone basket of his collegiate career paints a picture of how large an impact he had on the University. The crowd went wild and his teammates carried him off the floor.
