Chico State Athletics

Created in 2015 by long-time Chico State basketball fans and Chico State alums to support the women’s basketball program, Gary grew up playing the sport of basketball. Both he and Barbara feel strongly about giving back to the community and supporting women’s athletics.

Started by the Berrymans in 2008 to assist a men’s basketball student-athlete. Gregg is a long-time Chico State faculty member in the Communication Design Department.

Created by the Berrymans in 2008 to assist a women’s basketball student-athlete. An avid fan of the women’s basketball program, Phyllis worked with Chico State’s Instructional Media Center for nearly three decades.

This scholarship was created in 2019 by Chico State alums, Jim & Carol Braziel. The couple has an Estate & Financial Planning business in Chico.  They love Chico State Athletics and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a student-athlete. Their hope is that this scholarship helps to provide the resources to help student-athletes achieve their goals.

Established in 2018 to honor brothers Mike and Pat O’Malley, both of whom are Chico State men’s soccer alum, this scholarship honors their brotherly bond and their passion for Wildcat soccer.

Created in 2014 by Mitch Cox, a former Associate Director of Chico State Athletics, to honor his parents and encourage the success of student-athletes studying Communications or English.

This scholarship was established in 2017. Alumni of the Chico State cross country program are proud to support the program with this award. The alumni expect that the University will responsibly care for this gift and grow the endowment.  

This scholarship was established in 2022 by Michael Storer.  It was created to give back to the university that afforded Michael with so many memories and skills. Also, to make it easier for a fellow men’s track and field athlete who is working towards pursuing a career in the engineering/construction management industry. 

This scholarship was initiated in 2000 by Jack and Nancy Fox, two ardent Chico State supporters and golf fans. The Fox Scholarship is awarded to a member of the men’s golf team for recruitment and/or retention purposes.

Created by Ron and Sandy Griffin (Née Nason), this scholarship aims to provide support to programs that showcase the family’s dedication to this university. Four generations of Nasons have received diplomas from Chico State, beginning with Cora Nason, who was a member of the first graduating class of Chico Normal School in 1891. The Griffin family wishes to perpetuate their strong connection to Chico State with the award of this scholarship.

Created in 2007 by a Chico State scholar and athelte who graduated with honors in English and Spanish. This scholarship is awarded to student-athletes majoring in either the College of Humanities and Fine Arts of the College of Communication and Education. Recipients are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 

Created in 2017 by Steve (Homer) and Carol Stanley-Hall to support a Chico State women’s volleyball student-athlete. As former student-athletes themselves, Steve and Carol love the sport of volleyball and wanted to show their support for a program they truly enjoy as fans.

Established in 2007 by Chico State men’s track and field head coach Oliver Hanf and his brother, Andy, to honor their father, Uli, a lifelong track and field fan who inspired Oliver to become a track and field coach.

Set up in 2007 by the family and friends of Dave Hardy, a four-year starter with the Wildcats men’s soccer team. A consummate leader, Dave combined a strong-willed personality with a friendly, logical approach that motivated others.

Ed and Lucille were avid fans of Chico State basketball and cared deeply about young adults. The Hendricks Scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete on the men’s or women’s basketball team.

Started in 2002 by family, friends, and colleagues of the late Chico State women’s basketball and field hockey coach, this scholarship is awarded to a women’s basketball student-athlete who contributes to the success of the team through her on-court performance.

This scholarship was established in 2022. It was funded by Charles and Patricia Lee in honor of their granddaughter, Kathryn Lee (Layman) who was an outstanding runner for the Chico State cross country program. Kathryn earned seven All-American honors while a student-athlete at Chico State. This scholarship is also a tribute to head coach Gary Towne, who has done an outstanding job building and maintaining the program.

Established in 2012 by a former Wildcat long-distance running standout and her family to support deserving student-athletes representing the Chico State women’s cross country and track & field teams.

Initiated in 2013 by Don and Barbara Alger, longtime Chico State employees and basketball fans, to honor Jake Lovisolo, a former member of the Wildcat men’s basketball team, who exemplified academic achievement and athletic success and demonstrated leadership in team activities.

Created in 2008 by Dick and Marge Maddux to assist a Chico State men’s or women’s basketball student-athlete. Dick was a long-time chemistry teacher at Chico High School, while Marge was co-owner and beloved pharmacist of Terrace Pharmacy for over 40 years.

Started in 2005 by two stellar Chico State athletes. The couple created this scholarship because of the financial and moral support George received from the University and the Chico community.

Set up in 1996 by Barbara Marsh Albers and her husband, Gary, and the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Hank Marsh, who was dedicated to assisting women’s athletics. The Marsh Scholarship recipient exemplifies Hank’s code of ethics, integrity, and overwhelming desire and ability to help others.

Established in 2018 by Chico State Alumni, Ben Matthews, to support a student-athlete that participates in both cross country and track and field. Ben was a member of the Chico State football and track and field programs during his time at Chico State. 

Established in 2012 by the Bidwell Women’s Golf Club to perpetuate the memory of Elsie McLean, a passionate golfer and long-time member of the club. At the age of 102, Elsie became the oldest person in the world to make a hole-in-one on an 18-hole course, fittingly at Bidwell Park Golf Course.

Established in 2011 by Chico State Alumni Greg and Nancy Meadows. The Meadows are long-time residents of Chico and active members of the Chico running community. This scholarship was created to provide motivated student-athletes support to compete at the collegiate level in cross country while attaining academic success.

Started in 2009 to provide scholarship support to student-athletes participating in Track and Field and Cross Country. A member of the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame, Bill competed for the Wildcats in the one and two-mile races.

Initiated in 2009 to provide scholarship support to student-athletes on the women’s basketball team who demonstrate strong leadership skills. An avid Wildcat basketball fan, Marilyn was the first director of Chico State’s Student Learning Center as well as a faculty member in the school’s Education Department.

Established in 2014 and dedicated to the late Christian Franco, a former Chico State baseball student-athlete and member of the 1999 NCAA Championship team. This scholarship was created by Christian’s teammates to honor his legacy as an exemplary representative of the baseball program, a solid student and inspirational athlete, and devoted friend.

This scholarship was in 1999 by Chico State alumni, Thomas Owen (85’). After graduating with a degree in Recreation and Psychology, Tom reflected on how much a few extra dollars could enhance a student’s college experience and decided to fund an athletic scholarship.

Set up in 2012 by the Penland Family to assist a softball student-athlete with her academic-related expenses and overall development as a young adult.

Established by the family of the late Donald Penland, a baseball and football student-athlete at Chico State, who strongly believed that athletic participation is important to a student’s overall development.

Created in 2008 by the Porters, longtime supporters of the Chico State basketball program. Clark had a Hall of Fame playing career for the Wildcat men’s basketball team. Betty was an elementary school educator and a middle school librarian.

This scholarship was established in 2015 by longtime men’s soccer enthusiasts Michael and Robyn Prime to honor their son David. Since 1989, Chico State men’s soccer student-athletes have nurtured a unique bond with David. This scholarship was created to recognize this bond.

As alumni of the women’s basketball program, the donors of this scholarship hope to share their experiences and provide the same opportunities that Chico State once offered them. They hope the recipients of this scholarship will appreciate the Wildcat Family community and truly value the support shown to the women’s basketball program.

Initiated in 2012 by Skip Reager, the nephew of Leo Reager, and his wife, Cheryl, along with Skip’s three sons Brad, Kevin, and Kelly, to honor Leo’s passion of watching Chico State baseball games while sitting under his beloved oak tree in right field.

Established in 2017 by long-time fans and friends of Chico State Athletics, Skip and Cheryl Reager. Sports were always a part of Skip and Cheryl’s lives. Their professional careers and recreational interests have featured sports. Their scholarship was created to support a Wildcat from any team because of the Reagers’ love of all sports.

Set up in 2010 by the former Chico State women’s basketball standout and her parents in tribute to Melissa’s standard of excellence both on and off the court. The recipient must be a member of the women’s basketball team who excels in and out of the classroom and seizes every opportunity for a complete college experience.

Established in 2006 by a multi-sport athlete at Chico High School and Chico State, Gene’s scholarship is awarded to a men’s basketball player.

Established in 2014 to honor the Ritchie Family. Members of the Ritchie Family have played and supported the sport of baseball at all levels over several decades.

This scholarship was established in 2022. The Run 4 Bitti and Brynn Memorial Cross Country Scholarship is intended for cross country scholar-athlete who would honor their love of sports, the environment, healthy living, joy of life and their belief every long run should be “Miles of Smiles” Scholarship recipient should reflect the spirit of Brittni and Brynn faces. 

Joe “Rock” McClellan was a football star at Chico State. Following graduation, Rock coached and taught english at Willows High School. He moved to Chico High in 1953 where he coached football and served as AD  until retirement. Mary Gravette McClellan was manager of food service at Craig Hall. She then worked in the Foundation office until 1977. This scholarship is intended to provide support to members of the Men’s and Women’s basketball team. 

Established in 2011 by former men’s soccer players, friends, and family members of the Baties to support the educational needs of men’s soccer student-athletes.

Bob and Becky Stofa have been enjoying Chico State basketball games for over two decades. They establsihed this scholarship in 2021 to support student-athletes from both Wildcat basketball programs. The Stofa’s are both former educators. Bob taught math at Chico State and Butte College. Becky is a retired elementary substitute teacher.  They enjoy spending time with family and friends at their home in Lake Almonor, playing golf and volunteering their time with several local service organizations.

Initiated in 2005 by the family, friends, and colleagues of the former Chico State Athletics equipment manager. This scholarship is awarded to a men’s basketball player, a volleyball player, and a baseball player, with preference given to Pleasant Valley High, Chico High, and North Section student-athletes.

Donna and Tom Carter are proud Chico State alumni. Donna attended from 1964-1969, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business and was a member of the Alpha Chi sorority. Tom attended from 1965-1972, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a Biology minor, a California State Secondary Education Teaching Credential and a Master’s degree in Physical Education. Tom was a Chico State Wildcat student-athlete from 1965-1968 and played goalkeeper on the Chico State men’s soccer team from 1968-1970. Tom served on the Chico State Alumni Board from 2014-2020. He was inducted to the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

Established in 2002 by the family and friends of Tom and Ingrid DuFour, two pillars of the Chico community. The DuFour Golf Scholarship is awarded to a female and male golf student-athlete with financial need and the most potential to succeed in golf.

This scholarship was created in 2019 by Chico State alums, Jim & Carol Braziel. The couple has an Estate & Financial Planning business in Chico.  They love Chico State athletics and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a student athlete. Their hope is that this scholarship helps to provide the resources to help student-athletes achieve their goals.

This scholarship was established in 2022.  Michael Salsedo played football and baseball at Hayward High School, Chabot College and Chico State. He led the CSUC football team as quarterback to the 1971 Camellia Bowl after a 9-1 regular-season record. He is a Hall of Fame Wildcat. Michael is loved by his family and friends, who have set up this scholarship in his honor for student athletes to be supported in their own baseball career.

This scholarship was established in 2022. Michael Salsedo played football and baseball at Hayward High School, Chabot College and Chico State. He led the Chico State football team as a quarterback to the 1971 Camellia Bowl after a 9-1 regular-season record. He is a member of the Chiso State Athletics Hall of Fame. Michael is loved by his family and friends, who have set up this scholarship in his honor for student-athletes to be supported in their own softball career.

Initiated in 2000 by a former professor of sociology at Chico State, Walt’s scholarship is awarded to one or more male or female cross country runners who also compete in track and field, with priority given to a student enrolled in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Started in 2011 by a former member of the men’s basketball team to honor the culture of the program as well as the University that gave him so much.

Created in 2012 by players, friends, and family of the former Wildcat women’s soccer coach to honor his outstanding commitment and many contributions to Chico State.

This scholarship was established in 2021 by Greg and Nancy Meadows to support cross country and student-athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals. This is the second athletic scholarship established by Chico State alumni, Greg and Nancy Meadows. They are long-time Chico residents and active members of the Chico running and cycling community.

Created in 2003 by the family of a successful businessman, husband and father, Gabriel’s scholarship is given to a baseball or men’s basketball player with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Set up in 2012 by Alain Smith, a former Wildcat soccer student-athlete, in honor of his father, Joe, a star soccer player in his native Canada. The Smith Scholarship is intended to help student-athletes develop in all aspects of soccer and their personal lives in the tradition of Joe’s devotion to his family and soccer.

The Volleyball Alumni Scholarship began in 2017 by a small group of volleyball alumni with a desire to give back to student-athletes and make a large impact to the Chico State volleyball program.

This scholarship was established in 2020 by Margie Wilson, retired Athletics Department staff member, and her family. After 40 years of supporting the athletic program, Margie understands the value of education and athletics. Margie created this scholarship to give back to the program she calls a second family and support a well-deserving student-athlete.

This scholarship was established in 2022. It was created to honor Bill Yoskowitz and his lifelong love of cross country and track and field. He was an ardent admirer of running legend Steve Prefontaine and his “Go for It” style, which carried Bill onto school records, marathons, and 40 years of running strong. Throughout his life, Bill enthusiastically provided community service in support of homelessness and environmental issues.

Bud Hanna dedicated his life to local youth athletics. He moved to Chico in 1946 as the player manager of the Chico Colts, Chico’s Sacramento Valley League Baseball team. Bud’s dedication to local sports went further. Bud also had a very distinguished career in the local insurance industry and was a founding partner of Lindo Hanna & Abbott Insurance Agency in Chico which eventually merged into InterWest Insurance Services, LLC. Bud believed in the spirit of athletics and the power sports have in enriching a young person’s life.

In 2002, a remarkable group of alumni banded together to create the Mac Martin Athletic Leader Endowment. Their intention was to honor Mac and continue his lifelong interest in students, friends, and Chico State, by providing a permanent source of support encouraging and celebrating student leadership.

John and Karen Oldemeyer were loyal Wildcats and talented student-athletes. As a student-athlete, Oldemeyer helped set the stage for future generation of Wildcats. He was inducted into the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. John was also an active member in the Delta Psi Delta fraternity. Karen, also a participant in Greek life, was a member of the Sigma Kappy sorority. She was a member of the women’s field hockey team. Their family established this scholarship to honor their legacy and the passion they had for Chico State.

The Springhorn-Osborn Cross Country Scholarship at Chico State is a genuine acknowledgment of the enduring ties the Springhorn and Osborn families share with the University, expressing sincere appreciation for the Wildcat community. Paige (Osborn) and Steven Springhorn, both class of 2005, met during their time at Chico State, forming a lasting partnership driven by their mutual passion for cross country and track.

This scholarship was established in 2013 by former Chico State decathletes and heptathletes. The intent is to honor the program’s rich heritage in producing stellar multi-event athletes who succeed athletically, academically, and in life.

Cody Hein took over as coach of the Chico State volleyball program in 2003 and continued to lead the Wildcats for the following 17 years until his untimely passing in 2020. Cody led the team to more wins than any coach in Chico State volleyball history. He was one of the most successful and respected coaches in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), leading the Wildcats to six postseason berths, four National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship Tournament appearances, 49 postseason conference awards, 29 All-West Region selections, and 13 All-America honors. Cody was twice named CCAA Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2006, and the West Region Coach of the Year in 2016, compiling a record of 278-207 in 17 years at Chico State and 324-251 in 20 years at the NCAA Division II level. He lived by the mantra, "Tough times don't last, tough people do," and passed this mentality onto family, friends, colleagues, and his student-athletes. This scholarship was created to honor Cody's legacy at Chico State and to continue to support the volleyball program and the amazing student-athletes Cody would have loved coaching.