Without question, Gary Towne is Chico State cross country.
In his tenure since 1996, Towne's athletes have combined for more than 170 All-America honors, over 100 All-West Region selections, more than 300 All-CCAA performances, and 4 NCAA individual national championships in cross country and distance track events. His programs are recognized as among the most consistently elite in all of Division II athletics.
One of the most successful coaches in Chico State Athletics history, Towne began his tenure as head coach of the men's and women's cross country programs in 1996, and since then, both teams have made themselves contenders for conference, regional and national titles every season. Towne also guides the distance runners on the track.
Cross Country Excellence
Towne's men's teams have captured 22 consecutive California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) titles (2002–2024), 19 NCAA West Region titles, and made 25 straight NCAA Championship appearances, posting 11 top-five national finishes, including third-place efforts in 2008 and 2019. Over 180 Wildcats have earned All-CCAA honors under his guidance, and 48 men have achieved All-America status.
The Chico State women's cross country program has been equally successful, winning 19 CCAA championships since 2002 and qualifying for 26 NCAA Championships (24 straight from 2000–2024). The Wildcats have produced 23 NCAA All-Americans and more than 124 All-CCAA honorees during Towne's tenure.
Track & Field Distance Legacy
In track & field, Towne has coached over 100 All-Americans in distance events (800m to 10,000m and steeplechase) and multiple NCAA national champions, including Scott Bauhs (10,000m, 2007; 5,000m, 2008), Charlie Serrano (5,000m, 2007), and Sarah Montez (3,000m, 2008). His distance runners have helped Chico State capture 25 CCAA team titles and achieve eight national top-10 finishes.
Individual Honors
Towne's coaching excellence has been recognized extensively:
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34-time CCAA Cross Country Coach of the Year (Men's and Women's combined)
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24-time USTFCCCA West Region Coach of the Year
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6-time USTFCCCA West Region Track & Field Assistant Coach of the Year
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2-time USTFCCCA National Assistant Track & Field Coach of the Year (2008, 2009)
In 2024, he was once again honored as both the CCAA Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year.
Personal Background
A proud Chico State alumnus, Towne earned his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1991 and his master's degree in 1996. He and his wife Roxanne, a probation officer for Butte County, reside in Chico.
