Chico State Athletics

Joseph Ilaoa, also known as Coach Sefa, enters his second year at Chico State University for the 2023-24 track and field season. 
 
Ilaoa joins the Wildcats after spending two years coaching at Butte College. Ilaoa began his coaching career through a Covid season in 2020-21 with no conference championship or State Championship. The following year, he helped lead the team to a GVC championship victory, coaching the GVC champion in discus and shot put. 
 
Ilaoa is a former wildcat who competed in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 track and field seasons. Ilaoa helped lead the Wildcats to two CCAA championship victories, winning the discus and scoring the most points. Ilaoa earned all-west region and all-CCAA honors during his time as a wildcat. Ilaoa ranks 10th for discus and 5th for Hammer on Chico State's all-time list. 
 
Ilaoa graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and is looking to continue his education to earn a master's degree.