1998 Athletic Hall of Fame Honorary Inductee
Pete Riehlman
REGINA BRITTINGHAM - Chico, CA
Badminton - 1971, 1972
Swimming - 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
Track & Field - 1973
Regina participated and excelled in three sports, Badminton, Track & Field, and Swimming. In badminton she placed in the College Championships in both singles and doubles. In Track & Field she qualified for AIAW Nationals in the 440 yard dash and was on the 6th place mile relay team. She was captain of Chico's Women's Swimming Team and excelled in the 50 free and 50 fly and relays, swimming on the Chico State NCIAC Conference Championship team in 1971.
Currently Regina participates in United States Masters Swimming, where she is Nationally and World Ranked. Regina is a National Champion in the 50 meter butterfly and numerous relay teams. She and her Walnut Creek Masters teammates recently won the Medium Women's Division in Indianapolis at the Masters National Championships. In International swimming competition, Regina has won five gold medals in Spain and five gold medals at the Australian Masters Games (10,000 participants) in addition to setting three records. Regina has placed in the Top Ten in the World in nine events for Masters World Competition in England and Canada.
Regina also conducts swim clinics nationally and internationally. She was invited to give two clinics while in Australia for swimmers and coaches. She holds the American Swimming Coaches Association Masters Level IV Coach certification. There are very few Masters Coaches in the United States with a higher certification. She currently coaches a world ranked masters swimmer.
Regina has coached youth in track & field and cross country. Her track & field athletes were nationally ranked, with one national champion. Regina was Women's Track & Field Coach of the Year in the league when coaching at Butte Community College. She has also run and finished the Boston Marathon and was a National Bud Lite Triathlon Qualifier.
Regina assisted the Chico Aqua Jets with Coach Ernie Maglischo. She was also the Head Coach of the Oroville Orca Swim Team.
Regina has served as a firefighter for the California Department of Forestry. She has served as a volunteer and professional in mental health and alcohol and drug agencies in Butte County. This past year, she participated in a clinical research study of Bipolar Disorder at Stanford University.
Regina is also an artist, having sold paintings and stained glass works. She was a professional photographer for the covers of the national magazine CATS.
GEORGE H. CALKINS - Penn Valley
Baseball - 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963
Football - 1961, 1962, 1963
Basketball - 1962
George came from Chico High School, where he excelled as an all around athlete. His athletic prowess continued at Chico State .
While at Chico State, George was a three-sport man, participating in football (3 years), baseball (4 years) and basketball (1 year). In 1962 George was named to the All-Conference Baseball Team. In 1963, he was selected to the All-Conference Football Team. He was a four-year member of the Block 'C' Society and a member of the Football Team-of-the-Century. He completed both his bachelor's (1963) and master's degrees at Chico State.
George's professional life will remain a hallmark in coaching. He served as a coach and athletic director at Yuba City High School for 19 years. He led the Honkers to 14 football championships, one baseball and six softball championships. He was the athletic director for 13 years. Honors include being named California Coach-of-the-Year and State Athletic Director-of-the-Year.
DON CARLSEN - Chico, CA
Baseball - 1965, 1966
Football - 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
Wrestling - 1968
When Don was a senior, he was one of only four players that year to have played all four seasons for Chico State. But more important was the fact that Carl always played with the true enthusiasm of a Chico State Wildcat. In his final season he was an honorable mention for the Far Western Conference at running back. One of Don's proudest moments was being selected the first recipient of the Eddie Booth Mr. Wildcat Award.
Since graduating in accounting in 1969, Don has worked for the Chico Unified School District and Butte County Schools, where he is currently the assistant superintendent of administrative services. Over the years Don has stayed very active in the University, with his involvement in the Booster and Century Club Boards.
Don's greatest love has been football, and he has stayed very active in the game as an official. He was a high school official for over fifteen years, a local/Bay Area junior college official for twelve years, a FWC and NCAC official for nine, a Big Sky Conference official for seven, and a Pac Ten Conference official for six years. In 1989 he was appointed to the NFL and will be working his tenth season this year. He has worked in the post-season six of eight eligible seasons.
Don Carlsen, Mr. Wildcat, has made Chico State proud.
MARILYN EUGENE - Newcastle, CA
Badminton - 1948-49, 1949-50, 1950-51, 1951-52
Basketball - 1948-49, 1949-50, 1950-51, 1951-52
Field Hockey - 1948-49, 1949-50, 1950-51, 1951-52
Softball - 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952
Swimming - 1948-49, 1949-50, 1950-51, 1951-52
Volleyball - 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951
During the four years of her undergraduate work at then Chico State College, Marilyn Eugene participated in six major sports programs and was considered to be an outstanding player and leader by her teammates and coaches. She was very active in the Women's Athletic Association, a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon Sorority, and helped to form the P.E.M.M. Club, a campus organization for women's physical education majors and minors. This organization, under Marilyn's leadership, started the annual homecoming breakfast for physical education alumni.
After graduation, Marilyn remained active as a field hockey player in the Northern California Field Hockey Association and earned a national rating for officiating women's basketball. During the summers, from 1953 until 1962, she worked with the Northern California Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls Councils, serving as camp counselor and administrator. These same years she taught physical education at Chico High School, Placer High School and Taft High School. In 1963 Marilyn took time off from teaching to work overseas for NATO, organizing recreation programs for our military service men and women stationed in Turkey.
In 1965 she was hired to teach at Oakmont High School in Roseville and took charge of both the physical education and athletic programs. After a very successful coaching career she was encouraged by the school administration to go into counseling. This she did and with great success. Marilyn always found the time to support and be involved with many of the school's programs and events.
For more than 36 years of service to education, Marilyn has been a great credit to California State University, Chico and to the teaching and coaching profession.
TERRY FRANSON - Claremont, CA
Football - 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
Track - 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
Terry's college career included All Conference Football 1972, honorable mention All Coast (including Pac 89), and All-American in the hammer throw in 1973.
Terry has been at Azusa Pacific University since 1978 and has risen from assistant track & field coach/assistant football coach to athletic director and is currently the vice president for student life and dean of students. He was head coach of Azusa Pacific's highly successful men's and women's track & field programs until the summer of 1995 when he opted to take a sabbatical. He led the Cougar men to eleven NAIA Outdoor Track National Championships in the past thirteen years, including an unprecedented streak of seven consecutive crowns from 1983-1989. He was named NAIA Coach of the Year for ten consecutive years (1982-1991).
In his fourteen years as a head coach, he coached over 100 All Americans and seven Olympians, including 1992 Bronze Medal Decathlete Dave Johnson and 1986 Bronze Medal Sprinter Innocent Egbunike. He has also been an analyst on NBC's track coverage.
He earned his Masters at Chico State in 1977 and his Ph.D. at USC in 1986. Terry and his wife, Nancy, have three daughters; Becky, Molly, and Cara.
Terry was inducted into the NAIA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Mt. Sac Hall of Fame in 1998.
KARLA HELDER - Suisun, CA
Diving - 1979, 1980, 1981
Karla Helder was an outstanding diver and coach for the Chico Women's Swimming and Diving Team. She competed as an athlete from 1979 to 1982 and was involved in our program as the Men's and Women's Diving coach until it was cut in 1991. More importantly, Karla has accomplished more as an athlete and professional coach than any other swimmer/diver in Chico State history.
Karla came to Chico as a 20-year-old untrained athlete who was anticipating diving under the direction of Lani Loken-Dahle. She worked hard and placed sixth in her initial conference championships. In the next two seasons (79-80 and 80-81) Karla continued to work hard and became a tough competitor. She achieved conference championships on both one and three meters and was named conference Diver of the Year both seasons. In her second season she qualified for nationals and placed sixth on both boards at AIAW's also earning her All-American status. In her junior year she placed first on three meter, second on one meter, and earned her first AIAW National title. With the opportunity to train under a world class coach, she transferred to CSU, Northridge for her senior year. She went undefeated in the three meter event and was a NCAA National Champion as well as securing second place on one meter. Though at CSUN, she had the complete support of Chico swimmers and divers as we watched one of our own repeat as a national champion from our program.
Karla immediately returned to Chico, graduated and became involved in the Senior Elite level and eventually became the head coach for the University. She was repeatedly voted Diving Coach of the Year in our conference and in 1990 she was voted NCAA Coach of the Year. That year Chico had three National Champions: Laura Tilly on one meter, Jeff Kunselman on one and three meters, as well as the other men and women that placed well throughout the next year. Just recently, as the coach for UC Davis, she was again voted the NCAA Diving Coach of the Year, with yet another national champion.
As expected, Karla is very involved in the business of competitive diving. She was invited to Venezuela to begin a program from scratch and eventually Karla's Club created a job for a diving coach and produced a national champion. She is currently the president of the Nor Cal Association of US Diving and the Regional Technical Director for Northern California. She continues to compete as a master's diver and has set several national records, one American World record and holds five national titles. She is simply amazing!
Karla has clearly contributed to the success of Chico State Swimming and Diving both as an athlete and coach. She continues to bring the highest level of distinction to herself and our University.
TOM HELZER - Anderson, CA
Football - 1956, 1957, 1958
Tom came to Chico in 1951 from Richmond, CA and attended Notre Dame Elementary School before entering and graduating from Chico High in 1956. He was active in the Key Club, Block C and was selected as Athlete of the Year in 1956 for his football and basketball skills at Chico High.
He was selected to attend the Air Force Academy, but decided the Military Academy was not for him and returned to Chico. He attended Chico State to play football for Gus Manolis and George Maderos.
He played center and linebacker for three years and was selected to the Far Western Conference Teams his sophomore and junior years. Unfortunately, he was not able to play his senior year due to a knee injury.
Since graduation in 1961, Tom and his wife, Irene (Fort), whom he met when they both worked in the Bookstore for Mac Martin, have lived in Anderson. Tom served Anderson High School District for 35 years (teacher 15 years, administrator 15 years, and counselor five years). Tom also served as advisor to the Anderson High Key Club, which was the largest Key Club in the Cal-Nev-Ha District. Tom is presently a member of the Anderson Rotary Club.
Tom retired in 1996 to pursue his interests in photography, woodworking and maintaining his modest home vineyard. He and Irene are proud of their daughter Jennifer who received her Master's at Chico State and her Doctorate at theUniversity of Texas.
PETE HOVLAND - Rochester, MI
Swimming - 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
Pete Hovland's teammates and his coaches all agree that he is the finest swimmer in Chico State history. His swimming career is highlighted by the following accomplishments.
- Member of four NCAA Championship Teams (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976)
- Member of the 1976 team that scored a record number of points and had the largest ever winning margin
- 13 time NCAA Champion (five times in individual events, eight times in relays)
- 1976 NCAA Division II Swimmer-of-the-Year
- Scored 159 points in NCAA Championships to lead all Chico State swimmers
- Member of three Conference Championship Teams (1973, 1975, 1976)
- Four time individual event Conference Champion (1975, 1976)
- 1976 Chico State Senior Athlete-of-the-Year
- Held six school and NCAA records when his career ended in 1976
In 1977 Pete remained at Chico State as an Assistant Coach for Clark Yeager and completed his degree. He went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1979. He has been the head coach at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan since 1981, where his teams have won four NCAA Division II Championships and finished as runner-up eight times. He has also been selected NCAA Coach of the Year six times while coaching seven NCAA Swimmers-of-the-Year. His teams have earned Academic All-American Honors each and every year while six of his swimmers have been awarded NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. He is currently a member of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee and former member of the College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Board of Directors. He is recognized by many as one of the finest swimming coaches in America.
Pete was, and continues to be, a positive influence on all he touches in swimming and education. The Wildcats are proud of one of its all time greats!
TED HOWARD - Larchmont, NY
Freshman Basketball - 1963-64
Soccer - 1965, 1966, 1967
Ted Howard was a member of the original Chico State Varsity Soccer Team that started in 1965. He played three years until he completed his eligibility in 1967. Ted also served as assistant soccer coach for the soccer team during the 1968, 1969, and 1970 seasons and helped coach the Wildcats to two Western Regional Championships during those years.
Ted Howard was selected by his teammates as the Most Improved Player for the 1966 season and the Most Valuable Player for the 1967 season. Also, in 1967 he served as team captain, and was selected to the All-Northern California Soccer Conference First Team. He was one of the first soccer players to establish a long standing tradition of winning soccer at Chico State.
Ted Howard's record of service to the University, and the Chico Community is equally as outstanding. He was an active member of Block C Society from 1965-1971, and served as president in 1969. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. He graduated Cum Laude, and was a member of Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity. In 1971, Ted completed his Masters of Business Administration at Chico State. He was a member of Blue Key Honor Fraternity, and was selected for Who's Who in American colleges in 1969 and 1970. Ted was the founder of the first high school soccer league in the Chico, Durham and Yuba City areas.
Ted was instrumental in the promotion of Chico State Athletics through his nightly Spotlight on Campus Sports show on KHSL Radio from 1965-1967 and his work as Assistant Sports Information Director from 1968-1971.
Since leaving Chico, Ted Howard has had a very successful sports marketing/administration career. He has worked for the North America Soccer League (NASL), Olhmeyer Communications Sports Marketing, and the National Basketball Association (NBA). He currently is the Director & Group Manager of Marketing Partnerships for the NBA.
Ted has maintained his involvement in soccer as a member and now chairman of the International Games Committee of the United States Soccer Federation since 1986.
SANDRA KRIEZEL - Claremont, CA
Tennis - 1975-1976, 1977-1978
In 1974 Sandy transferred to Chico State from Chaffey College where she had competed on both the softball and tennis teams. She received her B.A. degree in Physical Education from CSU, Chico in 1978 and returned to complete her teaching credential in 1981. She was awarded the Tolletti Athletic Scholarship in 1977.
An outstanding all-around athlete, Sandy co-captained Chico State's tennis team in both 1975 and 1976. She advanced to regional play in both years she competed and became the Northern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubles champion in 1976 defeating U.C. Berkeley in the finals. She received the MVP Award that year.
After graduation, she continued her tennis career obtaining a second place ranking in Open Women's Doubles in the Northern California Tennis Association. She has remained active in California tennis serving as Assistant Women's Tennis Coach at Pomona College, Claremont in 1994 and 1995. She was Assistant Tennis Coach at Cal Poly, Pomona from 1995-1998 and has just been hired as Men's and Women's Head Tennis Coach. Her team has advanced to the NCAA Division II National Tournament all three years. This year they were ranked eighth nationally. In addition to coaching, Sandy is a Tennis Professional at Industry Hills Sheraton Resort, directing their Pee-Wee Kids Program.
Sandy has been active professionally in the U.S. Professional Tennis Association, a member in the Women's Collegiate Hall of Fame, the Women's Division II National Awards Program, and the NCAA National and Regional Rankings.
BILL MOULE - Red Bluff, CA
Boxing - 1958, 1961, 1962
Football - 1957
Track & Field - 1958
Bill will always be remembered as the tough coming at you 147-pound red-headed boxer from Grass Valley. During his three years on the varsity boxing team, he delighted the Wildcat boxing fans with his non-stop aggressive style. Bill brought this style to his teaching and coaching and was a favorite with fellow teachers and his students alike. From 1962 until 1978, Bill was a major contributor to the Chico Unified School District physical education and coaching scene.
Art Acker and Willie Simmons helped give him the teaching and coaching skills; Gene Howard, Bush Dalrymple, Rock McClellan, Mel Jones, Rex McDougal, and Skip MacDonald gave him the opportunity and helped him to apply those skills as a teacher.
In 1965 he and Bush Dalrymple helped open Pleasant Valley High School. He considered it the most challenging year of his teaching career as they planned curriculum, gym use, layout of fields, selected teaching and coaching staff, and made a 20-year growth plan.
Bill attributes his success in coaching to good help and great student athletes. Bill was most proud of the fact that, along with Hal Peterson, he helped the growth and popularity of high school wrestling in Northern California.
Bill is now in private business in Red Bluff and very active in the community through service organizations. He was chairman of the Economic Development Prison Siting Committee for Tehama County. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Tehama Local Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. He served as a member of the Tehama County Planning Commission, is past president of the Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as its chairman of the Local Governmental Services Committee. He has been a member of the Kiwanis service club of Red Bluff for 20 years.
Bill Moule is proud to have been a Wildcat, and the Wildcats are proud to welcome him as an addition to the Hall.
JOE OLSEN - Gridley, CA
Basketball - 1947
Track - 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950
Joe Olsen came to Chico State from Westwood with his kindergarten sweetheart, Shirley, whom he had married while in the service. Being a veteran he didn't start college until he was 22 years of age, and he and his young family lived in Vets Village. To meet expenses, Joe worked for the Chico City Recreation District and did the whole ball of wax at the Hooker Oak Area as groundskeeper, announcer, fee collector, and anything else needing attention. In addition, Joe and others in the C.A.R.D. office were asked to move the city softball diamond from its location at West Legion and Frances Willard to its present site at Hooker Oak.
Joe was able to squeeze in time to play freshman basketball but concentrated mainly on track during all four years, especially as a long jumper. Joe could always be counted on for points as he generally placed first, and never lower than second, in the long jump event. One of Jumping Joe's highlights was beating St. Mary's star, John Henry Johnson, in the long jump.
Joe's professional career as a teacher took him to Live Oak for four years, where he started the Little League program. He taught in Gridley for 31 years, where he also coached Little League and Babe Ruth for 13 years. He has been the timer for football and basketball games for nearly 30 years.
He is a Past-President of the Gridley Kiwanis Club, in which he was a member for many years.
DONALD E. SMOKEY RICHARDSON (Awarded Posthumously)
Basketball - 1957, 1958, 1959
Football - 1957, 1958
Smokey was a talented athlete and one of the toughest to ever put on the pads or don a basketball uniform. His basketball prowess for three years resulted in his being selected as the Outstanding Senior Athlete in 1959.
Don enrolled at Chico State College in the spring semester of 1956 at the age of 24, after completing two years in the army (Korean Conflict). He completed his B.A. in three and half years. Don had never played football prior to college. In the fall semester of 1957, he thought he'd give it a try.
Smokey was a popular campus figure. His academic performance earned him a membership in the National Honor Society. He completed his bachelor's degree at Chico in 1959 and went on to complete a master's degree and an administrative credential.
Teaching, coaching, and administration became his niche in education. From 1960-1962 he taught at Hamilton Union High School, coached all boys' sports, and was responsible for the lights on the football field. From 1962 to 1968 he served as physical education coordinator and administrative dean in the Lompoc Unified School District.
He completed his educational career at Antioch Senior High School. He began as vice-principal (1968-1969), became the principal in 1970 and served in that position until his untimely death in November 1978.
SANDI STOBER - San Jose, CA
Basketball - 1966-67, 1967-68
Field Hockey - 1968
Sandi Stober graduated from Chico State in 1968. During her four years at Chico she played basketball and field hockey. She says that the knowledge and skills gained while at Chico are the reasons for her successes in coaching over the past 27 years. At Lynbrook High School in San Jose, CA, Sandi has accumulated a coaching record in field hockey of 300 wins, 33 losses and 40 ties; the best record in the state for high school field hockey coaches. Her 300th win came this past season, winning the CCS (Central Coast Section) title. Sandi has coached her teams to 10 CCS championships and 20 league championships. She has received local as well as national recognition in her field. In 1988, Sandi was the first field hockey coach to be honored by the CCS. In both 1986 and 1992, Sandi was the California Field Hockey Coach of the Year as well as the National Western United States Special Sports Coach of the Year. Sandi has sent over 50 players to compete at major universities across the country, including Cal Berkeley, Stanford, UOP, Wake Forest, Northwestern, University of Connecticut, San Jose, and the best of all, Chico. One of her players received the Broderick Award, the highest collegiate award for field hockey.
As well as coaching field hockey, Sandi has spent many years coaching basketball and has been an athletic director for Lynbrook for 14 years, the first female in that position. She was the CCS Athletic Director of the Year in 1995.
The Chico State physical education and athletic departments provided a sound background in teaching commitment, dedication, respect, and principles. There is not a better example in the field than Sandi Stober. She is held in the highest regard, not only by her students but her peers as well.
MANUEL ROADRUNNER TARANGO - Santa Rosa, CA
Football - 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959
Track & Field - 1956, 1957, 1958
Manuel was originally touted as an outstanding track star, but quickly established himself as an outstanding athlete in football.
In 1958, he set the Chico State record for the longest touchdown pass of 89 yards. This record was broken in 1991.. He held the conference 200 and 400 meter record. The latter stood for 30 years. In addition, he was a member of the conference record holding mile relay team. One can see why his nickname is Roadrunner.
Manuel belonged to the Block C Society and was named to the Newman Club Honorary Athletic Society, where he served as president and treasurer. He graduated from Chico State in 1959 and completed his master's degree from Stanford.
He has been active in a host of educational organizations and Catholic Engage Encounter Groups. He has served as athletic director and track & field coach at Rincon Valley Junior High School since 1965 and is currently coaching the girls' soccer and track teams at Maria Carrillo High School.
BILL TREGLOWN - Eureka, CA
Basketball - 1963-64, 1964-65
Bill Treglown worked very hard during his years at Chico State to develop his skills both academically and athletically. He was always willing to put in the time and effort to make any activity an enjoyable experience fore his peers and teammates. He was continually willing to accept a leadership role when others needed direction. His demeanor both on and off the court was a fine example for the younger players on the team.
Since graduating from Chico State, Bill has continued to make an impression on his colleagues as well as his players. His work ethic has provided an opportunity for many young people to develop not only basketball skills, but life skills as well. His leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset to the community, school, and athletic program. Bill's success as a person, teacher, and coach can only be attributed to his professionalism in dealing with other people. For the past 29 years Bill has been an instructor/coach at College of the Redwoods, where in 1995 he was honored as Instructor of the Year.
In essence, Bill has accomplished a goal that many people only hope to achieve. He has recognized his talents as a teacher and coach, worked hard to develop those talents, and has utilized those talents to help others become successful.
CLARK YEAGER - Rockland Township, PA
Swimming - 1968, 1969, 1971
Clark is a true Wildcat through and through. He made countless contributions as a student athlete, coach, and administrator during his tenure at Chico. Along with his professional and community activities, athletic involvement and community service, Clark is long overdue for this honor.
Records, honors, and accomplishments as an athlete or coach include the following:
- three year letterman on Chico State Men's Swimming Team, 1968, 1969, 1971
- graduated from Chico State in 1971 with a B.A. majoring in Humanities and a minor in Physical Education
- MA in Physical Education in 1979, awarded with distinction (3.97 GPA)
- Head Swimming Coach at Chico State from 1976 through 1991
- won 13 NCAC Conference Championships
- overall dual meet record 125-37 for .722 winning percentage
- overall conference record 45-0 for perfect winning percentage
- Associate Athletic Director at Chico State from 1981 through 1989
- Interim Athletic Director at Chico State, 1989-90
Professional and community activities, athletic involvement, and community service since leaving college include:
- currently, chair of NCAA Division II Swimming Rules Committee
- member of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics from 1989 to present
- member of the National Association of Development Directors (NADD) from 1994 to present
- served as host of NCAA Division II National Swimming Championships in 1983 and 1989
- NCAC Coach of the Year five times
- member of the College Swimming Coaches Association from 1974 to present
- member of the American Swimming Coaches Association (Level 5 Ranking) from 1974 to present
- started YMCA Age Group Swimming Program in Kutztown, PA in 1993
Since leaving Chico in 1992 the University's loss has been Kutztown University of Pennsylvania's gain. Clark has guided Kutztown to both conference and national prominence as athletic director and department chair since 1992. Kutztown University teams have won more championships in the past six years than in the previous 100. Scholarship support has grown over 400% and is now available to all 20 varsity teams (over $350,000 annually).
Clark is very proud of his wife, Ingrid, and children Joleen, Zachary and, Kristopher.
He is also grateful for all the friends he made here in Chico. The staff and coaches miss his easy going relaxed manner and wish him continued success and extend a nicely done on his induction into the Hall of Fame.
PETE RIEHLMAN - Magalia, CA
Head Football Coach - 1968 through 1973
Pete Riehlman was the Chico State head football coach from 1968 through 1973. During his tenure, Coach Riehlman compiled a record of 42 - 18. While at Chico State, Riehlman's record ranked him 21st in the nation's list of winningest college division active coaches. As the Conference Coach of the Year in 1971, Coach Riehlman was named the Miracle Worker. By his fourth year, he had won two straight conference co-championships, posted a 9-1 season in 1971, and proudly escorted the Wildcats into the Camellia Bowl that same year. Pete is extremely proud of the 1973 team, which completed a 7-3 record and was also co-champion of the conference.
Coach Riehlman's teams were well known for being fundamentally well coached, well conditioned, and well disciplined. Pete always understood what it took to produce a winning program. His winning attitude is still emulated by coaches in the community and at the University. Most notable has been the quality and success of the young men that Coach Riehlman brought through the Chico State football program. Most are graduates and many still remain in the Chico area as successful and productive members of our community.
Before coming to Chico State, Pete served as assistant football coach at University of California, Santa Barbara, for five years under Cactus Jack Curtice. He played for Coach Curtice as a tackle at University of Utah for two years. He graduated with a B.S. in 1956. He later completed requirements for his M.A. at San Jose State in 1966. Following his graduation, Coach Riehlman was freshman line coach for one season at Utah. He moved to Lander High School in Battle Mountain, Nevada, for the 1957-58 academic year and to Los Altos High School for 1958-59. He became head football coach at San Lorenzo High School in the fall of 1959 and served there until he joined the University of California, Santa Barbara coaching staff.
After leaving Chico, Coach Riehlman served as the head coach at Weber State. He has coached and been involved in several additional capacities with the World Football League and has also been active in teaching American football as a visiting coach and consulting coach in Europe. He was the head coach at Bologna and Revenna, Italy, and at Wolfsburg and Salsgitter, Germany, during the 1990s.
Coach Pete Riehlman and his wife, Peggy, are the proud parents of five children and seven grandchildren.
