As Chico State ramps back up for the Spring 2026 semester, some Wildcat athletes are in the midst of their season, having played throughout winter break.
The ‘Cats men’s and women’s basketball teams have been competing during break, each team playing eight games in the time.
On the women’s side, the ‘Cats have been on a rampage, dominating conference play with a 10-0 record. After their win on Jan. 17 against Cal Poly Humboldt, Head Coach Brian Fogel became the winningest head coach in program history. The historic moment came in Acker Gym, allowing Fogel to receive a roaring ovation from his family, the ‘Cats fans and his team.
“It’s really a testament to all the players and assistant coaches and everybody that’s contributed to the program,” Fogel said. “Im extremely grateful and I would like to thank everybody who has had enough belief in me to be able to do this.”
In addition to Fogel’s record breaking game, senior forward Meadow Aragon reached the 1,000-point mark in her career, earning her CCAA player of the week honors. Aragon also had a near-record-breaking 22 rebound performance, tying a 50-year-old record.
With their hot start, the ‘Cats women hold a 13-game win streak and are sitting in a tie for first place with Cal Poly Pomona, who is also 10-0 in conference.
“I know it’s very cliche, but we take it one game at a time. We enjoy today and tomorrow and then it’s back to work,” Fogel said. “I just ask the kids to try their best every single day and try to be the best team we possibly can.”
On the men’s side, the ‘Cats have had some heartbreaking losses going 3-5 over the break. Four of their five losses were within 10 points, one being in overtime and two being by one point.
Despite not getting the results they have worked for, the ‘Cats have plenty of time to rise back up the rankings and earn a spot in the playoffs.
Currently, the ‘Cats are in a four-way tie for sixth place with Cal State LA, Stanislaus State and Cal Poly Pomona. All have a 4-6 conference record.
Both the ‘Cats men’s and women’s teams play in Acker gym on Thursday against Cal State San Bernardino. The women play at 5:30 p.m. and the men play at 7:30 p.m.
Acker Gym grants free entry with a Chico State student ID card or a student’s Canvas home page.
For information about all Chico State athletics or to keep up with the game live, visit the Wildcat home page, or watch through FloSports.
Aiyana Curry can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].
