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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Connor McPherson, Reporter

Connor McPherson is a junior at CSU Chico, who has an interest in sports and politics. He is a journalism major in his fourth year of school. When Connor is not writing for the paper, he is either watching some sports game, playing video games or biking. 

He was born and raised in Moreno Valley, a city in southern California. However, he only goes for east coast teams, which he picked when he was 6, like the Mets, Wizards and Steelers. He hopes to be a sports journalist for one of his teams’ broadcast companies, such as SNY and NBC sportsnet Washington.

All content by Connor McPherson
An electronic sign in the Bell Memorial Union gives details about the Associated Students’ election. Photo by Connor McPherson, taken Feb. 18.

Legislative Affairs hopes to boost paltry student voter participation

Noah Herbst and Connor McPherson
February 25, 2022

The Legislative Affairs Council met to discuss plans to prepare for the upcoming April student elections at Chico State. The student-run council, led by Associated Students Commissioner of Legislative...

Pasta is just one of many dishes that can be made using items from the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry.

Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry provides plenty of meal possibilities!

Connor McPherson and Ian Hilton
November 17, 2021

Chico State students run into many obstacles when leaving home and going to school for the first time. Being away from your family can be hard on its own. It’s made tougher when you have to pay rent,...

Chico State guard Isaiah Brooks dribbles the ball down the court for Chico State, during a game against UCLA at the Pauley Pavilion.

Chico State falls to No. 2 UCLA in first game after canceled COVID season

Connor McPherson, Sports Editor
November 5, 2021

UCLA’s defense told the tale at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, as the No. 2 Bruins defeated the Wildcats 100-61 in an exhibition Thursday night.  Waves of excitement were felt throughout...

Chico State golfer Mike Stephens strikes a ball.

Strong gusts mark Wildcat Classic; Chico State Men’s Golf finishes 5th

Connor McPherson, Sports Editor
October 14, 2021

Harsh winds interrupted play at The Links at Rolling Hills golf course in Corning as the Wildcats finished fifth in their first home golf tournament since 2019.  Head Coach Nick Green agreed that...

Chico State men's basketball head coach Greg Clink sits in his office in front of pictures of former Wildcats.

Chico State Men’s Basketball to take on UCLA in Nov. 4 exhibition

Connor McPherson, Sports Editor
September 17, 2021

The Wildcats will play their first game since the pandemic began on Nov. 4 at UCLA, a basketball dynasty coming off a 2021 Final Four appearance. The game was scheduled thanks to Greg Clink, Chico...

Kevin Warren drives in the paint in a game.

Warriors set for potential play-in, Kings eliminated from contention

Connor McPherson, Reporter
May 14, 2021

The NBA regular season is just days away from winding down and there are plenty of questions yet to be answered. Warriors point guard Steph Curry is in a position to win another league Most Valuable Player...

Chico State Wildcats' #11 Kelley Jacome (center) spikes against Cal State East Bay Pioneers during the first set of their women's volleyball game on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 in Chico, Calif.
(Jason Halley/University Photographer/CSU Chico)

Kelley Jacome: Chico State’s dual threat

Connor McPherson, Reporter
May 12, 2021

Chico State senior Kelley Jacome is the latest Wildcat to prove herself both on the court and in the classroom. She was selected to be in Chico State’s renowned business administration master’s program....

Chico State passes the baton in a relay race.

Vaccines required as sports await return

Connor McPherson, Reporter
April 29, 2021

On April 12, Chico State announced that it would require student athletes and those living in university housing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This news was quickly followed 10 days later, on April 22,...

Chico State Guard Joshua Curls drives with the ball in a basketball game.

Chico athletes Baxter and Curls are two in 75 across nation to win scholarship

Connor McPherson, Reporter
April 19, 2021

Cross country athlete Wyatt Baxter and basketball guard Joshua Curls are getting recognition for their academic excellence at Chico State. They are two out of only 75 athletes across the nation to receive...

Chico State women's basketball coach Brian Fogel talks to his team during a basketball game in Chico.

Chico women’s basketball reacts to men’s vs. women’s NCAA facilities

Connor McPherson, Reporter
April 9, 2021

The 2021 March Madness basketball tournament became mired in controversy after Stanford women’s basketball coach Ali Kershner leaked photos highlighting the major disparity in facilities provided to...

Riley's Bar, located on 702 W. Fifth St. in Chico, Calif. Photo by Alex Martin

Riley’s upsets Sup Dogs as America’s top college bar

Alex Martin and Connor McPherson
April 6, 2021

Thirty-four years after Playboy crowned Chico State America’s top party school, Riley’s Bar and Grill has rekindled those sentiments after winning the Barstool Sports best college bar challenge on...

Courtesy of Chico State Athletics
Chico State men's basketball Coach Greg Clink looks on at a game from the sidelines.

Chico State basketball is nearing a return

Connor Mcpherson, Reporter
March 25, 2021

Just over a year ago, the California Collegiate Athletic Association made the decision to suspend all athletic activity due to COVID-19. Since then, schools have been working tirelessly to find a solution...

The front of the WREC 2.0 displays a sign giving instructions for how to reserve your spot for the WREC. Photo by Connor McPherson -The Orion

WREC 2.0 is up and running

Connor McPherson, Reporter
March 10, 2021

The Wildcat Recreation Center faced challenges last year when it closed in April 2020 and reopened in October. The WREC transitioned to being an outdoor facility on Jan. 25. The outdoor experience, called...

Chico State closer Kristian Scott stands on the sideline with teammates.

Kristian Scott: a dominant closer for the Wildcats

Connor McPherson, Reporter
March 1, 2021

Chico State closer Kristian Scott has been a shut-down pitcher for the Wildcats; in 2020, he had a 0.77 earned run average through just over 11 innings. On top of that, Scott recorded five saves for the...

Chico State mens soccer player Noah Ross controls the ball on the field.

Chico State athletes have mixed feelings about paying student athletes

Connor McPherson, Reporter
February 23, 2021

Over these past couple years, the United States has passed a few laws opening the door for athletes to sign name, imaging and licensing agreements. California, specifically, introduced the Fair Pay to...

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made the decision to stop playing the anthem before their home games.
Gage Skidmore - Creative Commons

Mavericks plan to stop playing anthem denied by NBA

Connor McPherson, Reporter
February 17, 2021

On Wednesday, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced that his team would no longer play the national anthem before games. This inevitably caused controversy, although this is not the first time that...

Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer throws a pitch for the Cleveland Indians. Bauer was recently acquired by the Dodgers in free agency. 
Erik Drost - Creative Commons

Dodgers, Padres favorites in NL West; A’s, Angels still chasing Astros in AL West

Connor McPherson, Reporter
February 17, 2021

Major League Baseball will be returning to a 162-game season on April 1. A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend MLB games without showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination....

Coach Gary Towne (second from left) talks to the Chico State Wildcats before they compete in the men's 2019 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships at Haggin Oaks Golf Course on Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Sacramento, Calif.

Chico State Athletics await return

Connor McPherson, Reporter
February 7, 2021

Chico High and Pleasant Valley both competed on Jan. 30 in their first joint cross-country matches since March 2020, giving hope for some non-contact high school sports to make a spring return.  But...

Chico State running back Glenn Witherspoon takes a handoff during the 19787 season. Image from The Orion vault.

The past and future of Chico State football

Connor Mcpherson
December 22, 2018

1997 marked the final year for Chico State football. The players hung up their uniforms one last time and walked out of the locker room. The cancellation of the football team was sad at the time, but could’ve...

Chico State huddles up during a break in the action against Cal State East Bay in this archived photo. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Winning streak continues for Chico State women’s basketball

Connor Mcpherson
December 17, 2018

Humboldt State fans had a lot to cheer about in their matchup with the Wildcats. After 36 minutes of play the Lumberjacks held a consistent lead, not giving it up once to the Wildcats. However, at this...

Jack Emanuel and Teddy Kassa participate in the NCAA championships in Pittsburgh. Image courtesy of Gary Towne.

Game of genders: comparing women and men in sports

Connor Mcpherson
December 11, 2018

Sports are meant to be a unifying force. For decades, people have used sports to relax, forget about their problems and have a good time. They have the power to pull together people of different religions,...

Madison Wong defending against UC San Diego in this archived photo. Photo credit: Kate Angeles

Wildcats trounce Gators in first conference win

Connor Mcpherson
December 2, 2018

Chico State women’s basketball won big on Saturday against conference rival San Francisco State, as they achieved their first win in the California Collegiate Athletic Conference. A nine point first...

Chico State Guard Calvin Geraci (red) pulls up for the three over UCSD forward Eric Patton (white) during the second half of a game on Saturday. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Chico State men’s basketball falls in long-awaited season opener

Connor Mcpherson
November 25, 2018

A series of defensive breakdowns to start the second half proved to be the Wildcats undoing in their season opener, and despite a hard fought battle, Chico lost to University of California, San Diego...

Chico State defender Joshua Belda looks on during a game against UC San Diego in this archived image. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Men’s soccer season ends in the first round of nationals

Connor Mcpherson
November 9, 2018

Despite a furious comeback launched by Chico State, Cal State Los Angeles was able to get their third straight victory against the Wildcats, and ended their postseason hopes for a second time. Garrett...

Chico State defender Garrett Hogbin keeps the ball away from UC San Diego in this archived photo. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Chico loses in final minute of overtime during conference tournament.

Connor Mcpherson
November 4, 2018

In a heartbreaking loss, the Chico men’s soccer season came to an abrupt end, as they were put down by Cal State LA by a score of 1-0 with just 22 seconds left in the second and final overtime....

Chico State senior Emily Rotter tees off at the first annual CCAA women's golf championship in this archived photo. Photo Courtesy of Heather Fegley

Chico Women’s golf concludes its Fall season

Connor Mcpherson
October 31, 2018

Chico State women’s golf ended its fall portion of the season on a mediocre note. Chico came in sixth overall, but tied for first in number of pars. The team excelled in their second day of play,...

Chico State men's soccer huddles up before their playoff game against UC San Diego on Tuesday. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Chico State downs UC San Diego in first playoff match

Connor Mcpherson
October 31, 2018

They say a 2-0 lead is the worst kind of lead in soccer, but the Wildcats have proven otherwise. Coming off of a second straight 2-0 shutout against the 20th best team in the country in UC Sand Diego,...

Chico State seniors and their families pose for a picture before the game against UC San Diego on Saturday. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Men’s soccer successful on senior day

Connor Mcpherson
October 28, 2018

Despite some questionable officiating, the Chico men’s soccer team was able to come away, not only with a 2-0 victory, but also with home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Although...

Cross-country runner, Karlie Garcia, just earned her first CCAA runner of the week title this season. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcat of the Week – Karlie Garcia

Connor Mcpherson and Caitlyn Young
October 24, 2018

Cross-country star Karlie Garcia has had a huge impact on the team and her efforts have earned her an All-American First team honor last season. She has made her mark in the record books as well, as she...

Chico State golfer Kelley Sullivan takes some practice drives. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Kelley Sullivan, Chico men’s golfers attempt to make nationals in their senior year.

Connor Mcpherson
October 22, 2018

Say what you will about golf, but there is no denying the amount of focus, skill and precision that goes into every stroke. It takes years of hard work to be considered a mediocre golfer, with a 100 stroke...

Chico State's Kim Wright (left) and Nicole Desrochers (right) await the serve from Cal State San Marcos in this archived photo. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Toros trounce Wildcats in three sets

Connor Mcpherson
October 21, 2018

Chico State volleyball’s losing streak continued Saturday against Cal State Dominguez Hills, as they have now lost six of their last seven matches. The loss also gave Chico a winless road trip,...

Kelley Sullivan tees off on day one of the 2018 CCAA Championships at Butte Creek Country Club in Chico in this archived photo. Photo credit: Andrew Baumgartner

Chico State dominates West Region Preview

Connor Mcpherson
October 17, 2018

Chico State men’s golf got a good look at their Western Region opponents on Monday and Tuesday. The Wildcats left with a victory while shooting 25 under par, 11 less than the next closest team.Chico...

Chico State gets ready to begin their game against UCSD on Saturday. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Chico volleyball breaks four game losing streak

Connor Mcpherson
October 14, 2018

After losing four games in a row, Chico State volleyball played incredibly hard to eke out a 3-2 victory, including a come-from-behind win after being down two sets to one. Thanks to 15 kills from Bekah...

Chico State men's soccer plays against Sonoma State University on Friday. Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Lewis, Egujie again lead Wildcats to victory

Connor Mcpherson
October 13, 2018

Coming off of a 1-0 victory, Chico men’s soccer has been fun for the fans to watch, as they haven’t seen an opposing goal scored at home in over 270 minutes of playtime. Goalkeeper Damion...

Looking ahead at postseason baseball madness

Connor Mcpherson
October 4, 2018

Every October, millions of people around the world sit down to watch the MLB postseason. Six playoff teams and four Wild Cards all compete in a quest to win a World Series. Some teams like the Dodgers...

Josh McCollum attempts to bury a shot at the Western Washington Invitational in this archived photo. Image courtesy of Chico State Athletics

Chico places top ten in National Championship Preview

Connor Mcpherson
October 3, 2018

CCAA men’s golfer of the week Kelley Sullivan led the Wildcats to a seventh place finish in West Virginia, as the Wildcats get their first look at the national championship course. Sullivan finished...

Bekah Boyle leads the Chico State volleyball team in kills so far this season. Photo credit: Amy Heckeroth

Wildcat of the Week- Bekah Boyle

2017 All CCAA second team member, Bekah Boyle, is a key member of the Chico State women’s volleyball team, as she leads the team in kills and points. Boyle is in her junior year with the Wildcats...

From worst to first: How some teams have dealt with a losing culture

Connor Mcpherson
October 2, 2018

The anticipation could be felt from a mile away. The wait was finally going to be over. Over eight million people all tuned in to witness history being made. As the final ten seconds ran out, the city...

Chico State controls possession against Seattle Pacific in this archived photo Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Both Chico State soccer teams improve win streaks to four

Connor Mcpherson
September 28, 2018

The wins just keep pouring in for Chico State as both the men’s and women’s soccer teams picked up victories in San Bernardino. The Chico women dominated early, winning 2-0, while the men...

Steroids continue to have a negative impact on professional sports

Connor Mcpherson
September 24, 2018

In any given competition there are people who look for the easy way out in order to win. In poker, players will try to count cards. In video games, people will look at their opponent’s screen. And in...

Chico State men's soccer defends the goal. The Wildcats defeated CSU Monterey Bay 2-1 on Friday. Photo credit: Keelie Lewis

Chico State soccer teams get wins on the road

Connor Mcpherson
September 22, 2018

Home-field advantage didn’t seem to matter this Friday as both Chico State men’s and women’s soccer pulled out close victories on the road. Thanks to great defense from both teams, Chico...

Chico State and Cal State Dominguez Hills march to the center of the pitch prior to their game on Sunday at University Stadium. Photo credit: Connor Mcpherson

Chico State men’s soccer shuts out Cal State Dominguez Hills

Connor Mcpherson
September 17, 2018

Coming off of a hard-fought loss to California State University, Los Angeles last Friday, Chico State Men’s soccer bounced back and won their first conference game against Cal State Dominguez Hills...