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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

All content by Jason Spies
A driver disc sits in the chains of the target. Photo credit: Nick Martinez-Esquibel

Where to find disc golf courses in Chico and Paradise

Jason Spies
May 11, 2016
Disc golf: the fun cheap and best way to spend the summertime outside in the sun.
Docherty watches the ball as it flies through the air. Photo credit: Allisun Coote

Wildcat moves from the ice to the green

Jason Spies
May 10, 2016
Hockey player turned golfer, and so far it seems to be the right career choice for Chico State senior Alistair Docherty.
The Chico State golf team celebrates its regional championship. Photo credit: Chico Wildcats

Men’s golf team wins NCAA Regional Championship

Jason Spies
May 6, 2016
Another week, another tournament and another team win for the Chico State men's golf team as they win the NCAA Regional Championship.
Junior Justin Woo looks down at his potential land during a practice. Photo credit: Jordan Olesen

Pole vaulting: A misunderstood sport

Jason Spies
May 4, 2016
Of all the events that take place at a track meet, pole vaulting gets more attention than most, but is it as death-defying as people make it out to be?
Head coach Dave Taylor looks at his bench during a game against Sonoma State. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Coach Taylor: ‘I have the best job in the country’

Jason Spies
May 3, 2016
Chico State head baseball coach Dave Taylor has been a key part in the success of the program for nearly 20 years.
The Chico State men's golf team celebrates after the Cal State San Marcos Invitational. Photo credit: T.L. Brown

Men’s golf team collapses in CCAA Championship

Jason Spies
April 25, 2016
After a strong performance on Monday at the CCAA Championships, the Wildcats couldn't get the job done in medal/match play.
Sports writer Jason Spies. Photo credit: Nick Martinez-Esquibel

A master collapses at the Masters

Jason Spies
April 15, 2016
For PGA golfer Jordan Spieth, his epic collapse at the coveted Masters on April 10 is one he would love to forget because it's the one that got away.
First-year Jessa Gansberg prepares to leap during a practice. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Wildcats shine in Twilight Invitational

Jason Spies
April 14, 2016
Multiple first place finishes, personal bests, records broken: These are just a few of the things that the Chico State track and field team accomplished April 8-9 at the Twilight Invitational.
Head coach Angel Shamblin looks into the dugout at her team before an inning against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Photo credit: Nick Martinez-Esquibel

Softball coach quietly makes her way into Wildcat history

Jason Spies
April 12, 2016
Shamblin has reached a big milestone in her seventh year as head coach of the Chico State softball team as she got her 200th win.
Junior pitcher Grant Wright launches the ball from his unorthodox side-arm delivery. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Pitcher overcomes obstacles to follow in father’s footsteps

Jason Spies
April 7, 2016
Junior pitcher Grant Wright has overcome a broken back and being born without a pectoral muscle with the help of his dad, making him into the player he is today.
Senior golfer Bianca Armanini. Photo credit: Chico Wildcats

Women’s golf team wins first tournament in nearly three years

Jason Spies
April 7, 2016
It was a great few days for the Chico State women's golf team as they not only got first place as a team, but they had a player win medalist honors as well.
The Chico State men's track and field team warms up before practice. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

A day of personal bests for Chico State track and field

Jason Spies
March 29, 2016
Everyone was at their best Friday and Saturday afternoon when the Chico State track team put on a show in Sacramento.
Senior Lee Gearhart watches his shot after a tee off. Photo credit: Sam Barker

Men’s golf team finishes first, women’s team grabs ninth

Jason Spies
March 29, 2016
Both the men and women's golf teams played in a tournament Monday and Tuesday with the men grabbing their fourth win of the season and the women's team placing ninth.
Sports writer Jason Spies. Photo credit: Nick Martinez-Esquibel

Derek Carr key to Raiders’ success

Jason Spies
March 24, 2016
Derek Carr is the key piece of the culture change that is happening to the Oakland Raiders, and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.
Sophomore Natalie Valenzuela prevents her opponent from getting to the basket in a game against Simpson University. Photo credit: Jordan Olesen

Chico State women’s basketball team falls short

Jason Spies
March 21, 2016
After a season of failed expectations, the Chico State women's basketball team finds solace in knowing next year will be different.
Chico State men's golf team winning its first ever NCAA Division II men's championship. Photo credit: T.L. Brown

Golf team hopes to recreate championship from 50 years ago

Jason Spies
March 10, 2016
The opportunity to win an NCAA championship on the anniversary of the last time that a team won rarely happens. For the Chico State men's golf team they are in a great position to do just that.
Track and field pole vaulters warm up before practice on a cold day. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Chico State vaults into action at first track meet of the season

Jason Spies
March 8, 2016
Chico State gets top team honors as both men and women's pole vaulters shine in the first meet of the season.
Chico State senior and All-American Justin Wiles looks to improve his score on the day. Photo credit: T.L. Brown

Gearhart wins second golf tournament in a row

Jason Spies
March 2, 2016
Wildcats take the tournament by storm as Gearhart and Doherty finish first and second respectively, in a field of Division II's best golfers.
Sophomore Whitney Branham attempts a free throw in a close game. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Heart of a Wildcat: Women’s basketball player overcomes adversity

Jason Spies
March 2, 2016
Sophomore Whitney Branham had to overcome adversity since the beginning.
Two-time All-American senior Alistair Docherty tees off for the Wildcats. Photo credit: T.L. Brown

Golf teams prepare for second half of season

Jason Spies
February 24, 2016
With playoffs getting closer by the day, both the men and women's golf teams are gearing up for a second half surge.
Junior Cailin Garmon swings at the ball during the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Gonzalez shines as softball team splits double header

Jason Spies
February 23, 2016
The softball team won one and lost one against Monterey Bay.
Senior Brynn Lesovsky swings at the ball during the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Softball team’s grand slam not enough as they lose game one of the double header

Jason Spies
February 17, 2016
Down by four runs early in the game, the Wildcats came roaring back to tie it up but fell just a run short losing to Sonoma State.
Sophomore Corey Silverstrom dribbles through the defense in a game against Cal State East Bay on Feb. 5. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Former high school enemies come together as teammates

Jason Spies
February 17, 2016
Going from high school to college, rooming with your high school opponent and becoming best friends, going from the bench to starting. Corey Silverstrom has seen it all and he's only in his sophomore season.
First year pitcher Zach Scott warms up before practice on Feb. 3. Photo credit: Carlos Islas

Club baseball gives players a second chance

Jason Spies
February 9, 2016
The Chico State club baseball team gives players who didn't make the school team the opportunity to keep playing competitively.
Junior pitcher Steven Baker throws a pitch against Menlo College on Jan. 31. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Baseball team wins fifth game in a row in extra innings

Jason Spies
February 7, 2016
The Wildcats made the comeback in the ninth to extend their winning streak to five.
The Chico State men's and women's cross country teams will be headed to the NCAA Championships. Photo courtesy of Gary Towne.

Chico State women’s cross country team takes first, while men place second at NCAA West Regionals

Jason Spies
November 12, 2015
The Chico State men and women's cross country teams have punched their tickets to the NCAA Championships, after the men came in second and the women came in first at the NCAA West Regionals.

Patel, Dias lead women’s soccer team to victory

Jason Spies
October 21, 2015
The Chico State women's soccer team has been tearing up the CCAA this season in large part due to the outstanding play from the one-two punch of Lindsey Dias and Pooja Patel.
The Chico State Wildcats finished in second place at the 2015 Interwest Wildcat Classic Tournament. Photo credit: Allisun Coote

Men’s golf team takes second at Interwest Wildcat Classic

Jason Spies
October 10, 2015
The Wildcats came into their home tournament on Oct. 6-7 looking to get their second first-place finish in three tournaments, but came up short.
Chico State assistant men's soccer coach, Bertin Loyola, was recently accepted into the NSCAA's 30 Under 30 coaching program. Photo credit: Jason Spies

Chico State men’s soccer coach selected for 30 Under 30 coaching program

Jason Spies
October 5, 2015
After being selected for the NSCAA 30 Under 30 program, Bertin Loyola, assistant men's soccer coach, looks to take his coaching skills to the next level.
(From left) Chico State golfers Alistair Docherty, Lee Gearhart and Justin Wiles. They have placed first and second in their first two tournaments of the year. Photo credit: Christine Zuniga

Men’s golf team takes second places

Jason Spies
October 2, 2015
The Chico State men's golf team fell just short of pulling off one of the biggest comebacks in Chico State history on Tuesday, as it finished second at the NCAA Division II West/South Central Super Regional Preview.
Chico State's head athletic trainer, Scott Barker, feels for abnormalities in first-year softball player Megan Bowley's knee. Photo credit: Christine Zuniga

Athletic trainers give insight on injuries

Jason Spies
September 28, 2015
Some things go together like peanut butter and jelly— just like sports and injuries. The most common injuries in Chico State sports are ankle, knee or stress-related.
Lee Gearhart, former CCAA Player of the Year, placed 14th for Chico State at the NCAA DII National Preview. Photo credit: Kenta Mcafee

Men’s golf team starts season with a roar

Jason Spies
September 27, 2015
The Chico State men's golf team gets its first tournament win of the season, led by two-time All-American Alistair Docherty and first-year Matt Hutchins.
The Wildcats slam down a spike in the tough loss against Cal State L.A. Photo credit: John Domogma

Women’s volleyball swept by Cal State LA

Jason Spies
September 21, 2015
The Chico State women's volleyball team was swept by Cal State LA in three sets: 26-24, 25-17 and 25-20.
Anita Barker, Athletic director. Photo courtesy of Chico State Athletics.

The future of Chico State football doesn’t look too bright

Jason Spies
September 15, 2015
Although it's been 19 years since Chico State played its final football game, the student body still holds onto the hope that one day the university will reinstate the beloved sport.
As president of the Chico State Triathlon Club, Taylor provided the team with brand new jerseys. Photo courtesy of Mathew Taylor.

Triathlete puts club on his back

Jason Spies
September 14, 2015
Not many people can say they rebuilt an athletic program and returned two years later to compete— but triathlete Mathew Taylor can.
Orion file photo.

Men’s cross-country shines in first meet of season

Jason Spies
September 14, 2015
The Chico State men's cross-country team ran past the competition at the Ash Creek Invitational.
Cody Hein, Head Chico State Women's Coach, reached a career milestone this previous Monday with his 200th win. Photo courtesy of Chico Wildcats.

‘Cats advance to 6-0

Jason Spies
September 9, 2015
Chico State Women's Volleyball advanced to 6-0 with Coach Hein earning his 200th win.
Chico State All-American golfers from left: Alistair Docherty, Lee Gearhart and Justin Wiles on Saturday, Aug. 29. Photo credit: Christine Zuniga

Three All-Americans, a hole-in-one for Chico State

Jason Spies
September 7, 2015
If two is better than one, three must mean the sky's the limit for the Chico State men's golf team which has three All-Americans returning with high hopes for their senior season.
Practice makes perfect as Luis Martinez prepares for his match. Photo courtesy of Luis Martinez.

Former Wildcat finds success around the world

Jason Spies
September 1, 2015
Chico State alum Luis Martinez remembers his accomplishments, including his success as a Wildcat athlete, that paved the way toward his recent MVP title.
First-year libero Natalia Betancourt at volleyball practice Thursday morning. Photo credit: Kiana Alvarez

Chico bumps roster up with fresh recruit

Jason Spies
August 25, 2015
First-year recruit Natalia Betancourt adds speed, positivity and a defensive mindset to a young Wildcat team looking to make some noise this season.
Kasey Pulliam-Reynolds says Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy has stayed in business for more than 77 years and is still in the same building as when it first opened. Photo credit: Jason Spies

Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy: Serving up memories one scoop at a time

Jason Spies
May 17, 2015
There are many places people can go to get ice cream or candy, but one name has been etched in the fabric of Chico for more than 75 years— Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy.
Zac Rubino, a 21-year-old Chico local, has followed his dream of yo-yoing since he was 13. Rubino traveled to Prague last year to compete in the World Yo-Yo Contest, in which he placed fifth in the offstring division. Photo credit: Caio Calado

Yo-yo champion strings the competition along on world stage

Jason Spies
April 20, 2015
Chico local Zac Rubino has traveled around the world and competed at the highest levels in yo-yo competitions.
New club fosters personal growth with goal of changing the world

New club fosters personal growth with goal of changing the world

Jason Spies
April 10, 2015
S.W.A.G., which stands for "So We All Grow," focuses on making important change through collaboration of individuals working on positive change within themselves.
Mary Balcom, a sophomore construction management major, participated in many different Easter activities as a child. Photo credit: Jason Spies

Origins of Easter symbols and traditions

Jason Spies
April 5, 2015
Many of the items that people both religious and secular associated with the Easter holiday can be traced back to the 18th century.
Illustration by Miles Huffman

Boon or bane: The ugly truth about dealing with neighbors

Jason Spies
March 21, 2015
Learning how to deal with the needy, crazy people next door as well as enjoying the cool and fun ones is hard to balance.
Riley Wood, a senior business major, celebrates St. Patrick's Day with traditional fare such as corned beef and cabbage and a pint of Guinness. Photo credit: Jason Spies

St. Patrick’s Day history, traditions: The meaning behind symbols

Jason Spies
March 17, 2015
From leprechauns to corned beef to shamrocks, symbols of the holiday have been a part of Irish tradition since the fifth century.
Chas Brannon, a sophomore agriculture major, and Anthony Tran, first-year undeclared major,  pump up a rear tire on a bike to get a student back on the street and moving. Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

Bike Cart keeps students moving

Jason Spies
March 10, 2015
The Associated Students service helps to maintain Chico State as a bike-friendly campus.
Timeline highlighting key moments in black history

Timeline highlighting key moments in black history

Jason Spies
February 28, 2015
As February comes to an end, it reminds people of what has happened in the past and how it has shaped our present.
Chico State students sound off on Super Bowl XLIX

Chico State students sound off on Super Bowl XLIX

Jason Spies
February 1, 2015
The Super Bowl is more than just a game. It brings people together whether they're football fans or just looking forward to the food and commercials.
Chico State students share New Year's resolutions

Chico State students share New Year’s resolutions

Jason Spies
January 27, 2015
Chico State students reflect on the best new years resolutions and how to keep them.
Wildcat Recreation Center employee Jessica Boettger discusses workout and nutrition options that the center has to offer Chico State students looking to ward off unwanted pounds. Photo credit: Jason Spies

New Year’s resolution time: the struggle for fitness

Jason Spies
January 20, 2015
The Wildcat Recreation Center is a great resource for students hoping to stay in shape.