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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 Kevin Lucena
Bay Area NFL teams get set for draft

Bay Area NFL teams get set for draft

Kevin Lucena
April 24, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena compares his predictions against expert ESPN draft analysts, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay.
Junior golfer Alistair Docherty is currently ranked 15th in the nation by Golfstat. Docherty won his first CCAA tournament on April 21. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

Cal State East Bay upsets Chico State

Kevin Lucena
April 23, 2015
Chico State men's golf team competed in the CCAA Championships with its players achieving success as individuals
All-American Alistair Docherty’s final round 73, was the third-best score of the day and helped him jump into a tie for sixth at 6-over par at the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

Wildcat men’s golf takes home 17th consecutive top-5 finish

Kevin Lucena
April 16, 2015
The Chico State's men's golf team maintained their hot streak in a tournament at Turlock last Tuesday.
NCAA should wield clout to pressure Indiana on religious freedom law

NCAA should wield clout to pressure Indiana on religious freedom law

Kevin Lucena
April 13, 2015
Columnist Kevin Lucena looks at the controversial law that Indiana passed and how college basketball can send a message that discrimination is not acceptable.
Junior All-American Justin Wiles was among five competitors who finished at 12-over par tied for 19th in the Tim Tierney Shootout. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

‘Cats continue with hot streak on golf course

Kevin Lucena
April 6, 2015
Another week, another top-5 finishes for the Chico State men's golf team as they jump from eighth to third in the final round
Golfer Alistair Docherty shot a career-low 66 in the final round of the California Baptist Invitational on March 24. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

Docherty fires career best as ‘Cats finish 3rd

Kevin Lucena
April 5, 2015
A recap of how the Chico State men's golf team faired in the California Baptist Invitational.
Raiders take shrewd free-agency approach, 49ers look shaky

Raiders take shrewd free-agency approach, 49ers look shaky

Kevin Lucena
April 5, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena takes a look at how the Bay Area NFL teams did adding to their rosters during the offseason.
Spring training on spring break: 3 days, 3 games

Spring training on spring break: 3 days, 3 games

Kevin Lucena
March 28, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena shares the highs and lows of his trip to Arizona during the recent break to take in some preseason baseball.
March Madness inspires bracket mayhem

March Madness inspires bracket mayhem

Kevin Lucena
March 17, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena talks about the NCAA Division I tournament, and the craze that it brings in the sports world.
Junior golfer Lee Gearhart finished in fifth place during the Sacramento State Intercollegiate Cup on March 11. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

Gearhart, Docherty finish top 10; Wildcats take 5th

Kevin Lucena
March 15, 2015
The 'Cats stumbled in the second day of the Sacramento State Intercollegiate Cup at Valley Hi Country Club to finish fifth in the tournament.
The Chico State baseball team plays on March 1 at Raley Field in Sacramento, where they won against Sonoma State in the Capital City Clash. Photo credit: Kevin Lucena

Wildcats come out victorious in Capital City Clash

Kevin Lucena
March 10, 2015
The Chico State men's baseball team went to Raley Field in Sacramento on March 1 to take on Sonoma State in the annual event game.
Chico State's Dave Taylor head Baseball Coach talking to the team during a time up on the game against the Sonoma State Seawolves on Feb 27. Photo credit: Caio Calado

‘Cats flourish in Raley Field

Kevin Lucena
March 6, 2015
The Chico State baseball team bounced back on Sunday, after a two game skid the day before.
Golfer Lee Gearhart takes a swing during a spring 2014 tournament. Orion file photo

‘Cats win consecutive Coyote Classic tournament titles

Kevin Lucena
March 4, 2015
For the second year in a row, the 'Cats went to San Bernardino, to take a win back home to Chico.
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

Curry, LaVine top highlights of NBA All-Star break

Kevin Lucena
March 3, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena discusses the basketball event weekend and why it is so much more successful than professional baseball's All-Star approach.
First year pitcher Haley Gilham winds up for a pitch during practice. Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico State splits doubleheader versus Pioneers

Kevin Lucena
February 23, 2015
The Chico State softball team made a comeback on Friday, after losing its first game against Cal State East Bay in a doubleheader.
Chico State's Annie Ward plays in a game against Cal State L.A. earlier this season in Acker Gym. Photo credit: Malik Payton

‘Cats bounce back from 3-game skid

Kevin Lucena
February 21, 2015
The 'Cats are back on the win column after going 0-3 in the past two weeks.
Justin Wiles taking a swing during a tournament last fall. The Chico State men's golf team finished last semester ranked second in its division. Orion file photo.

Wildcats aim to repeat success in spring season

Kevin Lucena
February 17, 2015
After a successful campaign last fall, the Chico State men's golf team is gearing up for spring in hopes of keeping its momentum going.

Chico State claims first place in 9th straight win

Kevin Lucena
February 10, 2015
The Wildcats came out on top against Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday, in what was possibly their most significant 2015 regular season game.
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena. Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

NFL steeped in scandals as Goodell flounders

Kevin Lucena
February 6, 2015
The Orion's assistant sports editor looks back at a tumultuous NFL season that called Roger Goodell's competence as commissioner into question.
Point Guard, Jalen McFarren, making defenders struggle as he dribbles down the court. Photo credit: Gustavo Ornelas

Chico State wins seven straight

Kevin Lucena
February 1, 2015
Chico State remains tied for first in the California Collegiate Athletic Association after winning their seventh straight game over Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena. Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

Warriors’ guard play elevates team to new heights

Kevin Lucena
January 31, 2015
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have transformed the Golden State Warriors from an NBA laughing stock into one of the league's premier teams.

Wildcats tied atop conference with another win on the road

Kevin Lucena
January 29, 2015
The Chico State men's basketball team won its fifth straight game on the strength of its defense and three-point shooting. It was the 'Cats' eight road win in nine tries.
Kevin Lucena, assistant sports editor and columnist. Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

New NFL head coaches fail to impress

Kevin Lucena
January 25, 2015
The Orion's assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena gives his take on the recent leadership changes on the NFL teams in the Bay Area.
Photo credit: Trevor Ryan

Aaron Rodgers keeps raising the bar

Kevin Lucena
January 19, 2015
Assistant sports editor Kevin Lucena takes a look at the career of one of Chico's own and his path from unheralded recruit to football star.

‘Cats golf fall season recap

Kevin Lucena
December 16, 2014
The Orion takes a look back at how the Chico State's men's golf team finished a successful 2014 fall season.
Chico State women's head coach, Brian Fogel, and freshman guard, Whitney Branham, go over plays during practice. Photo credit: John Domogma

Women’s basketball defeats Stanislaus

Kevin Lucena
December 15, 2014
Two 'Cats hit career highs in points as five players reach double digits in the team's first conference victory.
A view of the San Francisco 49ers' new stadium, Levi's Stadium, in Santa Clara. Photo credit: Kevin Lucena

Cat Bites: New 49ers stadium isn’t crammed enough

Kevin Lucena
December 9, 2014
After 43 seasons in San Francisco, the 49ers took their talents south to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, saying bye to the bay and hello to Silicon Valley. The Orion's Kevin Lucena weighed in after his first visit to the new venue.
Chico State basketball player Brooke Bowen led the team in scoring and rebounding Friday night against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Photo courtesy Chico Wildcats.

Women’s basketball falls in first CCAA bout

Kevin Lucena
December 6, 2014
The Chico State women's basketball team fell 64-42 to Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday.
Chico State men's basketball player Sean Park gets airborne in a game last season. Orion file photo

Wildcat of the Year nominee: Sean Park

Kevin Lucena
November 28, 2014
Former Chico State men's basketball player Sean Park has been nominated for the 2014 Orion Sports Wildcat of the Year.
Alistair Docherty, a Chico State men's golfer, is an active member of the SAAC program. Photo courtesy TL Brown.

Chico State athletes awarded for charity

Kevin Lucena
November 10, 2014
The Chico State Student-Athlete Advisory committee was recently awarded for its contributions to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
The Chico State women's cross-country team in Upper Bidwell Park earlier this season. The team is currently preparing for the California Collegiate Athletic Association championships. Photo courtesy of Gary Towne

Women’s cross-country team headed for CCAA championship

Kevin Lucena
November 5, 2014
The Chico State women's cross-country team is working toward winning the championship title for the eighth year in a row on Nov. 8.
Alistair Docherty lets a shot fly in a match earlier this season. Photo credit: John Domogma

Men’s golf finishes 3rd of 3 teams

Kevin Lucena
November 5, 2014
The Chico State men's golf team faltered in their last event of the fall season, finishing in 3rd as a team as Docherty leads way with 4th place finish
Ceremonies take place at Game 3 of the 2014 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals. Photo credit: Kevin Lucena

Cat Bites: Memories from the Fall Classic

Kevin Lucena
November 1, 2014
Sports Writer Kevin Lucena reflects on his experiences from Game 4 of the 2014 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals.
Chico State golfer Alistair Docherty finishes his swing in an event earlier this season Photo credit: John Domogma

Men’s golf team climbs to fourth in final round

Kevin Lucena
October 22, 2014
The Chico State men's golf team moved to fourth place in the final round of the Otter Invitational in Seaside.
Former Chico State distance runner Kara Lubieniecki, left, competes in a race. Photo Courtesy Gary Towne

Former Wildcat to make marathon debut

Kevin Lucena
October 15, 2014
Kara Lubieniecki, a former Chico State long-distance runner, is working toward her goal of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.
Chico State golfer Alistair Docherty watches his shot. Photo credit: John Domogma

Men’s golf wins title at home course

Kevin Lucena
October 7, 2014
Three top-5 finishers guided the Chico State men's golf team to its first tournament win of the season.

Men’s golf team in 2nd place after two rounds

Kevin Lucena
September 29, 2014
The Chico State men's golf team opened its season on Monday at the Western New Mexico Invitational.

Golf alumnus swinging toward tour

Kevin Lucena
September 29, 2014
In this edition of Wildcat Watch, The Orion caught up with former Chico State golfer Kyle Souza.
Chico State freshman golfer Ileana MacDonald finished tied for 14th on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Chico Wildcats.

Women’s golf team takes 10th in Arizona

Kevin Lucena
September 24, 2014
The Chico State women's golf team finished 10th at the Western New Mexico Intercollegiate Championship in Arizona on Tuesday.
Chico State golfer Dani O'Keefe was the top Wildcat after the first round of the Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate tournament on Monday. Photo courtesy Chico Wildcats.

Women’s golf 12 back after 1st round

Kevin Lucena
September 22, 2014
The Chico State women's golf team opened play in the Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate tournament on Monday.
Chico State inline hockey goalie Nick Vargas prepares for a shot in practice. The team will open its season with a tournament in October. Photo credit: Kevin Lucena

Inline hockey team eyes return to championships

Kevin Lucena
September 21, 2014
The Chico State Inline Hockey team will open its season on Oct. 25.
Men's golf ready to open season

Men’s golf ready to open season

Kevin Lucena
September 17, 2014
With three All-Americans returning from a year ago, the Chico State men's golf team has its sights set on being even better in 2014-15.
Junior middle hitter Kristyn Casalino, left, sophomore outside hitter Shannon Boling, left center, junior outside hitter Ellie Larronde, right center, and freshman middle hitter Anuhea Kaiaokamalie prepare for a serve in a game last year. Orion File photo

Chico State volleyball team beats Simpson 3-0

Kevin Lucena
September 17, 2014
The Chico State volleyball team beat Simpson University in straight sets on Tuesday night at Acker Gym.
Former Chico State decathlete J Patrick Smith, left, stands with training partners John Brunk, middle, and Theodore Elsenbaumer, right. Photo credit: Grant Mahan

Alumnus named Male Athlete of the Year

Kevin Lucena
September 8, 2014
Former Chico State decathlete J Patrick Smith was named the 2014 Chico State Male Athlete of the Year.
Chico State head golf coach TL Brown. Photo courtesy of Chico Wildcats

Golf coach leads team to legacy

Kevin Lucena
September 1, 2014
Head golf coach T.L. Brown has coached the team to wins and awards while boasting professionalism.
Chico State golfer Lee Gearhart swings earlier this year. Photo credit: Emily Teague

Practice spots for golfers plentiful

Kevin Lucena
August 25, 2014
There's no shortage of putting greens in town for Chico State golfers.