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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

Mason Tovani

Mason Tovani, Former Sports Editor

This is Mason Tovani, he is a senior at Chico State majoring in Journalism on the news side and is minoring in creative writing. This is Mason’s third semester writing for The Orion and second semester as an editor. This year Mason is the Features Editor, hoping to show a different angle of stories around campus. In his free time Mason likes to spend time with his family, take spontaneous trips and go for long runs.

 

 

All content by Mason Tovani
Ability First attendees at a wheelchair basketball event

‘The hope is more’: A look inside Ability First Sports

Mason Tovani, Features Editor
December 14, 2022

“Catch,” one volunteer coach said, as the ball went through a young attendee's hands and over her head. Elizabeth, who's name has been changed due to being underage, spun around in the bright green...

Chico State Women's golfer Taylor Stewart all smiles on the golf course. Photo courtesy of Chico State Sports Information.

A near historic invitational leaves a Wildcat honored

Mason Tovani, Features Editor
November 4, 2022

It isn’t very often that a Chico State women’s golfer earns “Women’s Golfer of the Week.” In fact, junior Wildcat Taylor Stewart is the first to collect such recognition in the program's history.  At...

Chico State College of Agriculture students in Puerto Rico in 2021 for a class trip. Photo courtesy of Michelle Borges.

Wildcats finding resilience in Puerto Rico

Melvin Bui and Mason Tovani
October 25, 2022

With only five years to rebuild after two severe hurricanes, Puerto Rico’s infrastructure wasn’t ready for Hurricane Fiona as flooding waterlogged agriculture land and power grid for two days from...

Chico State and Cal Poly Humboldt Men's Soccer during the National Anthem ahead of the Battle of the North match

The red and green runs deep: How Chico and Humboldt soccer are reviving a nearly century long rivalry

Mason Tovani, Features Editor
September 27, 2022

In hopes of one team coming away with a win and the other with bitter defeat, GoPros were strapped to the goal posts on both sides of the field while the documentary crew kept the cameras rolling on the...

Track and field runners at  Chico State home meet earlier this season

Board games, life’s questions and running: looking behind and beyond

Mason Tovani, Sports Editor
May 15, 2022

The sun peered through the clouds, but eventually gave way to clear skies. The stage now brighter for the Chico State seniors on the track and field team. Softball and baseball played across the parking...

Bikers congregate at the finish line after completing their races. Photo taken April 24 by Mason Tovani

Wildflower Century brings together Chico’s cycling community

Noah Herbst and Mason Tovani
May 8, 2022

My experience from behind the handlebars — Noah Herbst The chilly, morning breeze tickled at my face, blowing through the holes in my helmet as the occasional truck sped by. I clung to the narrow...

Chico State Track and Field team competing at the Wildcat Invitational on March 19 at University Stadium / Photo by Sophia Pearson

Chico State Track and Field’s secret stuff

Mason Tovani, Sports Editor
April 7, 2022

In Space Jam, the 1996 film starring Michael Jordan, you might recall “Michael’s Secret Stuff,” the drink as simple as water that motivated the team to an improbable victory over the Monstars.  Chico...

Pete Mathiesen with his players as coach at the College of Redwoods / Photo from Marty Mathiesen

Remember the real Pete Mathiesen: a demanding coach, trusted mentor and cherished friend

Mason Tovani, Sports Editor
March 22, 2022

Pete Mathiesen, former head coach of the Chico State Men’s Basketball team from 1970-1987, passed away at the age of 85 on Feb. 12, 2022.  Pete may have been 35 years removed from coaching the...

Track and Field thrower and captain Jorge Barajas

Track and field days away from much anticipated return

Mason Tovani, Sports Editor
February 28, 2022

It has been two years since Chico State Track and Field held a home track meet.  That will all change on March 18 when the team hosts its first invitational since 2020.  The Wildcats broke...

Chico State Women's Soccer team before a game. Photo Credit: Javier Hernandez

Women’s soccer program stays true to its traditions

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
December 9, 2021

When looking at the history of the women’s soccer program at Chico State, you don’t have to go back too far. Through 38 years, there have been two coaches in the program's history and when the Wildcats...

Women's soccer team huddled together. Photo Credit: Mason Tovani

Returning Wildcats reflect and look ahead to next season

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
November 30, 2021

The Wildcats lost three important players at the end of the 2021 season, defenders Jordan Doukakis and Kylie Martinez and midfielder Sarah Emigh. However, a goalkeeper who earned Freshman of the Year,...

At the starting line for a half marathon in San Francisco

I run because I can

Mason Tovani, Staff Writer
November 18, 2021

Month five into the nationwide lockdown was the tipping point of my life.  From March to July, I would lounge around the house all day in front of the screen. I appreciated the excuse to be lazy,...

Goal keeper Emma Hofmann surveying the game from the 18 yard box.

Wildcats earn first round bye in conference tournament

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
November 8, 2021

After a strong weekend, the Chico State Women's Soccer team’s two victories and one tie, earned them a second seed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association conference and a first round bye...

Wildcats huddling up in a match earlier this season.

Wildcats come out victorious over top seeded Sonoma State Seawolves

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 31, 2021

The Wildcats defeated the Sonoma State Seawolves on Monday with a 1-0 victory, ending their two-game tying streak and senior weekend with three points.  After the weather on Sunday postponed the...

Wildcats preparing for overtime on Friday night.

Wildcats draw with Gators on senior night

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 26, 2021

The Chico State Women’s Soccer team didn’t get the result they were looking for as they tied with The San Francisco State Gators 0-0 on Friday night. 110 minutes were played at University Stadium...

Wildcats awaiting the corner in the box.

Wildcats best Pioneers in must-win game

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 20, 2021

The Chico State’s Women’s Soccer team got a 1-0 victory Thursday night against the Cal State East Bay Pioneers with the only goal coming late in the second half.  The standings in the California...

Senior defender Jordan Doukakis dribbling out the back in a match earlier this season.

Wildcats respond with win after rough loss

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 16, 2021

After a 3-0 loss on Friday, the Wildcats turned things around on Sunday and defeated Dominguez Hills 1-0 with a goal in the 76th minute.  The Chico State’s Women’s Soccer team faced their...

Freshman Kelli Litchfield holding off her defender in a match earlier this season.

The Wildcats face tough loss against Monterey Bay

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 15, 2021

The chemistry was off for Chico State's Women’s Soccer team on Friday against Monterey Bay. They lost their first match on the road 3-0 and couldn’t find an answer to the Otters game plan.  While...

Freshman Klayre Barres working to get to the ball before her opponent.

Wildcats draw with San Marcos on Sunday

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 8, 2021

Sunday’s game was an offensive showing for the women’s soccer team. Despite the game ending in a scoreless tie against Cal State San Marcos, the Wildcats showed they are a threat in front of the goal.  Coming...

Sutton earns 250th career win in conference opener

Sutton earns 250th career win in conference opener

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
October 5, 2021

In their conference opener at University Stadium the Wildcats defeated Cal State San Bernardino 2-1. They began the season 1-0 and allowed coach Kim Sutton to celebrate her 250th career victory as a head...

Chico State Wildcats head coach Kim Sutton (center) encourages the team against Dominican Penguins during the second half of their women's soccer game on Thursday, September 12, 2019 in Chico, Calif. Photo Credit: Jason Halley

Wildcats must wait for Coach Sutton’s 250th win; last preseason game ends in a draw

Mason Tovani, Sports Reporter
September 29, 2021

Chico State Women’s Soccer got a taste of conference play in their final preseason match. A late goal from Humboldt State tied the game and resulted in a 1-1 draw.  A victory on Saturday would...

Senior defender Jordan Doukakis carries the ball into the open space

Parsons dominant in win for the Wildcats

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 20, 2021

Chico State Women’s Soccer added their fourth victory of the season on Saturday as they steamrolled Fresno Pacific University with a 4-1 victory.  The Wildcats struck first with a free kick from...

Forward Susanna Garcia takes on the defense.

Wildcats respond with dominant win

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 17, 2021

After a loss Saturday night, Chico State women’s soccer planned to regroup and get back to their winning ways. The Wildcats took on Holy Names from Oakland, California and controlled the game the entire...

The Wildcats before their home opener

Wildcats drop home opener

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 15, 2021

The Wildcats were looking to improve to 3-0 on the season but got handed their first loss at home by Seattle Pacific University in a 2-1 defeat.  The season opener at home ended in a loss for...

Chico State women's soccer team taking the field before Monday's game.

Wildcats score 3 unanswered goals, go undefeated on road trip 

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 9, 2021

The Wildcats didn’t allow the Eagles to soar too high in their matchup Monday morning. Chico State women’s soccer rallied back from being down 1-0 to defeat Biola University 3-1.  Midway through...

Photo courtesy of Assistant Coach Kat Benton-LaEzza

The Wildcats getting ready to take the field after 665 days.

An early goal for the Wildcats sets the tone

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 5, 2021

An impressive start for the Wildcats in their season opener as they beat Azusa Pacific University on the road and spoiled the Cougar’s chances of improving to 2-0.  The women’s team didn’t...

Chico State Wildcats head coach Kim Sutton (center) encourages the team against Dominican Penguins during the second half of their women's soccer game on Thursday, September 12, 2019 in Chico, Calif. Photo Credit: Jason Halley

Despite delayed return, Chico State women’s soccer excited to take the field

Mason Tovani, Reporter
September 3, 2021

After a year and a half absence, the Chico State women’s soccer team was in good spirits as they were set to take on California State East Bay in a scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 28. Their plans were cut...