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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 Matthew Ferreira

NFL games are a beloved Thanksgiving tradition

Matthew Ferreira
December 3, 2019

Thanksgiving Day is one of America’s favorite holidays, filled with food, family, friends and traditions.Every family celebrates Thanksgiving in their own special way, but a common constant in many...

View of Bidwell Park and golf course from the trail by Big Chico creek Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Quick 30 minute hikes for busy students

Matthew Ferreira
December 2, 2019

In the midst of our busy lives filled with work and school, sometimes it can be hard to make time for yourself to get out and enjoy Chico’s beautiful parks and nature.Getting outside and taking advantage...

Servando Higuera does his best to keep the ball against Monterey Bay. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Men’s soccer gets fourth straight shutout win

Matthew Ferreira
November 9, 2019

The Chico State men’s soccer team’s streak of domination continued Saturday with a 3-0 win over Cal State Monterey Bay.The team had won their last four games going in to Saturday, with three...

Alex Fluitt in the middle of a shot attempt. Photo credit: Mary Vogel

Men’s soccer pitches third straight shutout

Matthew Ferreira
November 9, 2019

The Chico State men’s soccer team won their matchup against Cal State East Bay Thursday, and got to show off their offensive firepower while doing so.The team came into the game on a streak of two...

Sonoma player, Sam Layman, goes down and tries to take Chico player, Alexi Vontsolos, with her as well. Photo credit: Mary Vogel

Women’s soccer falls late to Sonoma

Matthew Ferreira
November 6, 2019

The Chico State women’s soccer team lost its final regular season home game Sunday to Sonoma State by a score of 3-1.The Wildcats went into the match-up looking to “right the ship” after...

Lukas Hartley running for eventual touchdown. Photo credit: Wesley Harris

Paradise stays undefeated in more than one way

Matthew Ferreira
November 5, 2019

A year ago, the Camp Fire changed everything for Paradise residents.After the fire displaced the majority of the town’s residents and burned down many of its homes and businesses, the Paradise High...

Mikey Hirsch defending the ball not letting Tony Di Donato (far left) and Sergio Gonzales (far right) get the ball. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Wildcats kept scoreless against San Bernardino

Matthew Ferreira
October 13, 2019

The Chico State men’s soccer team went into Sunday's match against San Bernardino with an overall record of 7-3 and had won four of its last five games. Over that stretch of games the Wildcats have...

Ricardo Tovar and Matthew Ferreira discuss the MLB playoffs and NFL seasons. Photo credit: Claire Bang

The Wildcat Rumble: MLB Divisional round breakdown and NFL week 6 preview

Ricardo Tovar and Matthew Ferreira
October 12, 2019

The Wildcat Rumble returns for the first episode this fall with Ricardo Tovar and Matthew Ferreira! They speak on the MLB playoffs, NFL season and much more! Agree or disagree with anything? Share...

Eureka's Lamarie Dunn goes heads up with a Chico defensive back in the second half of Friday's game. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Chico High faces Eureka High after nearly 30 years

Matthew Ferreira
October 12, 2019

We’re a little over halfway through the Northern California high school football season, and teams are starting to heat up. The Chico High Panthers have had a strong season so far, losing only one...

Section of riverbed near Scotty's Landing. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Great fishing not far from campus

Matthew Ferreira
October 9, 2019

Chico is home to some of the most beautiful parks and waterways that have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy without needing to travel far. One of these activities being fishing on the Sacramento river,...

Chico State's Brooke Ono sets a pass during the match against Cal State East Bay. Oct. 1, 2019 Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Wildcats battle Pioneers in five set victory

Matthew Ferreira
October 2, 2019

Chico State’s volleyball team took on California State University, East Bay at Acker Gym Thursday, in a thrilling overtime match.The Wildcats went into Thursday’s match with a strong 3-1 record...

A contestant attempts a lift in the second round. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

WREC holds third annual bench press competition

Matthew Ferreira
September 28, 2019

Chico State’s WREC ( Wildcat Recreation Center) held their Bench Press competition Friday.It is the third annual competition and the event is put on in collaboration with the on-campus organization,...

Students move their arms and bodies during class. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Martial arts master teaches Tai Chi to stressed Chico State

Matthew Ferreira
September 22, 2019

The stress and anxiety of adulting can take a serious toll on a person's mind and body.Grandmaster Azad, a Chico State instructor and owner of Azad's Martial Arts Center, helps students practice self care...

Paradise High football strategizes offensive plays during practice. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Paradise High School Football Bounces Back

Matthew Ferreira
September 22, 2019

"Resilience" is defined as “the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.” The Paradise High School football team seems to be the embodiment of that word.After losing most of their town...

Kyra Greenwood kicks the ball as two Azusa players run after her. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Wildcats stay scoreless after double overtime battle

Matthew Ferreira
September 20, 2019

Chico State women’s soccer team played a thrilling overtime home game against Azusa Pacific Thursday night. As much as they wanted to put on a show for the crowd and get the win, the match ended...

Volleyball team in a home game in this archive photo. Photo credit: Jovanna Garcia

Wildcats succeed in La Jolla

Matthew Ferreira
September 14, 2019

The Chico State volleyball team is in La Jolla competing in the Division II West Region Volleyball Showcase and is dominating the field through three matches. Despite coming off of three straight losses...

Chloe King outrunning the Dominican players on the field. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Women’s soccer holds up the win in first home game

Matthew Ferreira
September 13, 2019

Thursday’s game was the first home exhibition match of the 2019 season, and for some of the Wildcats it was their first time playing at home. Our Chico State women’s soccer team faced off against...

Anthony Kaskie getting in position during a throw-in against Holy Names University. Aug. 31, 2019. Photo credit: Karina Cope

Lightning storm causes no-contest in Seattle

Matthew Ferreira
September 8, 2019

A lightning storm in Seattle caused a no-contest between Chico State men’s soccer team and Seattle Pacific University. It seemed as if the wildcats had control of the game early out-shooting Seattle...

The Chico State men's soccer team huddled before their exhibition match against Holy Names University. Aug. 31, 2019 Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Wildcats one up Western Washington

Matthew Ferreira
September 6, 2019

Chico State’s men’s soccer team got their season off to a good start with a 2-1 win over West Washington University.“It was exciting to play in our first game of the season,” centerback...

Chico State running back Glenn Witherspoon takes a handoff during the 1987 season. Image from The Orion vault.

Chico State’s unfortunate football program history

Matthew Ferreira
September 2, 2019

Each fall when college football makes its return, Chico State students can’t help but wonder why the Wildcats don’t have a team to partake in the competition. While there isn’t one concrete...

Jorge Perez runs to first as Turner Olson runs home in a game against Cal State San Marcos. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Wildcats finish regular season on a strong note

Matthew Ferreira
May 6, 2019

The Chico State men’s baseball team capped off its regular season with two wins against Stanislaus Saturday. Chico’s overall record is 28-19, good for third place in the California Collegiate...

Grant Larson stares down a Sonoma batter, contemplating which pitch he will deliver next against the opposing batter. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Larson shines as playoffs loom for Wildcats

Matthew Ferreira
April 27, 2019

The Chico State baseball team won their game against Sonoma State Friday by a score of 4-2. With the win, Chico State moves into fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association division standings. The...

Chico High's Charlie Giannini (center) and parents Meghan Callahan (left) and Scott Giannini (right) smile during a ceremony Wednesday at Williams Theater in Chico where the senior signed his letter of intent with the Chico State men's cross-country team. (Will Denner -- Enterprise-Record)

Chico State cross country commit finds himself right at home.

Matthew Ferreira
April 22, 2019

Each year, student-athletes from all over the country decide which school they are going to compete for on the collegiate level.For Chico High’s cross country star Charlie Giannini, that was his...

Lyndsey Settle running a sprint at University Stadium, Photo Courtesy of Sports Information

Wildcats get “Last Chance” to compete before tournaments.

Matthew Ferreira
April 22, 2019

The Chico State track and field team got a final opportunity to prepare for the California Collegiate Athletic Association championships when they competed in the Yuba Last Chance Invitational Saturday.They...

Jorge Perez tries to squeeze a ball against Cal State San Marcos on Friday, April 5, 2019. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Wildcats split four-game series with Dominguez Hills

Matthew Ferreira
April 15, 2019

The Chico State men’s baseball team finished their series with Cal State Dominguez Hills Sunday, capping it off with two straight wins. The Wildcats dropped the first two games to the Toros Friday...

Freshman Julia Kalez watches her tee shot to see where it lands

Image Credit: Chico State Sports Information

Women’s golf earns second straight top 10 finish at Sonoma Invitational

Matthew Ferreira
April 10, 2019

The Chico State women’s golf team competed in the Sonoma State Spring Invitational Monday and Tuesday, placing eight amongst 15 total teams. Day one: The Wildcats got out to a fair start Monday...

Distance runners Nadine Dubon and Taylor Bailey in the middle of competing. Image Courtesy of Gary Towne Photo credit: Gary Towne

Chico State track and field gets multiple wins at Twilight Invitational.

Matthew Ferreira
April 7, 2019

The Chico State Wildcats track and field team placed well in various events at the Distance Carnival and Twilight Invitational Saturday at University Stadium. There was a bit of rain at the beginning of...

Isaiah Roybal warms up on with the rest of the track team. He is getting ready for their track meet this weekend, Monday, Apr. 1, 2019, in Chico, CA. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Wildcat of the week: Isaiah Roybal

Matthew Ferreira
April 4, 2019

Track star Isaiah Roybal is in the middle of a very impressive season and is working hard with his teammates to get the Wildcats to the 2019 National Championship tournament. Roybel is a transfer student...

The Chico State men's golf team celebrates after taking first place at the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational
Photo Credit: Kelley Sullivan

Chico State men’s golf dominate in Turlock

Matthew Ferreira
April 3, 2019

The Chico State men’s golf team did an outstanding job at the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational in Turlock Monday and Tuesday. The Wildcats scored 19 shots under par collectively and their efforts secured...

Notable Chico sports figures who attended Chico State: Grant Larson (top), Michael Bethea Jr., (left), Chris Wondolowski (right). 
Illustration by: Ricardo Tovar

Chico’s notable sports figures, past and present

Matthew Ferreira
March 27, 2019

Over the years student-athletes have made the choice to come to Chico State to continue their academic and athletic careers. Some of these students have even moved on to the professional level in their...

Grant Larson delivers a pitch to a Stanislaus State Warriors batter in Sunday's game on Feb. 17, 2019. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico’s notable sports figures, past and present

Matthew Ferreira
March 26, 2019

Over the years student-athletes have made the choice to come to Chico State to continue their academic and athletic careers. Some of these students have even moved on to the professional level in their...

The Wildcat men's golf team celebrates their second place finish at the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Alameda Tuesday. Photo credit: Josh McCollum

Men’s golf excels in Alameda

Matthew Ferreira
March 21, 2019

The Chico State men’s golf team had a great outing Monday and Tuesday at the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Alameda. The teams all played three rounds at the Corica Park South Course.The Wildcats...

March brings the March Madness Tournament for the NCAA 
Photo Credit: NCAA

March Madness brings the most exciting time of the college basketball season

Matthew Ferreira
March 19, 2019

Saturday and Sunday were huge days in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball world and as a result, we now have the official NCAA March Madness bracket.The tournament favorite...

From left to right: junior Madison Wong (All-CCAA and had 10.8 points a game), freshman Mikaila Wegenke (13.7 min. per game and 4.1 points per game), sophomore Vanessa Holland (28.6 min. per game and 7.1 points per game), sophomore Shay Stark (All-CCAA and 11.4 points per game), senior Natalie Valenzuela (last season and 10.5 points per game). Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Women’s basketball experience ups and downs in long season

Matthew Ferreira
March 13, 2019

The Wildcats women's basketball team's season didn’t end the way that they planned on as they missed the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament. It did, however, have a lot...

Chico State warming up and practicing the pole-vault on Saturday at the University Track Stadium. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Wildcats Track and Field perform strong despite rain

Matthew Ferreira
March 10, 2019

Chico State hosted the Wildcat Invitational track meet Saturday at University Track Stadium. Both the men’s and women’s teams performed well at the invitational with many personal records being set,...

Natalie Kinney finished with a score of 172 Tuesday at the Tim Tierney Shootout. Photo credit: Chico State Sports Information

Wildcats play through rain, earn share of 13th place at Tim Tierney Shootout

Matthew Ferreira
March 6, 2019

The Chico State women’s golf team competed in the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Alameda on Monday and Tuesday. The team fought through the rain and wind to earn a share of 13th place with Point...

Coach Brian Fogel owns a 178–130 record as Chico State women's basketball coach and a 268-179 record in 15 years as an NCAA head coach. in Acker Gym on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.
Image credit: Chico State sports information

Get to know Women’s Basketball Coach Brian Fogel

Matthew Ferreira
March 5, 2019

Coach Brian Fogel finished his 11th year, at Chico State, coaching women's basketball on Saturday. Even though the Wildcats didn't finish the year how they wanted, coach Fogel has been there throughout...

Shay Stark shooting a free-throw attempt against Sonoma State on Saturday. She ended her season with six points on the night. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Wildcat women’s basketball end Senior Night with eight straight loss

Matthew Ferreira
March 4, 2019

The Chico State women’s basketball team lost their Senior Night game against Sonoma State Saturday night by a score of 71-59. Ending the season on an eight-game losing streak. The first quarter yielded...

Wildcats trying to rebound against San Francisco. State. They got outrebounded 42-40. Photo credit: Matthew Ferreira

Wildcat’s effort not enough, extend losing streak to seven games

Matthew Ferreira
March 2, 2019

The Chico State women’s basketball game lost their matchup against San Francisco State Thursday by a score of 78-69. This makes it seven losses in a row and puts the season out of their hands if...

Nate Ambrosini waiting for the action to come his way against Cal State East Bay on Jan. 8, 2019. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Men’s basketball loses to Dominguez Hills, but playoff hopes are still alive

Matthew Ferreira
February 24, 2019

The Chico State Wildcats men’s basketball team lost their game against Cal State University Dominguez Hills on Saturday by a score of 73-64.The game was competitive throughout but Dominguez Hills...

Josh Lavergne shoots free-throws against Humboldt State on Feb. 2, 2019. 
Image credit: Jessica Bartlett/University Photographer.

Ball security an issue in loss against CSU Los Angeles

Matthew Ferreira
February 22, 2019

The Wildcats men’s basketball team lost their game Thursday night to the Cal State University of Los Angeles by a score of 69-57. With the playoffs nearing and a potential spot for the Wildcats still...

McKena Barker fights for the rebound Thursday night against Cal State San Bernadino Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Wildcats fall short in comeback attempt against Cal Poly Pomona

Matthew Ferreira
February 17, 2019

The Chico State women’s basketball team lost their game against Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday by a score of 62-50. The Wildcats got out to a quick start offensively after junior guard Madison Wong drained...

Freshman Julia Kalez trimmed her score from Monday with a final score of 83 on Tuesday. She finished in a tie for 48th place at 23-over par 167.
Image credit: Chico State Athletic Information.

Wildcats place fifth at Mikuni Sushi Shootout

Matthew Ferreira
February 13, 2019

Chico State women’s golf team finished the second day of the Mikuni Sushi Shootout, held in Lincoln, on Tuesday tied for fifth place.The Wildcats entered the day tied for sixth place with Cal State...

To cure Super Bowl hangovers, watch more sports

Matthew Ferreira
February 10, 2019

Sunday's big game brought with it the dreadful fact that the NFL season has come to an end. For many football fans, this can feel as if the dark ages have started all over again. But fear not, there are...

McKena Barker goes up for the layup against Humboldt State Feb. 9, 2019. Photo credit: Mathew Boe

Wildcats come up short against Stanislaus State

Matthew Ferreira
February 10, 2019

The Wildcats women's basketball team lost a close game to Stanislaus State on Saturday night. The game was competitive from the beginning and the Wildcats finished the first quarter with a 22-21 lead....

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

Chico State men’s golf place second at the Fujikura Invitational

Matthew Ferreira
February 5, 2019

The Chico State men’s golf team traveled to San Diego to play in the Fujikura Invitational on Monday and Tuesday. They placed second overall out of 15 teams playing at the Shadowridge golf course.Senior...

Natalie Valenzuela shoots the layup against Humboldt State Photo credit: Mathew Boe

Wildcats lose overtime thriller to Humboldt State

Matthew Ferreira
February 3, 2019

The Chico State Wildcats women’s basketball team lost a very close game in overtime Saturday night to Humboldt State. The Wildcats were a little slow offensively out of the gate and Humboldt took advantage...

McKenna Barker taking point against California State University, San Marcos Saturday Jan. 26, 2019. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Wildcats rally late to stun Cal State San Marcos

Matthew Ferreira
January 27, 2019

The Chico State women’s basketball team found themselves in a hotly contested game against Cal State San Marcos on Saturday night. The game got off to a quick start when both offenses combined for 36...