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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

Nathan Chiochios

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor

Nathan Chiochios is in his fourth year at Chico State as a journalism news major. He is from Mountain View, a town in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is his fourth semester on The Orion, and his second semester as sports editor. He has also interned at the Palo Alto Weekly. Chiochios looks forward to growing his journalism and writing skills. In his free time, he spends most of his time skateboarding and hanging out with friends and family.

All content by Nathan Chiochios
Junior Della Molina runs through the 6k race course at the NCAA Division II Championship Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Sacramento.

Della Molina wins first Track Athlete of the Week award

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 26, 2025

Junior Della Molina earned a bronze medal in the 5000m at the Hornet Invitational at Sacramento State Saturday, earning her first CCAA/FloSports women’s track athlete of the week award.  The meet...

Rain flooded the tarp on the softball field after a thunderstorm. Photo credit: Brandon Downs

Baseball and softball update weekend schedule due to weather

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 13, 2025

Due to inclement weather, Chico State’s baseball and softball teams have updated their weekend schedules. The softball team, facing CCAA rival Cal Poly Humboldt, will now play their first doubleheader...

Chico State’s Jojo Murphy going around the Sharks defender with a right-handed layup on the left side of the basket in the first half against the Hawaii Pacific University Sharks on Nov. 17. Photo taken by Aaron Draper.

Jojo Murphy wins Conference Player of the Year

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 5, 2025

Junior guard Jojo Murphy was named CCAA Men’s Basketball Player of the Year on Tuesday, becoming the fourth Wildcat to win the award. Murphy had an outstanding season, leading the conference in points...

Left Fielder Troy Kent taking a swing in the 5th inning. Taken by Aaron Draper.

Chico State’s quiet leadership fuels Wildcat’s hot start

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 26, 2025

Returning for the Wildcats’ 2025 campaign, senior outfielder Troy Kent has continued his success through the team’s first three series, becoming a quiet leader in the dugout. Before his time at...

(Left): Jadence Clifton listening as head coach Brian Fogel speaks during a timeout against San Bernardino on Jan. 11. Photo taken by Aaron Draper. (Right) 
In a close game, guard Jojo Murphy drives past Stanislaus State’s defense and looks to score during the second half Feb. 7. Taken by Milca Elvira Chacon

Two Wildcats take home conference player of the week awards

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 25, 2025

Guards Jojo Murphy and Jadence Clifton took home FloCollege/CCAA men’s and women’s basketball player of the week awards Tuesday. Clifton’s player of the week award is highlighted by two of the...

Outfielder Sean Pauly fielding a pop fly to end the top of the sixth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Outfielder Sean Pauly fielding a pop fly to end the top of the sixth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Closer Aaron McCurley preparing to pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning. McCurley came in to relieve starter Evan Tomlinson, and threw a perfect two innings to earn the save. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Closer Aaron McCurley preparing to pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning. McCurley came in to relieve starter Evan Tomlinson, and threw a perfect two innings to earn the save. Taken by Nathan Chiochios...

Designated Hitter Jeremy Keller embracing a teammate during a pitching change in the bottom of the fifth inning. Keller hit an RBI single to center field, knocking the Maverick's starter out of the game. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Designated Hitter Jeremy Keller embracing a teammate during a pitching change in the bottom of the fifth inning. Keller hit an RBI single to center field, knocking the Maverick's starter out of the game....

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani celebrating with his teammates after making a spectacular diving stop to end the fifth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani celebrating with his teammates after making a spectacular diving stop to end the fifth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani throwing out a runner after making a spectacular diving stop. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani throwing out a runner after making a spectacular diving stop. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Starting pitcher Evan Tomlinson throwing a pitch in the top of the third inning. Tomlinson was given the win after pitching five innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Starting pitcher Evan Tomlinson throwing a pitch in the top of the third inning. Tomlinson was given the win after pitching five innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs. Taken by Nathan Chiochios...

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani sliding into home after a Maverick error in the bottom of the 2nd. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani sliding into home after a Maverick error in the bottom of the 2nd. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani celebrating after hitting an RBI double in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Shortstop Lorenzo Mariani celebrating after hitting an RBI double in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Second baseman Thade Miller fielding a weak grounder early in game two of the doubleheader against the Mavericks. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Second baseman Thade Miller fielding a weak grounder early in game two of the doubleheader against the Mavericks. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

The Wildcats celebrating senior Thade Miller's walk off RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Chico State completes series sweep of Colorado Mesa with two gritty wins

February 16, 2025

The Wildcats celebrating senior Thade Miller's walk off RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Head Coach Dave Taylor walking away after leading a cheer following the Wildcat's game one walk off. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Head Coach Dave Taylor walking away after leading a cheer following the Wildcat's game one walk off. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Senior shortstop Lorenzo Mariani (No. 4) celebrating the first game walk off with the rest of the Wildcats. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Senior shortstop Lorenzo Mariani (No. 4) celebrating the first game walk off with the rest of the Wildcats. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15

Chico spelled out in the empty bleachers at Acker Gym.

Men’s and Women’s basketball clinch conference tournament in same night

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 15, 2025

Following wins over the San Francisco State Gators on the road, the men’s and women’s basketball teams clinched a spot in the CCAA championship tournament in San Marcos. The women’s team won a...

The Wildcats shuffling around the dugout preparing to take the field on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Series opener against Colorado Mesa canceled due to rain

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 11, 2025

The upcoming baseball series at Nettleton Stadium against the Colorado Mesa Mavericks has been changed due to weather concerns.   The series will now look like this: Thursday (Feb. 13):...

Junior Iresh Molina maintains a steady pace during the 6k race course at the NCAA Division II Championship Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Sacramento.

Molina twins lead the way in wet conditions as Wildcats take 15th at nationals

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
November 25, 2024

The No. 13 ranked Wildcats ran through muddy and rainy conditions Saturday, taking 15th place at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Sacramento. Juniors Iresh and Della Molina finished as All-Americans,...

Sophomore Mario Giannini being awarded the west regional championship trophy after his first-place finish at the NCAA west regional on Nov. 9. Photo Courtesy of Montana State Billings

Chico State cross country sweeps NCAA West Regionals

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
November 11, 2024

Wildcat’s men and women’s cross country teams finished first in their respective races at the NCAA West Regional Championships Saturday.  The results can be found here. The men’s team earned...

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

Men’s basketball head coach retires 4 days before season opener

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024

Chico State men’s basketball coach Greg Clink announced his retirement Monday, only four days before the team’s 2024-25 season opener in Seattle. Clink will end his 16-year career, which started...

Eric Coleman was named Athletic Director on Thursday, succeeding former Athletic Director Anita Barker, who retired in September.

Chico State names Eric Coleman as new athletic director

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
November 1, 2024

After a two-month search, Chico State selected Eric Coleman as the University’s executive director of athletics. Coleman is the successor to long-time Athletic Director Anita Barker, who served in the...

Photo courtesy: Jade Elhardt.

La capacitación en quema prescrita regresará al condado de Butte.

Nathan Chiochios, Editor de Deportes
October 22, 2024

El programa Cal-TREX del condado de Butte está listo para regresar este otoño, ofreciendo educación y entrenamiento sobre incendios del 11 al 13 de octubre y del 19 al 20 de octubre. El programa también...

Photo courtesy: Jade Elhardt.

Prescribed fire training set to return to Butte County

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
October 10, 2024

Butte County’s Cal-TREX program is set to return this fall, offering fire education and training Oct. 11 to 13 and Oct. 19 to 20. The program will also have an on-call burn window and additional training...

Iresh Molina, middle, finishing out the final push of a race next to her sister, Della, right. Taken by Joshua Beam.

Iresh Molina wins second CCAA Runner of the Week in third week of season

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
October 9, 2024

Junior Iresh Molina picked up her second California Collegiate Athletic Association Runner of the Week award of the season after finishing fifth at the Bill Roe Classic in Bellingham, Washington. She...

Chico State women’s soccer team getting pumped up before kicking off the 2024 season. Taken by Nate Paddock on Sept. 5.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer will play at University Stadium after power was restored

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 28, 2024

After the power was restored and campus was reopened, Chico State Athletics announced that the men’s and women’s soccer games will be played at the University Soccer Stadium. Admissions will be free...

 Chico State classrooms left without power. Taken by Callum Standish on Sept. 26

Power restored on campus, classes to resume Monday

Nathan Chiochios and Megan Gauer
September 28, 2024

Power is restored to campus, according to a university announcement issued by President Stephen Perez at 12:45 p.m. Classes will resume as scheduled Monday. Though power is restored, campus will remain...

Chico State Wildcats' Head Volleyball Coach Tommy Gott talks to the team during a time out as they play against Humboldt State Lumberjacks in the second game of their match on, Sep. 23, 2023.

Volleyball matches relocated due to power outage

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 27, 2024

Chico State announced that this weekend’s volleyball matches will be moved to Pleasant Valley High School due to the campus closure and power outage. Students will still receive free admission with...

ITSS is located on the first floor of the Meriam Library. Photo credit: Carly Campbell

ITSS issues alert that WiFi may be offline after power outage

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 26, 2024

While most online campus services are working as normal, the Eduroam Wifi may be spotty or offline in buildings without power, Internet Technology Support Services said in an email alert. The dining...

Della and Iresh Molina crossing the finish line at the Kym Duyst Twilight Invitational at Stanislaus State. The twins said that they didn’t plan on holding hands before the race, deciding to do it right at the end of the race. Taken by Scott Durham on Sept. 14.

Molina twins named co-runners of the week for the first time in conference history

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 26, 2024

Twin sisters Della and Iresh Molina were named California Collegiate Athletic Association Co-Runners of the Week after crossing the finish line simultaneously while holding hands at the Kym Duyst Twilight...

Second year student Anakin Hunter, right, disagrees with the speaker's message and prays after listening to him outside of the Bell Memorial Union at Chico State Tuesday, Sep. 24, 204.

Religious beliefs and student opinions clash on campus

A crowd of students and faculty gathered in front of the Bell Memorial Union on Tuesday, as a man who said his name is Brother Matt addressed them with inflammatory religious rhetoric. Crowd members said...

Sophomore Kaylie Parola during her 2023-24 season. This was her first season as a Wildcat, and she finished 27th in the California Collegiate Athletic Association championships. Photo courtesy of Sonoma State Athletics.

Wildcats Women’s Golf shows steady improvement, finishes 9th in Swan Memorial

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 13, 2024

The Chico State women’s golf team finished ninth to open the season in the Swan Memorial Tournament, hosted by Colorado Christian University on Monday and Tuesday. Sophomore Kaylie Parola led the...

FloSports and the CCAA announced a partnership to stream sports starting in the 2024-25 school year. FloSports is a subscription sports broadcasting company based in Austin, Texas. Photo courtesy of FloSports.

La CCAA y FloSports se asocian para anunciar un servicio de transmisión por suscripción para la próxima temporada

Nathan Chiochios, Reportero
September 8, 2024

La Asociación Atlética Universitaria de California (CCAA) ha dado a conocer los precios para FloSports, que permitirá la transmisión en vivo de todos los deportes de la conferencia durante el año...

Chico State midfielder Natalie Mendoza — center — after scoring a penalty kick against Cal State Monterey Bay. The goal would be the difference in the game, as the Wildcats won 1-0 over the Sea Otters. Taken by Milca Elvira Chacon on Oct. 29, 2023.

Con una ofensiva dinámica, el equipo femenino de fútbol de Chico State busca tomar la temporada un día a la vez

Nathan Chiochios, Reportero
September 8, 2024

Con un núcleo sólido de jugadoras que regresan y nuevas incorporaciones emocionantes, el equipo femenino de fútbol de Chico State busca destacar en la próxima temporada. Las Wildcats terminaron...

FloSports and the CCAA announced a partnership to stream sports starting in the 2024-25 school year. FloSports is a subscription sports broadcasting company based in Austin, Texas. Photo courtesy of FloSports.

CCAA and FloSports partner to announce subscription streaming service for upcoming season

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 5, 2024

The California Collegiate Athletic Association unveiled their pricing for FloSports, which will allow streaming of all sports in the conference for the 2024 to 2025 academic year and beyond. The base...

Chico State midfielder Natalie Mendoza — center — after scoring a penalty kick against Cal State Monterey Bay. The goal would be the difference in the game, as the Wildcats won 1-0 over the Sea Otters. Taken by Milca Elvira Chacon on Oct. 29, 2023.

With a dynamic offense, Chico State women’s soccer looks to take season one day at a time

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
September 2, 2024

With a strong core of returning players and exciting newcomers, Chico State Women’s Soccer looks to make a splash in their upcoming season. The Wildcats finished last season with an 11-7-1 record...

A heavy police presence is in the area of Nord Avenue. Taken by Callum Standish on May 2.

Police apprehend suspect following stabbing in area of Nord Avenue

A suspect was arrested in connection to a stabbing at an apartment complex located at 729 Nord Ave. on Thursday, the Chico Police Department said. CPD asked people to avoid the area of Nord Avenue from...

“Flaming Wedgee,” controlled by Heather Vo, melting “Drone,” a lightweight flying robot, in an early fight. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on April 13.

‘Flamethrowers allowed’ at Chico State’s first Robotronica

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
April 14, 2024

Chico State held its first robot-fighting tournament Saturday afternoon at the Plumas Hall courtyard, featuring high-octane fights and flamethrowing robots. Robotronica was hosted by the American Institute...

Jaiden Grivette, Harsh Makkar run for vice president of facilities and services

Jaiden Grivette, Harsh Makkar run for vice president of facilities and services

Nathan Chiochios and Samuel Moore
March 31, 2024

Jaiden Grivette and Harsh Makkaar are running for vice president of facilities and services in the 2024 Associated Students general election. To read more about each candidate, see below. Jaiden...

Starting pitcher Ethan Lay throwing a pitch late in the sixth inning. Lay had six strikeouts in a marathon performance. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on March 29.

Wildcats baseball drops series lead after late-game rally from Dominguez Hills

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 30, 2024

Starting pitcher Ethan Lay’s solid performance wasn’t enough for the Wildcats as they lost 2-1 to the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros Lay gave the Wildcats an electric 7.1 innings, giving up no...

Right fielder Troy Kent making a play on a deep fly ball in the top of the sixth against San Marcos. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on March 17.

Wildcats drop series finale after an 8-run seventh inning from the Cougars

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 18, 2024

The Wildcats split the weekend series with Cal State San Marcos Sunday afternoon after giving up three home runs in the finale, ultimately losing 11-7. The seventh inning was the turning point in the...

Sophomore shortstop Lorenzo Mariani, right, making a tough throw on a ground ball up the middle against Cal State San Marcos. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Mar. 16.

Wildcats flip the script to take both in doubleheader against San Marcos

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 16, 2024

After a tough loss Friday night, the Wildcats turned the momentum in their favor against first-place Cal State San Marcos. The Wildcats gave the Cougars a taste of their own medicine in game one of...

Senior Zhane Duckett warms up her jump shot before practice. Photo by Nathan Chiochios on March 12.

Chico State women’s basketball earns first NCAA tournament in 10 years

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 14, 2024

After a second-place finish in the CCAA, the Wildcats earned the fifth seed in the NCAA Division-II West Regional Tournament in head coach Brian Fogel's fifth appearance with Chico State. The Wildcats...

Chico State putting up shots before practice. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on March 12.

Chico State men’s basketball tabbed for second NCAA tournament in 3 years

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 13, 2024

Following a 20-win season, the Wildcats earned the sixth seed in the NCAA Division-II West Regional Tournament, and are set to face off against the No. 3 seeded Montana State Billings Yellowjackets. The...

Left Image: Mens basketball team huddled up while Coach Greg Clink is talking to them during half time against Sonoma State on Jan. 27.  Right Image: Jordan Allen shooting a free-throw during the third quarter against San Francisco State on Feb. 3.
Photos Taken by Milca Elvira Chacon.

Men’s and women’s basketball punch tickets for NCAA tournament

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
March 11, 2024

The Chico State men’s and women’s basketball teams both qualified for the NCAA West Regional tournament on Sunday, with games set to tip off Friday. With a record of 21-9, the women’s team earned...

Chico State baseball celebrates a hard-fought win over Montana State Billings. Taken by Lukas Mann on Feb. 8.

Revamped Chico State baseball squad off to undefeated start

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 20, 2024

Following a tough losing season in 2023, the Chico State baseball team looks to make waves this season, coming out with a 5-0 start in non-conference play.  After last season, head coach Dave Taylor,...

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

Chico State Men’s Basketball fired up for upcoming season

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
November 12, 2023

After putting in hard work during the offseason, Chico State Men’s Basketball looks to start the season this weekend as favorites to win their conference. After coming up short in the California Collegiate...

Bryan Manriquez (black jersey) goes for a header against Cal State Monterey Bay

Chico State Men’s Soccer ties with Monterey Bay on Senior Day

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
October 30, 2023

No. 5 Chico State (11-1-5) tied 1-1 with No. 22 Cal State Monterey Bay Sunday afternoon, highlighted by freshman forward Sam Addo’s first goal as a Wildcat. Before the match, the Wildcats celebrated...

Preston Moll (left) going to pass the ball

Chico State Men’s Soccer handed first loss against Cal State L.A.

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
October 22, 2023

The No. 3 Chico State (10-1-3) Men’s Soccer team broke their undefeated streak with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the defending California Collegiate Athletic Association champions Los Angeles Golden Eagles. The...

The speech and debate team poses for a photo after the tournament

Chico State speech and debate team celebrates victorious weekend in San Francisco

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
October 20, 2023

Coming off a successful tournament in San Francisco, Chico State’s Speech and Debate Team looks forward to their next competition in Reno this weekend. The Wildcats took home first place in sweepstakes...

Miles Rice attacking the goal against Western Washington

Chico State soccer player tackles season with a goal

Nathan Chiochios and Milca Elvira Chacon
October 14, 2023

Alongside his team, junior forward, Miles Rice has racked up multiple accomplishments in his third year of being a Chico State athlete. Heading into their 12th game, the Chico State Men's Soccer team...

Carson Zarate Celebration

Chico State Men’s Soccer splits weekend series

Nick Sanders and Nathan Chiochios
October 11, 2023

The No. 3 Chico State (9-0-2) men’s soccer team tied against the No.7 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (7-0-3) Friday and defeated the Cal State San Bernardino Yotes (5-2-3) on Sunday, remaining undefeated in...

The Wildcats celebrate after a late score

Pieri Sisters score twice in victory over Stanislaus State

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
September 29, 2023

Finishing off their non-conference games, Chico State Women’s Soccer (5-2) found the back of the goal twice in their victory over the Stanislaus State Warriors Saturday. The Wildcats found their first...

Justin Ricketts celebrates goal

Chico State Men’s Soccer stays undefeated after close game against Biola University

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
September 16, 2023

The No. 8 Chico State Men’s Soccer team was victorious in a close game against the Biola Eagles, securing a 1-0 win Thursday, extending their win streak to five. The Wildcats, who usually dominate...

Chico State celebrates as Jiana Martin (center) scores a goal

Chico State Women’s Soccer victorious against Central Washington in Battle of the Wildcats

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Reporter
September 9, 2023

A lockdown defensive performance along with two early goals from forward Jiana Martin vaulted the Chico State Wildcats over Central Washington University in their home opener. Coming off a loss to the...

Miles Rice attacking the ball against a defender

Two early goals earn Chico State Men’s Soccer win over Western Washington University

Nathan Chiochios and Nick Sanders
September 6, 2023

The Chico State Wildcats came out hot in the first half, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes, and were able to hold on and win 2-0 against Western Washington University at the University Stadium. The...