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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 Patrick Pace
Photo credit: Sean Martens

Leader of the pack

Patrick Pace
December 13, 2017
Senior starting point guard hopes to lead the Wildcats on one last run
Photo credit: Sean Martens

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace
November 30, 2017
Whitney Branham
Mcferren dribbles down the court, looking to make a play for his team. - Photo courtesy of Jalen Mcferren

‘Cats dominate the Warriors at home

Patrick Pace
November 28, 2017

The Chico State men's basketball team won their first California Collegiate Athletic Association game of the season against Stanislaus State by a score of 73-59. The Wildcats controlled the game from start-to-finish....

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Wildcat of the week

Patrick Pace and Sean Martens
November 15, 2017
Colby Dean
Senior forward Kayla Taylor goes after a jump ball against an opponent. She had 14 points in their recent loss. Photo credit: Jordyn Smith

Lady ‘Cats lose in disappointing fashion

Patrick Pace
November 14, 2017

The Chico State women's basketball team is now 0-2 after dropping double digit leads in the fourth quarter of both of their games. The latest loss was to Notre Dame de Namur University. In a game that...

Senior point guard Jalen Mcferren led his team to a strong victory against Biola University on Saturday. Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Chico State’s basketball team gets their first win

Patrick Pace
November 13, 2017

The Chico State men's basketball team recorded their first win of the season against Biola University in the California Collegiate Athletic Association/Pac West Challenge. The 'Cats have had a rough...

Silverstrom celebrates with his teammates after winning the NCAA West Region title. Photo credit: Andy Wilhelm

Corey Silverstrom dominates the hardwood and the gaming world

Patrick Pace
November 6, 2017

Basketball isn't Corey Silverstrom's only aptitude. Silverstrom is also a professional gamer, which is something most people do not know about. Silverstrom, also known as “Legggit," within the competitive...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace
October 26, 2017

Donta'e Garcia is a senior defender on the Chico State men's soccer team. A transfer student from Santa Rosa, Garcia will play a key role in the team's upcoming postseason run. He has come on strong in...

Wildcat of the week

Patrick Pace and Sean Martens
October 22, 2017
Bekah Boyle
Bekah Boyle and her teammates set up to return a serve against an opposing team Photo credit: Jordan Jarrell

Wildcats overcome the Otters

Patrick Pace
October 17, 2017

The Chico State volleyball team upset the Cal State Monterey Otters in a thriller of a game on Saturday. After losing the first two sets of the competition, head coach Cody Hein decided to do something...

Kim Wright, sophomore middle hitter for the Chico State women's volleyball team. Photo credit: Sean Martens

Wildcat of the week

Patrick Pace
October 4, 2017

Kim Wright is a sophomore middle hitter for the Chico State volleyball team. A first team All-CCAA selection last year, Wright is now one of the leaders of a team that won the north division of their league...

The curious case of Colin Kaepernick

Patrick Pace
September 18, 2017

Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL for taking a stand against police brutality. Everyone knows he should be on an NFL team. Though he only started 12 games last season, he scored 18 touchdowns...

Torey Thompson sets the ball. Orion stock photo.

Wildcats route the Red Hawks

Patrick Pace
September 14, 2017

The Chico State women's volleyball team beat Simpson University in straight sets on Tuesday in their first home game of the season. This was the Wildcats pre-conference game, and they left no question...

Bekah Boyle celebrates a kill with her teammates Photo credit: Jordan Jarrell

‘Cats start the volleyball season strong

Patrick Pace
September 4, 2017

The Chico State women's volleyball team swept their series against the Holy Names University Hawks in their first game of the Route 92 Showdown. The Wildcats finished the match in less than 80 minutes. In...

The Trade heard ’round the world

Patrick Pace
August 30, 2017

On August 22, the NBA universe was flipped on it's head. Kyrie Irving, the starting point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers and a top-15 player in the NBA, was traded for Boston Celtics starting point guard...

The team huddles up to talk about the game.

Striving to Improve

Patrick Pace
August 28, 2017
Chico State men's soccer hopes to build on last year's turbulent season

Do’s and Don’ts of Fantasy Football

Patrick Pace
August 24, 2017

Embed from Getty Images It's the most wonderful time of the year! Fantasy football season is finally upon us. For most of us, this means spending countless hours taking part in mock drafts trying...

Photo credit: Andy Wilheln

Wildcat photos of the year

Patrick Pace
August 23, 2017

2017 has been a historical year for Chico State sports teams so far. From basketball to track, most Wildcat teams enjoyed a high level of success in the spring. Isaiah Ellis celebrates a win in the NCAA...

The Women's volleyball team has high hopes for the upcoming season. Orion stock photo

‘Cats hoping for continued success

Patrick Pace
August 23, 2017

The Chico State women's volleyball team had a very exciting season last year. The team went 23-8, its best record since 2009, and made it to both the California Collegiate Association and NCAA Championship...

Wildcats get axed by Lumberjacks

Patrick Pace
May 17, 2017

The Chico State baseball team won their second California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament in a row at Banner Island Ballpark last weekend. They capped the weekend off with a 12-5...

Back to back banners for the ‘Cats

Patrick Pace
May 17, 2017

The Chico State softball team ended their season with a 2-5 loss to Humboldt State in the NCAA West Regional on May 13. The Wildcats fought to the end, defeating both Cal Baptist and Cal State San Bernadino...

Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace and Franky Renteria
May 10, 2017

Willie Latin is a senior runner on the Chico State track and field team. The team has won 13 conference titles in 14 years and Latin has been a big part of the team's success this year. How long have you...

Wildcats win its second straight CCAA championship

Patrick Pace
May 2, 2017

The Chico State baseball team clinched their second straight California Collegiate Athletic Association title for the first time in school history against Cal State East Bay. The Wildcats, who have gone...

Wildcat ladies just made it into the CCAA

Patrick Pace
May 2, 2017

The Chico State softball team won their final game of the regular season in extra innings against Sonoma State to clinch the fourth and final spot in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship...

Photo courtesy of: Colby Dean

‘Cats thrives after losing 2 top players and a coach

Patrick Pace
April 25, 2017

Despite their losses, the Wildcats have managed to head into the postseason ranked 25th in the nation by Golfweek and 26th by Golfstat. Even though the team struggled in a few tournaments, they were able...

Can the ’Cats claw their way back

Patrick Pace
April 23, 2017

After splitting their doubleheader in a previous game, the Chico State softball team lost two close games including the series to the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters. The Otters, ranked seventh in the nation...

Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace and Franky Renteria
April 19, 2017

Brook Oneto is a senior center forward for the Chico State club inline hockey team. After taking a few years off from hockey after high school, he was happy to join the club team in his fourth year in...

Photo credit: creative commons

NCAA policies are hurting student athletes

Patrick Pace
April 19, 2017

The long list of banned substances put in place by the NCAA comes with serious consequences. Regardless of whether it is a performance-enhancing or recreational drug, use of any banned substance will result...

Wildcats lose their first series of the year

Patrick Pace
April 11, 2017

Chico State baseball lost their series against the second place UC San Diego Tritons this weekend, making the race for first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association even closer than before....

Making it to first in the nation

Making it to first in the nation

Patrick Pace
April 5, 2017

The Chico State men’s baseball team is number one in the country for Division II. With a mix of savvy veterans and key newcomers, the Wildcats are a tough team to beat. The team is currently 27-5...

’Cats slide into another win

Patrick Pace
April 4, 2017

Senior infielder Jimbo Pernetti hit his second home run and made key plays on defense against the Cal State San Marcos Cougars.The game never got close as the ’Cats jumped out to a four-run lead...

Freshman pitcher throws no hitter

Patrick Pace
April 4, 2017

Samantha Mulock threw a no-hitter for Chico State against the Notre Dame de Namur Argonauts. Mulock was excellent in her five innings on the mound striking out four batters and retiring the rest without...

Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Wildcat of the Week

Franky Renteria and Patrick Pace
March 29, 2017
Marvin Timothy #12

Wildcats topple the Coyotes

Patrick Pace
March 29, 2017

The Chico State softball team defeated the Cal State San Bernadino Coyotes 4-0 March 27, ending their series on a high note. After losing 0-3 to the Coyotes in the second game of their four game series...

Photo credit: Andy Wilhelm

’Cats won the West, now what?

Patrick Pace
March 21, 2017

The Chico State men’s basketball team came together at the right time to make an improbable run in the NCAA Championship Tournament.Faced with the challenge to either rise up and win their region...

Photo credit: Andy Wilhelm

’Cats are electric in the NCAA

Patrick Pace
March 21, 2017

Chico State went from being the fourth best team in the conference to the champion of the West region of the NCAA Championship Tournament. The ’Cats utilized every player in the rotation to the best...

Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Should NBA players take games off?

Patrick Pace
March 21, 2017

Imagine this: You’re a huge fan of Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers but you live in Los Angeles. You buy tickets to watch the Cavaliers play the Clippers during the regular season. You buy...

Grand Slam extends the ’Cats streak.

Patrick Pace
March 21, 2017

Junior second-baseman Cameron Santos hit a walk-off grand slam to put the Chico State baseball team over Cal Poly Pomona Broncos extending their winning streak.While the Broncos seemed to bring the ’Cats...

Wildcats win first round of NCAA's

Wildcats win first round of NCAA’s

Patrick Pace
March 20, 2017

Sophomore forward Marvin Timothy scored 12 points and provided a huge boost for the Chico State men's basketball team as they defeated Western Washington University 96-83 in the first round of the NCAA...

Ellis and Duncan hug after a win Photo credit: Jordyn Smith

Best ’Cats in the West

Patrick Pace
March 15, 2017
Chico State men's basketball is going to the Elite 8
Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace and Franky Renteria
March 7, 2017

Isaiah Ellis is a junior forward for the Chico State men's basketball team. During his first year as a starter, Ellis averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and has emerged as one of the leaders...

Wildcats lost in the CCAA

Wildcats lost in the CCAA

Patrick Pace
March 5, 2017
Chico State loses to UC San Diego in the Semifinals
Wildcat of the Week: Ari Marsh

Wildcat of the Week: Ari Marsh

The Wildcats softball team is off to a red hot start this season and sophomore outfielder Ari Marsh is a rising star on campus. After appearing in 53 games last season as a Freshman, Marsh elevated...

Demarcus Cousins is finally free

Patrick Pace
February 24, 2017

The Sacramento Kings must have the dumbest personnel in the NBA. On Feb. 19, just minutes after the All-Star game, the Kings traded Demarcus "Boogie" Cousins, their best player by far, to the New Orleans...

Photo credit: Franky Renteria

Wildcat of the week: Whitney Branham

Franky Renteria and Patrick Pace
February 23, 2017

Junior guard Whitney Branham is the leading scorer for the Chico State Wildcat's women's basketball team. She averages 14.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and is an 89 percent free throw shooter. After...

Men’s basketball is bouncing back

Patrick Pace
February 20, 2017

Robert Duncan scored 18 points on 7-13 shooting and led the Wildcats to a convincing win against Cal State Stanislaus in the last regular season home game of his career.It was senior night for Duncan and...

Women’s basketball third straight loss

Patrick Pace
February 20, 2017

The Chico State women's basketball team dropped it's second game in a row to Cal State Stanislaus, making their next two games crucial if they want to participate in the postseason tournament. The Wildcats...

Wildcat of the Week

Wildcat of the Week

Patrick Pace
February 14, 2017

Jalen Mcferren is the starting point guard for the Chico State men's basketball team. He is averaging almost 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He is also shooting 91 percent from the free...

Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Women’s basketball is on the right track

Patrick Pace
February 14, 2017

After two 10-16 seasons, Chico State women's basketball seems to be trending in the right direction again. The Wildcats are currently 14-8 overall with a 9-3 record at home and are currently in 7th place...

'Cats win in a thriller

‘Cats win in a thriller

Patrick Pace
February 2, 2017

Freshman Justin Briggs scored a season-high 19 points in 22 minutes of action in a win over the Cal State San Bernadino Coyotes Jan. 27 at home. Briggs set the tone early with two huge dunks with 14...

Tom Terrific does it again

Patrick Pace
January 31, 2017
The greatest quarterback in NFL History adds another Super Bowl trip to his resume

Sitting down to stand up

Patrick Pace
September 8, 2016

I'm not mad at Colin Kaepernick. On Aug. 26 before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, The quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers decided to sit down during the national anthem. Kaepernick...

Sports reporter Patrick Pace. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Laremy Tunsil goes up in smoke

Patrick Pace
May 9, 2016
The story of Laremy Tunsil's Draft day disaster.
First-year Rachel DeHart winds up before an inning as junior Cailin Garmon waits at shortstop in a game against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Photo credit: Nick Martinez-Esquibel

Softball loses CCAA title match

Patrick Pace
May 3, 2016
The 'Cats lose in the finals of the CCAA tournament.
Junior Cody Snider jumps up for a high-five with teammate junior Dalton Erb as senior Andrew Carrillo watches. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Idaho native provides spark for baseball team

Patrick Pace
May 2, 2016
Junior outfielder Cody Snider has helped provide a spark for his new team.
Junior Josh Falco loads up in a game against the Academy of Art. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Wright shines in loss against Broncos

Patrick Pace
April 21, 2016
Junior Grant Wright breaks down after six shutout innings.
Chico State Dirt Riders team competes against stiff competition. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Dirt Riders push through muddy start

Patrick Pace
April 20, 2016
Chico State Dirt Riders Club hopes to pick up numbers and support in the next few years.
Sports writer Patrick Pace. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

The video seen ’round the world

Patrick Pace
April 9, 2016
The Lakers have become an embarrassment of a team, and it just got worse.
Senior Ben Gamba waits for the ball in a game against Academy of Art. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Chico State baseball team splits doubleheader

Patrick Pace
April 8, 2016
'Cats split two thrilling games against Cal State East Bay.
First-year Ari Marsh bunts the ball down the third baseline. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

‘Cats build on winning streak in Turlock

Patrick Pace
April 6, 2016
Chico State softball rolls against Holy Names.
The Chico State dugout looks on after junior infielder Casey Bennett sprints to first. Photo credit: Allisun Coote

Wildcats win close game against UC San Diego

Patrick Pace
March 28, 2016
Wildcats win game 2 in dramatic fashion
Sports writer Patrick Pace Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

The fall of Johnny Football

Patrick Pace
March 18, 2016
The rapid rise and fall of Johnny "Football" Manziel.
Sports writer Patrick Pace Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

March Madness preview

Patrick Pace
March 17, 2016
Columnist Patrick Pace gives you all you need to know about this years March Madness.
Sports reporter Patrick Pace Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Stop hating on greatness

Patrick Pace
March 4, 2016
Previous players should stop commenting on Steph Curry and today's Golden State Warriors team.
Junior Robert Duncan drives in a game against Cal Poly Pomona on Feb. 19. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

‘Cats lose in CCAA opening round

Patrick Pace
March 2, 2016
No. 1 seeded Wildcats are upset in the first round of the CCAA Championship Tournament.
Sophomore Isaiah Ellis dunks the ball over his opponent in a game. Photo credit: Jacob Auby

Patience is a virtue: Sophomore has breakout year

Patrick Pace
March 1, 2016
Inside Isaiah Ellis's breakout year on the men's basketball team.
The men's basketball team lines up during the National Anthem in a game against Cal Poly Pomona.

‘Cats clinch second straight CCAA title

Patrick Pace
February 27, 2016
Chico State men's basketball team beats Cal State Dominguez Hills to win their second straight conference title.
Sophomore Jalen McFerren takes a shot against Cal State Stanislaus while junior Robert Duncan looks for the rebound. Photo credit: Jordan Olesen

Men’s basketball rebounds from Friday’s loss

Patrick Pace
February 23, 2016
Big games from Silverstrom and Ellis propel the Wildcats to a win
The Chico State track and field team warms up for pole vaulting practice. Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

Track and field team springs into action

Patrick Pace
February 22, 2016
'Cats hope to continue success in the CCAA.
Senior Alli Cook runs to steal third base at the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Softball team splits first CCAA doubleheader of the season

Patrick Pace
February 15, 2016
Seawolves split a pair of games in Sonoma.
Patrick Pace, sports reporter Photo credit: Cam Lesslie

I Piti’ the Cardinals

Patrick Pace
February 11, 2016
Louisville basketball scandal is affecting the wrong people.
Senior Alli Cook swings at the ball during practice on Jan. 27. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Senior softball pair hold school records

Patrick Pace
February 9, 2016
Seniors Desiree' Gonzalez and Alli Cook will not only add to their records, but also help guide the team throughout the season.
Junior Cailin Garmon pitches the ball during practice on Jan. 27. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Softball team splits double header to open season

Patrick Pace
February 8, 2016
The softball team loses one and wins one against Academy of Art.
Sophomore guard Corey Silverstrom attacks the defense against Cal State Stanislaus on Jan. 30. Photo credit: Jordan Olesen

Men’s basketball team wins thriller to extend their streak

Patrick Pace
February 7, 2016
McFerren leads the 'Cats to their sixth victory in a row