1998 Hall of Fame Inductee

PETE HOVLAND - Rochester, MI
Swimming - 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976

Pete Hovland's teammates and his coaches all agree that he is the finest swimmer in Chico State history. His swimming career is highlighted by the following accomplishments.

• Member of four NCAA Championship Teams (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976)
• Member of the 1976 team that scored a record number of points and had the largest ever winning margin
• 13 time NCAA Champion (five times in individual events, eight times in relays)
• 1976 NCAA Division II Swimmer-of-the-Year
• Scored 159 points in NCAA Championships to lead all Chico State swimmers
• Member of three Conference Championship Teams (1973, 1975, 1976)
• Four time individual event Conference Champion (1975, 1976)
• 1976 Chico State Senior Athlete-of-the-Year
• Held six school and NCAA records when his career ended in 1976

In 1977 Pete remained at Chico State as an Assistant Coach for Clark Yeager and completed his degree. He went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1979. He has been the head coach at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan since 1981, where his teams have won four NCAA Division II Championships and finished as runner-up eight times. He has also been selected NCAA Coach of the Year six times while coaching seven NCAA Swimmers-of-the-Year. His teams have earned Academic All-American Honors each and every year while six of his swimmers have been awarded NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. He is currently a member of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee and former member of the College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Board of Directors. He is recognized by many as one of the finest swimming coaches in America.

Pete was, and continues to be, a positive influence on all he touches in swimming and education. The Wildcats are proud of one of its all time greats!