1999 Hall of Fame Inductee

NICK CHIPPONERI &endash; Modesto, CA
Baseball &endash; 1966, 1967, 1968

Nick Chipponeri came to CSU, Chico from Modesto Junior College and immediately displayed advanced offensive and defensive skills in baseball. In his 3 years, he was awarded All-League honors twice and Most Valuable Player once. At this time, Chip displayed team enthusiasm and a dedicated work ethic. He was loyal to the team and school and was a very unselfish player. Upon completion of his teaching credential he returned to the Modesto School District.

In the subsequent 28 years he has taught and coached at every level with outstanding success. He has fielded various teams to 23 championships. During his 9 years at Downey High School, a member of the Central California Conference, he had three league championships and five times qualified for the playoffs. He was voted Coach of the Year three times and coached the Lion's All-Star in 1986 to a regional win. Nick was selected and inducted into the Downy Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, as both a player and coach. In 1990 Modesto Junior College inducted him into the Football Team of the Decade for the 1960s.

Nick continues teaching physical education and coaches the Downey golf team. He continues being a role model for his students.