1999 Hall of Fame Inductee

FRANK PAICH*
Basketball &endash; 1941, 1942
Football &endash; 1941, 1942

Frank Paich came to Chico State in January 1941 after a sterling athletic career at McClymonds High School in Oakland, where he made the basketball team as a freshman. At McClymonds he excelled in three major sports: basketball (for four years, twice All-City, All-County); football; and baseball (three years, All-City, league contract by Joe Devine, then primary scout for the New York Yankees). Frank's father encouraged him to pursue an education first to prepare him for a career after baseball.

While still a freshman at Chico State, Frank made the varsity in both football and basketball, earning his Block 'C' in both sports. Chico State did not field a baseball team during these years, but Frank was the first baseman for the Chico Colts during the summers of 1941 and 1942. Baseball was Frank's favorite sport. Due to his outstanding athletic ability, he was a triple-threat in football and always a threat to the opposing team in basketball for his quickness and strength.

Due to World War II, Frank left Chico State in March 1943, when he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. After recruit training he became a member of the Raider Battalion for further training before being assigned to the 5th Marine Division.

Regretfully, Frank Paich was not able to fulfill his plans to return to Chico State to pursue his promising athletic and professional career. He gave his life for his country on February 20, 1945, during the battle for Iwo Jima.