1999 Hall of Fame Inductee

REX SMITH &endash; Chico, CA
Football &endash; 1970, 1971

Rex Smith came to Chico State in 1970 to complete his college education. He was previously a student and athlete at Hartnell Junior College in Salinas and was a member of their championship football teams in 1968 and 1969. In his second season with the Hartnell team, Rex was honored as an All-American tight end.

Rex received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1973. He worked full time to put himself through college, holding jobs at the University Farm and Persons Brothers Ranch in Biggs. Even with his difficult schedule, he was a proud member of the exceptional Wildcat football teams of 1970 and 1971, holding the position of wide receiver. In 1970, Rex was second in receiving for the season with 535 yards and three touchdowns.

The 1971 season was an exciting one for Rex and the Wildcats. That fall Rex broke several team records, some of which he held for almost two decades. His records included Receiving Yards in a Game with 199 yards, Season Records for Receiving Yards and Receptions with 935 yards and 43 receptions, Career Receiving Yards of 1,470 and Career Receptions of 75.

That year, Rex was honored by being named the Chico State College Offensive Player of the Year, and the Far Western Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Hewas a member of the All Conference Football Team, and he was named to the 2nd All Coast Offensive Team and received Honorable Mention on the Associated Press All-American Football Team. Rex proudly completed his football career at Chico State in the 11th Annual Camellia Bowl, NCAA West College Football Championship game.

Since graduation, Rex has managed almond and rice property in the Durham and Red Bluff areas. Currently, he owns several orchards and oversees an additional 700 acres of almonds. He is married to Sarah Dahl and has a stepson Jeffrey Brown, a student at CSU, Chico.