2000 Hall of Fame Inductee

TOM ALDRIDGE &endash; Chico, CA

Football &endash; 1970, 1971, 1972

Tom Aldridge attended Chico State from 1970 through 1975. He participated on the football team during the years 1970, 71 and 72. A big thrill was his experience as a member of the Camellia Bowl Team in 1971. 1972 was a great year for Tom: he was selected Team Captain, was All Conference First Team as an offensive and defensive player and was Honorable Mention All-Coast, as well.

Tom taught and coached football and track at Pleasant Valley High School 1973-1974. He was Durham High School's football and track coach in 1975. Tom then worked at Los Molinos H.S. and coached football, basketball and track for four years. He has since coached football, track and golf at Oroville High, beginning in 1980 and continues to teach and coach there today.

During his coaching tenure at Oroville High, Tom has functioned as the offensive and defensive line coach as well as defensive coordinator. According to his current Athletic Director, Tom has given of himself to every aspect of the football program at Oroville High School and credits Tom for helping to make the Oroville High School football program one of the most highly respected programs in the North Section.

Tom's teaching strategies of mathematics have been exceptional. He is noted for working successfully with a diverse student population using motivational techniques that allow students to learn and enjoy the subject matter.

Tom has performed a variety of roles throughout his tenure at Oroville High School. He has served on the School Advisory Council, has been an effective assistant principal and is presently chairperson of the math department.

From 1995-97, Tom was a very active, supportive board member of the Chico Aqua Jets. He is currently a board member of the Chico Jr. High School Basketball Association; most recently, Tom was selected as the spokesperson for the Basketball Association's parent group representing the three junior high schools in Chico. A former teammate states, Tom Aldridge was not only a great football player, he is an individual who has dedicated his career to teaching and coaching; he will always be a Hall of Famer to me and his other Wildcat teammates.