John Fredotovich – Emeryville, CA
Football-1941, 1942
Football Manager-1946, 1947
Boxing Trainer/Manager-1948


During John’s elementary, junior high and high school, he never failed to make a team and always strived to be the best in the sports he participated. He focused on his responsibilities and demonstrated a bulldog tenacity to perform to the best of his physical capabilities. In high school because of his determination and enthusiasm and constant work habits, John made the Oakland Athletic Football Leagues All-City team as a guard.

During John’s enrollment in high school, he became involved in the art of boxing, at the Oakland Athletic Club. However, training was long and arduous and John had to make the decision to concentrate on his education as a means to another vocation in life or to become a professional boxer. John decided to opt for the future through education. Although John chose a career outside of boxing, the lessons and training experienced as a boxer endowed him a strong physique and a mind set to achieve his best with hard work and a positive attitude. His last fight was a fitting closer; he won the bout by a second round knockout.

As a freshman and sophomore at Chico State College he made the varsity in football both years. In 1942, John again became a force as a guard in his sophomore year when the team ended the season with five wins and one loss. In his first game, against San Francisco State, he made a tackle on the opening kick-off on the 5-yard line. John played the remaining games with the same enthusiasm

The bombing of Pearl Harbor drastically changed the lives of millions of student athletes. John enlisted in the Marine Corps and was eventually assigned to the 5th Marine Division in Hawaii for future operations. John’s E company was the 12th wave and all hell broke loose. His younger brother was the 1st wave in the 27th Marines. John’s company had the assignment to take Mt. Suribachi. He was wounded on the left side by a mortar shell shattering his leg and destroying the bicep of his left arm. Through the quick and professional medical care, the doctors were able to save his left leg and arm but John’s recovery took19 months. The injury ended his athletic career.

After the war, John re-registered in 1946 at Chico State College to complete his quest to finish his education. John’s disability was never a factor that hindered his desire to be a college student and seek skills to prepare for a vocation following graduation.

John concentrated his efforts on academics and balanced his college experience by participating in several student activities: Blue Key Organization, Delta Psi Delta fraternity, Industrial Club, Block C Club, Newman Club, Upsilon Phi Tau.

Because of his previous experience, he became an assistant trainer and instructor on Art Acker’s boxing team. This sport was introduced by Mr. Acker for the first time at Chico State and was highly successful in its first year of college competition. John’s contribution of time and effort was a factor in the success. He served also as football manager for two years.

John was well respected by the faculty and popular with his fellow students. In 1947 he was elected Sheriff of Pioneer Day. In 1948, as a senior, he became editor of the college yearbook, The Record.

John’s greatest achievement came after graduation. He became teacher/counselor in the Oakland Public School System, the same schools that he had attended as a boy. John contributed fifty years of service to help youngsters attain the skills necessary to meet their lifelong needs. President Clinton commended him for his exemplary dedication to the profession of teacher and counseling.