Herb Scott
Snow Skiing-1961-1965
Cross Country- 1960, 1961
Track & Field-1961


Herb Scott entered Chico State in the fall of 1960. His freshman year he competed in cross-country, snow skiing, and track & field. As a track & field distance competitor, Herb competed in the one and two mile, as it was called then. He ran a sub 4:40 mile.

Herb competed in skiing for four years in all four events: cross country, jumping, downhill, and slalom. He was the team captain three years. He qualified and participated in the US Olympic ski team tryouts in Oregon in 1962. In 1963, as a three-year letterman, Herb was an intragal member of Chico State’s undefeated cross-country ski team season. He jumped over 700 feet and skied over 70 mph. He represented Chico State on the ski slopes from Lassen, California, to Vail, Colorado. He was a gentle man on campus but a fierce competitor on the hill. He was more than just an excellent athlete. He was an exceptional person. He gained the respect from all of us that knew him-and earned it, says his former high school track & field coach, Mel Jones.

From 1961-64 the Grand Prix Bicycle Races were held during the Pioneer Days celebration and Herb was champion three consecutive years. Herb graduated in 1965 with a physical education major, a minor in math, and obtained his master’s degree. He enjoyed intramural football, and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Following graduation, Herb taught at Liberty Union High School in Brentwood from 1966-85. He taught college-prep math and coached throughout his teaching years: cross country, track, and golf. He was the golf coach at the time of his death. Following his death, the graduating class of 1985 at Liberty Union High School requested that the math wing be renamed S-Wing in honor of Herb. That request was granted. In 1991 when a new math/computer building was completed, a dedication ceremony was held to name the new building Scott Hall. In the spring of 1985 an annual perpetual Herb Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund for math students was established.

Herb’s long time friend and colleague, John Meyer, states, Although he presented a calm demeanor and was quite approachable, you would soon realize that ‘Mr. Scott’ didn’t put up with ‘slackers’ and would soon ‘introduce’ you to his regiment for success. When math tutoring his students, there would be physical exercise before lessons—to ‘sharpen the mind’.

Jerry Miller who coached and taught with Herb for 20 years says, He was an outstanding coach who always put his athletes first. His athletes respected him and were always well prepared for competition. Herb always made anything he was associated with fun. His players liked him. He was so genuine. He would go the extra mile to help them both on the field or off.

Although killed by a drunk driver in the prime of his life, Herb’s affect upon those he encountered was unbelievable. Meyer remembers that the 1500 capacity gymnasium where Scott’s memorial service was held was overflowing with mourners. Meyer said, The uncontrolled outpouring of pain, anguish, and sorrow from so many for the loss of their friend, teacher, and coach stands as a true testament to the value of the man who was Herb Scott,