Rich Sorenson - Rocklin, CA
Football-1972, 1973, 1974, 1975


Rich was a Chico product attending Chico High lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and golf.

Beginning his career at CSU, Chico in 1972, Rich was the place kicker for four years, setting all school records for kicking: Most field goals, per game season and career; longest field goal and consecutive points after a touchdown without a miss. Rich also punted during the 1974 –75 seasons, averaging 38.5 yards per punt.

Rich was named to the All Far Western Conference Second Team in 1974 and the First Team in 1975. Rich was the finest kickoff and extra point kicker in the long history of Chico State kickers. He was recognized for his talent by being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and was in their training camp during the 1977 and 1978 preseasons. Rich was a victim of the soccer-style kickers, as the NFL replaced all head-on kickers during his attempt to become a member on the Seahawks’ roster.

As Rich was completing his credential at CSU, Chico, he was an assistant football coach at Chico Senior High School. He completed his masters degree in educational management in 1990 and is currently an elementary school principal in the Roseville City School District.

Rich married his wife, Diane, in 1982. They have three sons: Zach, 16, Nick, 14, and Josh, 12. Since 1989, Rich’s coaching has focused on his sons’ various teams, primarily baseball and soccer.