Chris Verhulst – Reno, NV
Football-1984, 1985, 1986, 1987


Chris grew up in San Ramon, California, where he attended California High School, lettering in four sports – football, track, soccer, and baseball. He was All-Conference in football, track, and soccer. He was recognized as the Most Valuable Athlete and Athlete of the Year for his high school in 1984.

Chris began his Chico State career in 1984 and majored in business administration. He lettered all four years in football and was All-Conference three years and All-American status two years. To quote Coach Mike Bellotti, Chris was instrumental in helping us (Chico State) achieve our number 10 national ranking for Division II football in 1986.

Chris holds the Chico State record for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was selected as Chico State’s 1988 Male Athlete of the Year and played in the East/West Shrine Game.

The Houston Oilers drafted Chris as a tight end in the fifth round of the 1988 NFL draft. He also played for the Denver Broncos. Chris played for four years before injuring his achilles tendon.

In 1995 Chris was voted into the Bay Area Athletic Hall of Fame.

Chris currently lives in Sparks, Nevada, where he is a proud father of four children, Austen, Olivia, Isabelle, and Charlotte. Chris is married to his high school sweetheart Mary Vize, who also attended Chico State (Class of ’89). He is currently the Vice President of International Development for Microflex Medical Corporation, a world leader in medical device manufacturing.