Margie Wilson
Athletic Secretary – 1973-present


Margie Wilson came to Chico State College in the fall of 1969 from nearby Oroville. Her original intention was to be a teacher but many changes happened along the way. She was hired in the physical education department as a student. In the fall of 1973 Margie became the full time athletic director’s secretary. With the years, Margie’s job has evolved. What began as a basic typing and filing position has turned into one of managing a budget of over two million dollars.

Since the 1970’s so many names, faces, and programs have come and gone. About the only things that have continued to be around are the buildings and Margie. Margie has worked closely with nine different athletic directors: Don Scott, Rex Grossart, Dick Marshall, Joan Wallace, Don Miller, Clark Yeager, Janet Kittell, Don Batie, and Anita Barker. Each of them has imparted their unique qualities in Margie’s evolution. During Margie’s tenure, Chico State has been in three different conferences, had three different university presidents, has introduced scholarships, and has seen many NCAA changes

Being a shy person, Margie has been the one behind the scenes who helps make day-to-day operations possible. Her consistency and expertise have been very valuable to athletics as she has assisted new athletic directors and coaches learn the ins and outs of Chico State athletics. Margie’s job is not always an easy one. Ask any coaches’ wife or husband, when they are in season , it requires special care and Margie has quite a knack for handling them.

One of the perks of Margie’s job has been to work with some wonderful people. Her bosses, the coaches, students, and athletes make it more that just a job. They have been appreciative of Margie’s hard work and their kindness and good-hearted teasing keeps her on her toes. Margie has often stated that the athletic department is like her second family and it has been a labor of love. The problem of small programs, however, is having to say good-bye to some very good friends as they move on the new opportunities in athletics and education. It is the bittersweet part of the job that Margie has had to experience many times over the years.

Being involved in athletics has not been just a job but an experience. She has always been a fan of Wildcat sports. She has seen the play of Pete’s and Puck’s basketball teams, participated in being part of the tunnel at soccer games, baked or froze in the stands with Barbara Trimmer, Carol Hall, Merle Batie and her cow bell, and the other coaches’ wives as they rooted on our football and soccer teams. She sat in amazement at Chico’s championship baseball teams and watched in awe in Acker as some of America’s finest gymnasts came to perform. She has even fallen asleep during Midnight Madness . What commitment!