Rob Tomlinson
Football (1988-91)

Football teams facing the Wildcats from 1988 to 1991 knew that in order to win, they would have to figure out a way to defend the arm of Rob Tomlinson. A three-time all-NCAC pick, and the league’s most valuable offensive player in ‘89, Rob was truly one of the top quarterbacks in the country during his days in a Wildcat uniform.

Among Rob’s accomplishments as a four-year starter for the Wildcats:
• 3,528 total yards in the 1989 season.
• 9,921 career total yards.
• 52 career touchdown passes.
• 748 career completions.

His numbers in conference play speak for themselves, but Rob also left his mark at the national level. The most recent NCAA Football Records Book shows Rob 10th all-time in Division II in career total yards, and 13th in career passing yards with 9,434.

Rob’s stats were, of course, impressive, but what people remember most is the respect he earned from his teammates, coaches and opponents. Former Wildcat head football coach Gary Houser said that Rob was “a tough, natural leader when he played for me. It was like having another coach on the field.” Rob went on to prove coach Houser right by becoming the last head coach of the Wildcat football program.

Since leaving Chico in June of 1997, Rob has worked in the technical contractor staffing industry, recruiting and providing technical talent to Bay Area companies. Primarily, he deals with software engineering and network system support.

Rob is married to Stefanie and has a son, Evan James.