Mark Edward Smith
Swimming (1963-64)
Water Polo (1963-64)

Mark Smith came to Chico State in 1963, and it’s not a coincidence that his arrival conincided with an unprecedented string of championships in the sport of swimming at Chico State.

In his first year of competition for the Wildcats, Mark set Far West Conference records in both the 100-yard and 200-yard breastroke as well as the 200-yard and 400-yard individual medley. But that was only a glimpse of what was to come in 1964. That season, Mark set a new school record and captured first place at the NCAA Regionals in the 200-yard breastroke, qualifying him for the NCAA national championship meet.

When he wasn’t racing up and down the pool, Mark was earning first team all-FWC honors as a member of the Wildcat water polo team. He was known as a potent scoring threat and a fearless defender.

After graduating with a degree in Social Science in 1965, Mark went off to serve with the U.S. Navy until 1970 as a naval aviator with two tours during the Vietnam war.

After returning to civilian life, Mark worked for nearly a decade in underground construction before starting up his own successful landscaping business.

Mark has been married to his “wonderful and spirited” wife Sandie for 30 years. They are the proud parents of three lovely daughters and the proud grandparents of three.

Mark still enjoys swimming on a regular basis and also keeps in shape through his practice of yoga and Aikido.