E. L. “Bud” Gott
Football (1940-42, 1946)
Track & Field (1940-41)

Bud Gott enrolled at Chico State in the fall of 1940 after graduating from Oroville High School. He participated in football and track and field for the Wildcats until 1942 when, like so many men of his generation, his collegiate career was put on hold because of World War II.

Bud served in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific. Bud’s unit was involved in the battle for Iwo Jima, a battle that raged for 36 days. Three days before the island was secured by Allied forces, Bud suffered wounds from a hand grenade.

After the war, Bud returned to Chico State where he played a final year of football, became class president, and was chairman of the Pioneer Days festivities. He received his BA in 1947 and then continued his education at Columbia University in New York where he earned his MA.

Bud’s teaching and coaching career began at Vacaville High School where he served for 11 years. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track as well as serving at various times as Dean of Students, Vice Principal and finally, Assistant Superintendent. In 1958, he became superintendent of the Clarksburg Public Schools, a position he held for three years before assuming the job of superintendent of Corning Union High School. Bud served the Corning school district with great distinction untill his retirement in 1985.

Bud has always believed in being involved in the community. Over the years, he has served and been associated with several organizations including the Corning Chamber of Commerce and the Vacaville and Corning Rotary clubs. He is currently a member of both the Chico State Alumni Association and the Columbia University Alumni Association, as well as the American Legion Raisner Post #45, the Black Butte Scottish Rite Club and the Vacaville Masonic Lodge.