Well, my clue for #4 was a good one, I thought, but you would have to know my personal history. After I was done with my student teaching at Orland High (20 miles west of Chico), I subbed in Chico for a year and also taught two night classes in Astronomy for Butte College. I still have the credential for that class- a lifetime one in Astrophysics. I’ve always thought it was an impressive title, just don’t ask me to define it. Aaron Charles Rodgers went to Pleasant Valley High (where I subbed, though well before Rodgers was there) and I taught at Butte College, where Rodgers played while wearing #4. He had to be on this list because the finest town I have ever lived in was Chico, and it had to be represented. I’ve always told my students that if I am offered a Harvard and Chico State scholarship in my next life, I’m going back to Chico!
While I despised the Packers growing up, I now root for them, though not against the Rams, and it’s all because of Rodgers being from Chico. I love the guy, and after Frank’s story, my admiration has grown. He was virtually unknown out of high school, so he played at Butte College in nearby Oroville. The recruiter from Cal came up to Butte to scout a wide receiver. The coach told him to also take a look at Rodgers, and the rest is history. He had a great career at Cal, but when the draft came, he dropped further than expected. Finally taken by the Packers with the 24th pick, he sat on the bench for 4 or 5 years behind Favre. Despite the pressure of following a legend, he quickly became one of the best QB’s in the league and its now arguably the best. He won Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011 over the Steelers 31-25, and was named the game’s MVP. He also won the MVP of the NFL the following year. The Rams could have had him, as they had the 19th pick in 2005 and took an offensive tackle, Alex Barron, who played for them only 4 seasons. Ah, but hindsight is always 20-20. So go Rodgers and go Chico State, and remember our motto: Nobody hates Chico State!
For #3, I MUST recognize the great state I live in now, Idaho. There’s a dead giveaway. I met this man once and talked with him. I’ll tell you the story on Monday. If you cannot guess this one, I am worried about you.
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