CHICO, Calif. – Chico State distance runner Scott Bauhs announced his intentions to forgo his senior track season to turn pro at a press conference Monday in the Acker Gym lobby.
Bauhs, a two-time National Champion and a participant in last summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials, will run his final collegiate race at the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 22. He will also graduate this semester with a degree in social science.
“My experience at Chico has been phenomenal, beyond my wildest dreams,” said Bauhs. “But right now is the right time for me to turn pro because, hopefully after next weekend, I will have accomplished everything I set out to accomplish athletically at the collegiate level. I’m also graduating this semester.”
“I don’t know how long my window of opportunity for breaking American records and doing well on the world stage as well. I just want to focus on doing everything I can to be the best runner that I can.”
Bauhs will turn his attention to qualifying for this summer’s World Championships in Berlin, Aug. 15-23. He will spend the spring training at altitude with some of the top coaches and athletes in the United States.
“I have been given a great opportunity to train with a great coach and high-profile Olympic level athletes,” said Bauhs. “I think it’s going to be to my advantage to really focus on making the World Championships and having a great summer track season in Europe.”
Bauhs leaves Chico State with the blessing of Head Coach Gary Towne and the rest of the Chico State athletic department.
“The impact that Scott has had on our school and program is really hard to quantify,” said Towne. “While establishing himself as one of the fastest American collegiate distance runners ever, Scott has made a name for himself and of course our school and program. Coaches and athletes at all levels across the nation now know about Chico State and all of the great things that we are doing. Much of this is due to the success of Scott Bauhs. His impact on our team goes well beyond the fast times and incredible accomplishments that he’s achieved. His day-to-day approach to training and racing has been nothing short of inspiring and educational for our coaches and athletes.”
“It would be easy for me to be saddened by Scott’s decision. It certainly will have a big impact on our track team this spring. But I was taught at a young age that it’s important to keep the best interests of others as my top priority. For Scott, the opportunity to focus his spring and summer training toward a hopeful berth on the U.S. World Track and Field Championship team is most important. I’m in complete support of his decision. As he moves to the next chapter of his life and career we are excited to see all that awaits Scott. He’ll definitely have the support of Chico behind him in those pursuits.”
Athletic Director Anita Barker expressed similar feelings.
“Scott has given us so much to be proud of. He’s brought excitement, attention, and class to our cross country and track programs, our athletic department, our University, and our city,” said Barker. “He’s worked hard and achieved so much both in his sport and in the classroom. Now that he’s graduating, he can move on knowing that he’s accomplished what he sat out to as a student and an athlete when he came to Chico State. We wish him nothing but the best and we’ll always be proud to call him a Wildcat.”
