Center for Academic Success
Student Athlete Success Program

Working in conjunction with the Butte College Athletic Department, CAS provides academic support for student athletes in the form of the Student Athlete Success Program (SASP). Under the leadership of Bobby Bernal-Wood, SASP Supervisor, and with strong support and guidance from Craig Rigsbee, Athletic Director, and John Soldate, Student-Athlete Counselor, the program has evolved over several semesters with very positive results.

Every semester, the program serves approximately 200 student athletes from Butte College football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track, and soccer. Designated student athletes spend a minimum of three hours per week in the Center for Academic Success, participating in a combination of studying, tutorial support, and attendance at Critical Skills Workshops. The ultimate goal is for student athletes to internalize positive study habits that will result in a successful academic future, a goal that CAS strives to achieve for all Butte College students.

Bobby Bernal-Wood, hired spring semester 2007, is the Student Athlete Success Program Supervisor, and his role is essential to the success of the program. Bobby has an office inside CAS and spends 24 hours each week working directly with the student athletes. Bobby is responsible for tracking mandated hours, providing individual guidance and assistance with academic work, making referrals for tutoring support, acting as a liaison to coaching staff and the athletic department, and following up with students on issues related to positive participation.

As a student at Butte College, Bobby played wide receiver during the 2001-03 football seasons. He then went on to become a standout wide receiver at the University of Idaho, where he broke the Idaho single-season record for receptions with 96 (2nd nationally) en route to being named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference. After earning his B.S. in Communications from University of Idaho, he worked for one year as a loan consultant for Wells Fargo Financial in Washington. Bobby returned to the Butte Football Program after spending a season as the Wide Receivers Coach at the University of Northern Colorado. Bobby is now in the process of earning  his Master's Degree in Social Work from CSU, Chico.                                          

Currently an assistant Butte College football coach, Bobby Bernal-Wood has earned the respect of the student athletes, the CAS staff, and other students who visit CAS each day. Bobby understands the unique pressures and expectations that surround student athletes as they work toward success both academically and in their chosen sport, which can be a very demanding combination of activities. Having been both a successful athlete and successful student, Bobby serves as a guide and mentor to many of the students. His confident, calm, and respectful demeanor has helped to create a very supportive atmosphere for the many student athletes who spend their time in CAS each semester. With Bobby's guidance and encouragement, student athletes are working harder than ever to combine athletic success with academic success.