Guest: Todd Sloat — UC Davis Football Alumnus (1984–1987), Aggie Football Fund
Todd played quarterback at UC Davis after transferring from Shasta College. A self-described "fringe player" for much of his career, he earned a starting role his senior year — a story he's proud of as a testament to the Davis culture of sticking it out.
What We Cover:
The Aggie Golf Classic — Todd's been attending for 15 years (formerly at El Mocero). It's one of his favorite days of the year, calling it a moment when "Aggie pride comes swelling back."
Memories of Coach Socher — Todd shares one of his go-to life lessons from the program: "No detail is too small." He credits Soaker's film room sessions and his habit of connecting players to the professional success of past Aggies as a lasting source of inspiration.
Todd's Career — Started in wildlife and fisheries biology (yes, he can ID every bird on the golf course), then transitioned into stream restoration design-build — fixing broken streams at high elevations, often off the grid. About seven years ago he pivoted again into developing wood manufacturing facilities: bioenergy plants and community-scale sawmills. "The School of Hard Knocks has been a great learning experience."
Aggie Networking in the Wild — Todd's son Taylor completed two PT clinicals with former Aggies (Steve Thompson and Mike Cassis), which is exactly the kind of connection Aggie Football Fund wants to systematize.
Aggie Football Fund — What's New — With revenue sharing now opted in at Davis, the Fund is shifting away from NIL collective work and repositioning as a needs-based entity: filling gaps wherever Aggie Football needs support. The immediate priority is rebuilding and cleaning up the alumni database. They've identified "cohort leads" for four-to-five year eras who are reaching out to alumni to update contact info and gauge engagement.
Spring Practice Watch — Todd was at practice the week prior and came away impressed with the QB competition. With Axel out due to injury, both remaining QBs showed out. Brock highlights Jackson's spring game highlight — trucking a defender into the end zone — as evidence the Aggies have live, athletic quarterbacks regardless of who wins the job.
Season Prediction — "Win every game." Todd sees the size, athleticism, experience, and depth as a genuinely special combination. Championship expectations are warranted.
Key Takeaways:
- Aggie Football Fund is rebuilding its alumni network — if you're a football alum who's lost touch, reach out
- Revenue sharing has changed the NIL landscape; the Fund is evolving its mission
- The QB room has real depth and athleticism heading into fall
- The Davis culture of "fringe players" earning their shot is alive and well
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