Chris Ault can speak about Nevada athletics’ history because he’s lived it.

Ault joined the Wolf Pack as a player in 1965. After graduating in 1968, he spent a few years as a local high school coach before a stint as an assistant at UNLV. He returned to Northern Nevada in 1976 and spent the next 36 years with the Wolf Pack, including three tenures as head football coach and 18 more as athletic director. While he doesn’t have an official role with Nevada athletics these days, he’s still a relied upon voice on campus 60 years after arriving in Reno.

Later this month, Ault will be guest speaker at the 56th Governor’s Dinner in Carson City. The College Football Hall of Famer recently stopped by our Nevada Sports Net studio to discuss a variety of topics ahead of the event, including his current role on the 13-member College Football Playoff Committee.

“When you talk about a capstone to a career, for me this is it,” Ault said. “It’s just been an awesome experience.”

Ault also expressed his confidence in Jeff Choate as he heads into year two leading Wolf Pack football.

“I like Jeff a lot,” Ault said. “I’ve told him whatever I can do to help, I’m there for him. He’s a good football coach. He’s got a good staff. I’m excited about this year.”

As he preps to speak at the Governor’s Dinner, Ault called the event a “real tradition,” as it dates back to 1969.

“A lot of people talk about tradition but don’t have it,” Ault said. “When you can connect the past with the present, you got a real chance. It’s going to be great to see some old friends and make new acquaintances.”

You can watch our full interview with Chris Ault below.

Conversation with Chris Ault

0:15: Role on College Football Playoff Committee

2:15: Preview of Governor’s Dinner

2:50: House vs. NCAA settlement and state of college athletics

4:05: How Nevada can succeed in new era

5:10: Jeff Choate’s first year

6:25: Still being around the football team

7:20: Arriving in Reno in the 1960s

8:25: Best memory of Nevada playing career

9:20: Taking over as head coach of the Wolf Pack

9:55: 1983 Big Sky Championship season

10:20: Creating the Pistol offense

13:35: 35-point comeback against Weber State in 1991

14:55: Rising to FBS ranks in 1992 and winning championship

16:00: How Colin Kaepernick came to Nevada

17:25: 2009 season and the only team with three 1,000-yard rushers

18:15: Historic 2010 season and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

19:40: Coaching football in Italy

21:10: Years as athletic director

22:30: Final note for Wolf Pack fans