From the desk of the A.D.

This is another installment in an occasional series, "From the Desk of the A.D." It allows you to hear directly from USC athletic director Mike Garrett, who gives you his thoughts on several topical and hot-button subjects for the Trojans and college sports. 


By Mike Garrett
USC Athletic Director



--I've watched several football practices so far this spring and I really like what I've seen.  The team is progressing very well.  I've noticed improvement across the board and there's great camaraderie out there.  The players have become a reflection of Coach Kiffin and his staff.  The coaches are preaching discipline and toughness, and you can see that it's hitting home with the players.  Before spring practice began, Lane and assistant coach Ed Orgeron went into the football lockerroom in Heritage Hall and were stunned to see how messy the players had left it.  So they called a team meeting, handed out brooms and wipes and trash bags and sent he team down to clean it up.  I guarantee you that lockerroom is very tidy today.  Here's another example I've seen of Lane's attention to detail and discipline.  If a player jumps offsides or fumbles the ball or makes a mistake in practice, he takes a lap right then and there.  I like that;  it forces the players to focus and it makes them understand that every play is important.  On the field, it's evident that many players have stepped up their game.  Ronald Johnson is having a great camp.  Matt Barkley has noticeably improved.  The battle at middle linebacker between Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard is just that, a real battle.  The defensive line is going to be a monster.  Shareece Wright is playing like a seasoned veteran.  And the new freshmen, Dillon Baxter and Kyle Prater, are truly special players.  I think you're going to like the 2010 USC football team.
 
--One of the most festive days each year on campus is when we hold the Swim With Mike event.  The 30th anniversary of the Swim is this Saturday, April 17, and we hope you'll come out.  Hundreds of swimmers, spectators and recipients of USC's Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship will flock to the McDonald's Swim Stadium, churning up laps that translate into financial pledges.  Football practice will be going on next door at 11 a.m. and if you buy a lunch ticket at the Swim, you can watch the 2010 Trojans scrimmage on Howard Jones Field.  And stick around afterwards when our No. 1-ranked women's water polo team hosts UCLA at 4:30 p.m. in the pool.
 
--If you want to meet Lane Kiffin, there are a couple opportunities coming up.  On April 26 at the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club, Lane and his staff will be hosting the 2010 Lane Kiffin Heritage Golf Classic.  Join fellow Trojans for a fun day of golf and a chance to gain some insight from the football staff.  Then there's the annual coaches tour, when Lane and men's basketball coach Kevin O'Neill hit the road in May and June to host a dinner and chalk talk for Trojan fans.  The dates are May 19 (Pasadena), May 20 (Westlake Village), May 24 (San Diego), May 26 (Irvine), June 2 (Manhattan Beach), June 4 (Indian Wells) and June 10 (San Francisco).  If you're interested in any of these events, call our athletic development office at 213-740-4155.
 
--Mark down May 1 on your calendar if you want to take in a full menu of USC sports.  It starts at 7:30 a.m. when our women's rowing team hosts UCLA at the boathouse in Wilmington.  The annual Spring Football Game kicks off at noon in the Coliseum.  And the baseball team hosts Arizona at 1:30 p.m. at Dedeaux Field.  Several Trojan teams will also be competing across town in Westwood.  The men's and women's track teams will be at the annual dual meet starting at 11 a.m. in Drake Stadium.  And the water polo team will be playing there in the semifinals of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament.