The 2012 USC Football poster is due out in mid-July.
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the poster shoot courtesy of Pierson Clair...
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the poster shoot courtesy of Pierson Clair...
June 2012 Archives
USC finished seventh overall in the 2011-12 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, which measures the athletic department's postseason success across every sport, but the Trojans boasted the best spring teams in the country.
Click the link for the complete standings:
finalD1.pdf
In the spring alone, USC men's tennis won a national championship, while men's volleyball, women's golf and women's water polo finished as national runners-up.
Click the link for the complete standings:
finalD1.pdf
In the spring alone, USC men's tennis won a national championship, while men's volleyball, women's golf and women's water polo finished as national runners-up.
2011 women's volleyball national player of the year Alex Jupiter has been nominated for the 2012 ESPY for Best Female College Athlete.
Click here to vote for Jupiter!!
USC's 14th Honda Award winner is up against Brittney Griner (Baylor Basketball), Caitlin Leverenz (California Swimming), Teresa Noyola (Stanford Soccer), and Jackie Traina (Alabama Softball).
Voting closes July 9. The ESPY Awards will air on ESPN on Wednesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. PT, from the Nokia Theater at L.A. Live.
Click here to vote for Jupiter!!
USC's 14th Honda Award winner is up against Brittney Griner (Baylor Basketball), Caitlin Leverenz (California Swimming), Teresa Noyola (Stanford Soccer), and Jackie Traina (Alabama Softball).
Voting closes July 9. The ESPY Awards will air on ESPN on Wednesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. PT, from the Nokia Theater at L.A. Live.
With the old guard Rebecca Soni qualifying last night, a pair of younger Trojans will take their shot at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials tonight.
Incoming freshman Jasmine Tosky (pictured) made the 200m IM final thanks to the seventh best time in the semifinals. She will need to finish in the top two in tonight's final to qualify for the Olympics.
On the men's side, incoming transfer Dakota Hodgson will share the pool with Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly final. Hodgson grabbed the last spot in the championship heat by clocking the eighth best time in the semis.
The finals will be aired tape delayed on NBC tonight.
Incoming freshman Jasmine Tosky (pictured) made the 200m IM final thanks to the seventh best time in the semifinals. She will need to finish in the top two in tonight's final to qualify for the Olympics.
On the men's side, incoming transfer Dakota Hodgson will share the pool with Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly final. Hodgson grabbed the last spot in the championship heat by clocking the eighth best time in the semis.
The finals will be aired tape delayed on NBC tonight.
On a #ThrowbackThursday, we tweeted out a photo of Matt Barkley the little leaguer.
In another world, the QB probably had the talent to make it as a third baseman. He definitely has the arm and showed off a pretty good swing when the football team took batting practice last year.
In another world, the QB probably had the talent to make it as a third baseman. He definitely has the arm and showed off a pretty good swing when the football team took batting practice last year.
As expected, Rebecca Soni became the 31st Trojan to qualify for London 2012 last night. In a shocking turn of events though, Soni finished second in the 100m breaststroke with unheralded newcomer Breeja Larson out-touching her at the wall.
Jessica Hardy, the world record holder in the event, will swim in the 100m breast at the Olympics as Soni's Trojan Swim Club teammate finished a disappointing third.
Click here for the full story.
Soni did not relish her role as favorite at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but she did enough to book her ticket to London.
"It's a different kind of nerves, it kind of turns into an expectation," Soni said. "That's a whole new level of pressure. It's so much easier, looking back four years ago when nobody knew my name. If you didn't make it, no big deal. But now if I didn't make it, it would be, 'Oh why didn't you make it? Why didn't you make it?' I'm really happy, really relieved. Really happy for Bree also."
(Al Bello/Getty Images)
Jessica Hardy, the world record holder in the event, will swim in the 100m breast at the Olympics as Soni's Trojan Swim Club teammate finished a disappointing third.
Click here for the full story.
Soni did not relish her role as favorite at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but she did enough to book her ticket to London.
"It's a different kind of nerves, it kind of turns into an expectation," Soni said. "That's a whole new level of pressure. It's so much easier, looking back four years ago when nobody knew my name. If you didn't make it, no big deal. But now if I didn't make it, it would be, 'Oh why didn't you make it? Why didn't you make it?' I'm really happy, really relieved. Really happy for Bree also."
Soni embraced her stunned Olympic teammate after the race.
(Al Bello/Getty Images)
30 days until London 2012 begins and the Trojan Olympian count stands at 30.
How can you show your patriotism and school spirit at the same time? Our new Facebook cover photo...
How can you show your patriotism and school spirit at the same time? Our new Facebook cover photo...
Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Soni twice broke her U.S. Olympic Swim Trials record in the 100m breaststroke yesterday en route to grabbing the top seed in tonight's final.
Soni's Trojan Swim Club teammate Jessica Hardy, who went to Cal, but trains at USC under head coach Dave Salo, is the No. 2 seed after the semifinals and the current long course world record holder in the event.
The pair will square off in tonight's final knowing that the top two finishers are headed to London 2012, so it could just be a precursor of the big race to come.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Soni's Trojan Swim Club teammate Jessica Hardy, who went to Cal, but trains at USC under head coach Dave Salo, is the No. 2 seed after the semifinals and the current long course world record holder in the event.
The pair will square off in tonight's final knowing that the top two finishers are headed to London 2012, so it could just be a precursor of the big race to come.
Soni (left) defeated Hardy (right) in the 100m breaststroke semifinals.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
As Trojans continue to qualify for London 2012, USC athletics is sending each Olympian a care package.
USA water polo player Tumua Anae tweeted a thank you for her bag of swag featuring a USC hat, t-shirt and a letter from Pat Haden and Max Nikias.
USA water polo player Tumua Anae tweeted a thank you for her bag of swag featuring a USC hat, t-shirt and a letter from Pat Haden and Max Nikias.
All-American safety T.J. McDonald was as good as gone when the 2011 season ended.
"I was ready to chase my dream and go to the NFL and take that on," he told the Lott Impact Trophy. "But I started to remember all the reasons I came to 'SC - why I play football, being a competitor and being passionate about the game. I want to finish what I started."
Click here for the full feature on the Lott Impact Trophy nominee.
The season has not even started and McDonald already feels rewarded for making the right choice thanks to a perspective-changing experience with his teammates in Haiti.
"How can I ever complain? How can I ever think that I'm not blessed? I don't know that I've faced adversity after seeing these people. [...] To be able to move on, keep pushing, stay positive as much as they can ... it really humbles you."
(Photo by Lindsay Crouch)
"I was ready to chase my dream and go to the NFL and take that on," he told the Lott Impact Trophy. "But I started to remember all the reasons I came to 'SC - why I play football, being a competitor and being passionate about the game. I want to finish what I started."
Click here for the full feature on the Lott Impact Trophy nominee.
The season has not even started and McDonald already feels rewarded for making the right choice thanks to a perspective-changing experience with his teammates in Haiti.
"How can I ever complain? How can I ever think that I'm not blessed? I don't know that I've faced adversity after seeing these people. [...] To be able to move on, keep pushing, stay positive as much as they can ... it really humbles you."
(Photo by Lindsay Crouch)
Name: LaJuan RamseyResume: Sous Chef at Morel's French Steakhouse & Bistro
Sport at USC: Football
How did you transition from the NFL to a career in cooking?
After the 2009-2010 NFL
season, I came back to California for the offseason to train and relax.
Before I was supposed to report back to St. Louis for OTA's and the offseason program, I got a call from the team's management and was released. A year went by without any offers from NFL teams, so I started thinking about a second career. During the process
of thinking about what to do next, I realized that I was pretty good at
cooking and I enjoyed it a lot, so I decided to make a career of it. A
restaurant down in Orange County gave me an opportunity to kind of intern
for them and it was cool, so I enrolled in Le Cordon
Bleu.
Did you a cook a lot while you were playing?
I cooked a lot when I was in the NFL. I would cook for my friends, family members and teammates. I would have dinner parties, BBQ's, potlucks and Thanksgiving dinners at my place. Back then, I knew I liked cooking, but I never thought of it as a career.
What is your specialty?
I am classically trained in French cuisine, however, I dibble and dabble in everything from American Southern to Japanese and Indian. I haven't really settled down with one cuisine right now. I like to tell people that, "I'm not married to one cuisine right now. I'm just dating them all."
What's your nickname in the kitchen?
At my old restaurant, they used to call me Shaq (because they said I look like him) or Ram for Ramsey or gigante (giant in Spanish) because I was the biggest in the kitchen.
What's next?
I am getting ready to launch my own catering company Rabbits and Roosters this July. We plan on providing some more innovative dishes for catering events such as weddings, parties, company gatherings, etc. rather than the traditional outdated grub. We're also looking forward to working with the Trojan Football Alumni Club this fall, catering all the football home game tailgate parties.
Did you a cook a lot while you were playing?
I cooked a lot when I was in the NFL. I would cook for my friends, family members and teammates. I would have dinner parties, BBQ's, potlucks and Thanksgiving dinners at my place. Back then, I knew I liked cooking, but I never thought of it as a career.
What is your specialty?I am classically trained in French cuisine, however, I dibble and dabble in everything from American Southern to Japanese and Indian. I haven't really settled down with one cuisine right now. I like to tell people that, "I'm not married to one cuisine right now. I'm just dating them all."
What's your nickname in the kitchen?
At my old restaurant, they used to call me Shaq (because they said I look like him) or Ram for Ramsey or gigante (giant in Spanish) because I was the biggest in the kitchen.
What's next?
I am getting ready to launch my own catering company Rabbits and Roosters this July. We plan on providing some more innovative dishes for catering events such as weddings, parties, company gatherings, etc. rather than the traditional outdated grub. We're also looking forward to working with the Trojan Football Alumni Club this fall, catering all the football home game tailgate parties.
By realizing his talent, Duane Solomon realized his dream and the combination brought him to his knees in tears.
The USC alum broke free in the 800m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Monday before having to hold on to third place and a spot on Team USA at London 2012. He is now the 30th Trojan to qualify for this summer's Olympics.
Click here for the full story.
"I knew I had it in me," Solomon said. "I told my agent [this morning] that I had something special today."
(Photo by Rockne Andrew Roll)
The USC alum broke free in the 800m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Monday before having to hold on to third place and a spot on Team USA at London 2012. He is now the 30th Trojan to qualify for this summer's Olympics.
Click here for the full story.
"I knew I had it in me," Solomon said. "I told my agent [this morning] that I had something special today."
(Photo by Rockne Andrew Roll)
With Arizona winning the College World Series last night, the Pac-12 clinched its ninth NCAA team championship of the 2011-12 academic year, which is more than any other conference. The SEC finished second with eight.
Click here for the full story.
USC contributed a pair of NCAA team titles thanks to 4-peats by men's water polo and men's tennis. Pac-12 teams also had eight runner-up finishes of which USC men's volleyball, women's golf and women's water polo contributed three.
The Pac-12 has boasted the most or tied for the most national championships by conference in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
(Photo by Dan Avila)
Click here for the full story.
USC contributed a pair of NCAA team titles thanks to 4-peats by men's water polo and men's tennis. Pac-12 teams also had eight runner-up finishes of which USC men's volleyball, women's golf and women's water polo contributed three.
The Pac-12 has boasted the most or tied for the most national championships by conference in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
(Photo by Dan Avila)
2011 World Champion high jumper Jesse Williams finished fourth at the U.S. Olympic Trials, which typically means a ticket home, but the USC alum is headed to London 2012 because third place finisher Nick Ross could not meet the Olympic A standard.
Click here for the full story.
Despite qualifying through the back door, Williams is still a favorite to compete for a medal in the high jump if he can regain his form from a year ago.
"I was jumping terrible and I thought my dreams were crushed," Williams said. "But this meet is about getting your ticket to London. That's the way it happens sometimes and I'm grateful."
(Photo via Reuters)
Click here for the full story.
Despite qualifying through the back door, Williams is still a favorite to compete for a medal in the high jump if he can regain his form from a year ago.
"I was jumping terrible and I thought my dreams were crushed," Williams said. "But this meet is about getting your ticket to London. That's the way it happens sometimes and I'm grateful."
(Photo via Reuters)
Freshman driver Monica Vavic headlines a six-pack of USC women's water polo All-Americans, which brings the running total to 25 All-Americans in the last four seasons for the program. Vavic (pictured) became the first Trojan freshman to earn a spot on the first team since 1999.
Click here for the full story.
Goalie Flora Bolonyai, who will represent Hungary at the 2012 Olympics, and fellow sophomore Kaleigh Gilchrist made the second team. Nadia Dan, Colleen O'Donnell and Dominique Sardo earned honorable mention.
(Chris Pham/Daily Trojan)
Click here for the full story.
Goalie Flora Bolonyai, who will represent Hungary at the 2012 Olympics, and fellow sophomore Kaleigh Gilchrist made the second team. Nadia Dan, Colleen O'Donnell and Dominique Sardo earned honorable mention.
(Chris Pham/Daily Trojan)
John Naber is familiar with being honored this time of year. The 4-time Olympic gold medalist will be inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame for his accomplishments out of the pool at USC.
The gala begins today at 3:45 p.m. pacific and can be viewed in the player below.
Live broadcasting by Ustream
The gala begins today at 3:45 p.m. pacific and can be viewed in the player below.
Live broadcasting by Ustream
Former USC men's water polo All-American Shea Buckner made it 28 Trojan Olympians and counting after earning a spot on Team USA for London 2012.
Click here for the full story.
Buckner, who will appear in his first Olympics, won a pair of national championships at Troy in 2008 and 2009. He was a two-time first team All-American netting 110 goals for Jovan Vavic.
Buckner's Trojan teammate J.W. Krumpholz, who won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics, missed out on the 2012 squad after suffering a concussion.
(Photo by DJ Kast/Daily Trojan)
Click here for the full story.
Buckner, who will appear in his first Olympics, won a pair of national championships at Troy in 2008 and 2009. He was a two-time first team All-American netting 110 goals for Jovan Vavic.
Buckner's Trojan teammate J.W. Krumpholz, who won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics, missed out on the 2012 squad after suffering a concussion.
(Photo by DJ Kast/Daily Trojan)
The growing list of USC Olympians should continue to swell this week in Omaha, Neb., as 25 Trojans swim for a ticket to London 2012 at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials (June 25 to July 2).
Click here for the full story and broadcast coverage.
Current Trojan Haley Anderson is playing with house money as she has already qualified for the open water 10K. The distance specialist, who won an individual NCAA title in the 500 free this year, will compete in five events headlined by the 800 free.
Of course, Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Soni (pictured) will be in action. She is a favorite to win both the 100m and 200m breast, but she must qualify first.
On the men's side, rising senior All-American Alex Lendrum has a full slate of three events, including a seeded spot in the 200m back.
Eight international Trojan swimmers have already qualified for the Olympics led by recent graduate Katinka Hosszu, who will swim four events for Hungary, and former Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli from Tunisia.
Click here for the full story and broadcast coverage.Current Trojan Haley Anderson is playing with house money as she has already qualified for the open water 10K. The distance specialist, who won an individual NCAA title in the 500 free this year, will compete in five events headlined by the 800 free.
Of course, Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Soni (pictured) will be in action. She is a favorite to win both the 100m and 200m breast, but she must qualify first.
On the men's side, rising senior All-American Alex Lendrum has a full slate of three events, including a seeded spot in the 200m back.
Eight international Trojan swimmers have already qualified for the Olympics led by recent graduate Katinka Hosszu, who will swim four events for Hungary, and former Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli from Tunisia.
Allyson Felix has been given a reprieve by U.S. Track and Field, which determined that upon further review, the USC alum finished in a dead heat with training partner Jenebah Tarmoh after initially being ruled a thousandth of a second behind the 100m trio headed to London 2012.
In track, there are no ties. The first torso to cross the finish line wins. But, as the AP photo to the right shows, your guess is as good as the USATF.
We have entered uncharted waters and the lack of precedent has led to a search for a justifiable solution. The choices: coin flip or runoff?
Felix is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters, so she is focused on qualifying for her primary event, which begins Thursday. Tarmoh is running in the 200m trials as well, so the runoff, if it happens, might have to wait a few days or even weeks.
In track, there are no ties. The first torso to cross the finish line wins. But, as the AP photo to the right shows, your guess is as good as the USATF.We have entered uncharted waters and the lack of precedent has led to a search for a justifiable solution. The choices: coin flip or runoff?
Felix is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters, so she is focused on qualifying for her primary event, which begins Thursday. Tarmoh is running in the 200m trials as well, so the runoff, if it happens, might have to wait a few days or even weeks.
Less than four years removed from being shot three times in the legs, USC redshirt senior Bryshon Nellum ran the time of his life to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 400 meters.
Nellum finished third to reigning Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt and NCAA champion Tony McQuay by setting a personal record 44.80. He bested his Trojan teammate Josh Mance, who will join him in London on the 4x400m relay team.
Nellum's destiny was always to run in the Olympics as a national standout coming to USC out of Long Beach Poly High School, but a twist of fate in November 2008 left him to rehabilitate his body and career against the longest of odds. He was off the radar entering the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials before sprinting into the spotlight with the race of his life.
Nellum (embracing Mance below) has his Hollywood ending, but he will head to London in search of a golden exclamation point.
(Photo by Kirby Lee)
Nellum finished third to reigning Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt and NCAA champion Tony McQuay by setting a personal record 44.80. He bested his Trojan teammate Josh Mance, who will join him in London on the 4x400m relay team.
Nellum's destiny was always to run in the Olympics as a national standout coming to USC out of Long Beach Poly High School, but a twist of fate in November 2008 left him to rehabilitate his body and career against the longest of odds. He was off the radar entering the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials before sprinting into the spotlight with the race of his life.
Nellum (embracing Mance below) has his Hollywood ending, but he will head to London in search of a golden exclamation point.
(Photo by Kirby Lee)
On June 23, 1972, the Women of Troy were born. Thanks to groundbreaking Title IX legislation, women got their chance to compete and they seized it.
Forty years later, the USC women's athletics' program boasts 120 female Olympians, 64 individual NCAA titles, 23 national team championships and 14 Honda Award winners. In the spring of 2013, women's lacrosse will make it 12 women's teams at Troy.
Click here for much more!
Barbara Hallquist was the first woman to earn a full scholarship in 1976. She set the standard as a four-time team national champion and a two-time singles champion all while graduating with honors. Since then, legends like Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Angela Williams and April Ross have reached the greatest heights of collegiate athletics in the cardinal and gold.
Click here for Women of Troy in the Olympics.
Click here for Women of Troy All-Americans.
Click here for the Pac-12's take on Title IX.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, we created a Women of Troy Title IX Facebook cover. Click on it to enlarge and use the Women of Troy logo above for your profile pic.
Forty years later, the USC women's athletics' program boasts 120 female Olympians, 64 individual NCAA titles, 23 national team championships and 14 Honda Award winners. In the spring of 2013, women's lacrosse will make it 12 women's teams at Troy.Click here for much more!
Barbara Hallquist was the first woman to earn a full scholarship in 1976. She set the standard as a four-time team national champion and a two-time singles champion all while graduating with honors. Since then, legends like Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Angela Williams and April Ross have reached the greatest heights of collegiate athletics in the cardinal and gold.
Click here for Women of Troy in the Olympics.
Click here for Women of Troy All-Americans.
Click here for the Pac-12's take on Title IX.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, we created a Women of Troy Title IX Facebook cover. Click on it to enlarge and use the Women of Troy logo above for your profile pic.
Just a day away from the 40th anniversary of Title IX, ESPNW completed its countdown of the 40 greatest female athletes of the last 40 years with soccer star Mia Hamm at No. 1.
USC women's basketball great Lisa Leslie was the highest ranked Trojan at No. 5. The three-time All-American, four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP knows how to pack a trophy case.
"Once I realized you get a trophy if you win, I thought, this is awesome!" Leslie told ESPN. "I got so many, I could fill my house with them. But the rewards are having the opportunity to be a role model, to travel the world. It was an honor to play this sport."
Leslie proved that women could do anything men could do on a basketball court. The 6'5" physical specimen was the first women ever to dunk in a WNBA game.
In the words of USA Basketball teammate Dawn Staley, "Lisa is the best who's played the women's game."
(Photo by Sports Illustrated)
USC women's basketball great Lisa Leslie was the highest ranked Trojan at No. 5. The three-time All-American, four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP knows how to pack a trophy case."Once I realized you get a trophy if you win, I thought, this is awesome!" Leslie told ESPN. "I got so many, I could fill my house with them. But the rewards are having the opportunity to be a role model, to travel the world. It was an honor to play this sport."
Leslie proved that women could do anything men could do on a basketball court. The 6'5" physical specimen was the first women ever to dunk in a WNBA game.
In the words of USA Basketball teammate Dawn Staley, "Lisa is the best who's played the women's game."
(Photo by Sports Illustrated)
USC women's soccer will have a new anchor between the posts this fall as Missouri transfer Caroline Stanley arrives on campus.
"Caroline is coming in to play goalkeeper," said head coach Ali Khosroshahin. "She's a very good organizer. She communicates well and she's very good with her feet. I expect her to have an immediate impact on this team."
Having already caught her head coach's attention, Stanley opened up some eyes recently with this remarkable save playing in the W-League this summer for the LA Strikers against the Seattle Sounders.
(Photo via TopDrawerSoccer.com)
"Caroline is coming in to play goalkeeper," said head coach Ali Khosroshahin. "She's a very good organizer. She communicates well and she's very good with her feet. I expect her to have an immediate impact on this team."
Having already caught her head coach's attention, Stanley opened up some eyes recently with this remarkable save playing in the W-League this summer for the LA Strikers against the Seattle Sounders.
(Photo via TopDrawerSoccer.com)
The U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials featuring 21 Trojan hopefuls began yesterday at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, and will run through July 1.
Click here for the full story.
Two-time Olympic 200m silver medalist Allyson Felix, two-time All-American javelin thrower Corey White (pictured) and 2011 world champion high jumper Jesse Williams are among the headliners scheduled to run, throw and jump this weekend.
NBC and NBC Sports will have the television coverage of the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Click here for the full story.
Two-time Olympic 200m silver medalist Allyson Felix, two-time All-American javelin thrower Corey White (pictured) and 2011 world champion high jumper Jesse Williams are among the headliners scheduled to run, throw and jump this weekend.
NBC and NBC Sports will have the television coverage of the U.S. Olympic Trials.
While the SEC powers have little interest in entering the Coliseum these days, USC and Alabama played against each other four times in the 70s and split the series 2-2. Both Trojan wins were famous victories over Paul "Bear" Bryant in Birmingham at Legion Stadium.
The 1970 victory has its own book ("Turning of the Tide") and HBO documentary ("Breaking the Huddle") thanks to Sam "Bam" Cunningham's demolition of Alabama's defense, which opened up Bryant's eyes to integrating southern football.
While the 1978 game is less heralded, QB Paul McDonald enjoyed his breakout moment leading the 24-14 upset of No. 1 Alabama. "Bear Bryant said it was the best quarterbacking job he'd ever seen," McDonald recalled.
Click here to read more about the "Battle in Birmingham."
The Trojans ended up splitting the national championship with Alabama in 1978 despite having the same number of losses and defeating the Tide in Birmingham.
The 1970 victory has its own book ("Turning of the Tide") and HBO documentary ("Breaking the Huddle") thanks to Sam "Bam" Cunningham's demolition of Alabama's defense, which opened up Bryant's eyes to integrating southern football.While the 1978 game is less heralded, QB Paul McDonald enjoyed his breakout moment leading the 24-14 upset of No. 1 Alabama. "Bear Bryant said it was the best quarterbacking job he'd ever seen," McDonald recalled.
Click here to read more about the "Battle in Birmingham."
The Trojans ended up splitting the national championship with Alabama in 1978 despite having the same number of losses and defeating the Tide in Birmingham.
The Trojan Baseball Alumni Association is putting on its third annual golf tournament and second annual youth baseball clinic this summer.
On Sunday, July 29, kids from ages 8-14 and all skill levels can learn the game from former USC baseball players at Dedeaux Field.
Click here to learn more about the camp.
On Monday, August 27, all are welcome to join former USC baseball greats and Trojan boosters at the Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland for a round of 18 and dinner to follow.
Click here to learn more about the golf tournament.
On Sunday, July 29, kids from ages 8-14 and all skill levels can learn the game from former USC baseball players at Dedeaux Field.
Click here to learn more about the camp.
On Monday, August 27, all are welcome to join former USC baseball greats and Trojan boosters at the Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland for a round of 18 and dinner to follow.
Click here to learn more about the golf tournament.
USC QB Matt Barkley posed for Sports Illustrated for Kids today standing on a plexiglass surface with the photographer, Peter Reade Miller, shooting up at him. When the final product comes out in the magazine, Barkley will look like he is suspended in the air.
In the meantime, here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the fishbowl set-up with Barkley standing on the top.
In the meantime, here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the fishbowl set-up with Barkley standing on the top.
Continue reading Walking on Air (or Plexiglass).
USC men's water polo usually waits until national title games before fans can watch them on TV, but the four-time defending NCAA champions will be on Pac-12 Networks three times this fall during the regular season.
Click here for the full story.
"I think it's long overdue," USC head coach Jovan Vavic said. "It's really great for our sport and our university, and our players are really excited about it. Sports Illustrated just recently listed water polo as the hardest sport in the world, and now viewers will be able to see the power of our sport on TV."
Here is the schedule released today:
(Photo by Dan Avila)
Click here for the full story.
"I think it's long overdue," USC head coach Jovan Vavic said. "It's really great for our sport and our university, and our players are really excited about it. Sports Illustrated just recently listed water polo as the hardest sport in the world, and now viewers will be able to see the power of our sport on TV."
Here is the schedule released today:
Sept. 29 Princeton at USC TBD
Oct. 6 USC at Stanford TBD
Nov. 17 UCLA at USC TBD
(Photo by Dan Avila)
The BCS commissioners agreed on a four-team playoff, pending approval by the BCS presidential oversight committee, which will go into effect in place of the current system for the 2014 college football postseason.
The four teams will reportedly be determined by a selection committee, similar to the one that determines the March Madness field, which is supposed to emphasize strength of schedule and conference championships.
Click here for the full story.
USC finished in the top four of the AP Poll every year from 2002-2008, but appeared in just two BCS Championship Games. How many crystal balls would Pete Carroll's teams have won with a playoff in place back then??
USC Athletics on WhoSay
The four teams will reportedly be determined by a selection committee, similar to the one that determines the March Madness field, which is supposed to emphasize strength of schedule and conference championships.
Click here for the full story.
USC finished in the top four of the AP Poll every year from 2002-2008, but appeared in just two BCS Championship Games. How many crystal balls would Pete Carroll's teams have won with a playoff in place back then??
USC Athletics on WhoSay
With summer workouts under way for the USC football team, incoming freshman WR Nelson Agholor tweeted that he received No. 83 and gave a shout out to Trojan great Keary Colbert, who proudly donned the number.
Agholor will try to ink his name in the USC record books like Colbert, but for the time being, he is just a young pup trying to get lined up correctly. Speaking of, Sports Illustrated posted this picture of Mark Sanchez when he was just a wide-eyed QB from Mission Viejo.
Agholor will try to ink his name in the USC record books like Colbert, but for the time being, he is just a young pup trying to get lined up correctly. Speaking of, Sports Illustrated posted this picture of Mark Sanchez when he was just a wide-eyed QB from Mission Viejo.
Pac-12 Networks continued to roll out its inaugural broadcasting schedule by shining a spotlight on women's volleyball today. The back-to-back national semifinalist Women of Troy will be featured in 14 televised matches.
Click here for the full story.
"In my opinion, this changes the whole face of the sport in this country," said head coach Mick Haley. "I think you're going to see a tremendous jump in the sport's following. It puts the Pac-12 on the premiere level for where young athletes will want to go and play."
The conference, which finished the 2011 season with seven nationally ranked teams, will have 82 matches broadcast on Pac-12 Networks.
Click here for the full story."In my opinion, this changes the whole face of the sport in this country," said head coach Mick Haley. "I think you're going to see a tremendous jump in the sport's following. It puts the Pac-12 on the premiere level for where young athletes will want to go and play."
The conference, which finished the 2011 season with seven nationally ranked teams, will have 82 matches broadcast on Pac-12 Networks.
2012 USC Women's Volleyball Pac-12 Networks Television Schedule
| Date | Time (PT) | Matchup |
| Aug. 28 | 7:00 PM | Jiangsu Chinese Team at USC |
| Sept. 21 | 6:00 PM | Oregon at USC |
| Sept. 28 | 6:00 PM | USC at Washington |
| Sept. 30 | 11:30 AM | USC at Washington State |
| Oct. 7 | 4:00 PM | Arizona State at USC |
| Oct. 10 | 7:00 PM | USC at Stanford |
| Oct. 12 | 8:00 PM | USC at California |
| Oct. 19 | 6:00 PM | Utah at USC |
| Oct. 21 | 11:00 AM | Colorado at USC |
| Oct. 26 | 6:00 PM | Washington at USC |
| Nov. 2 | 6:00 PM | USC at Arizona State |
| Nov. 4 | 11:00 AM | USC at Arizona |
| Nov. 20 | TBD | USC at Oregon State |
| Nov. 23 | TBD | USC at UCLA |
Allyson Felix did not race competitively at USC, but she earned her degree from Troy, so she is a Trojan through and through. The two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200m is in her prime at 26 and ready to go for the gold in London.
Felix is no stranger to finishing first. She owns an Olympic gold for running a leg on the 4x400m relay team in 2008 as well as eight world outdoor championships.
How is Felix preparing for London 2012? Check out her workout routine...
Felix is no stranger to finishing first. She owns an Olympic gold for running a leg on the 4x400m relay team in 2008 as well as eight world outdoor championships.
How is Felix preparing for London 2012? Check out her workout routine...
A's rookie Ryan Cook is fileting the American League. The former USC starting pitcher transitioned to the bullpen to expedite his journey to the major leagues and the results have been startling.
In 2012, Cook has pitched to a sparkling 0.59 ERA, which breaks down to two earned runs in 30.2 IP, and an utterly dominant 0.85 WHIP (anything less than a baserunner per inning is filthy). After starting the season in middle relief with low expectations, he has surged into the closer role, including picking up the save in a scoreless 9th inning against the Dodgers last night.
Some young pitchers struggle with the pressure of getting the final three outs, but Cook is thriving in his new role.
"You wouldn't think there'd be a difference, but it's that extra adrenaline boost," Cook said about closing games. "It's a different beast."
Originally, he was not on board with pitching relief, but the 27th round pick in the 2008 MLB Draft admits the change has been beneficial to his career. If he keeps up his current pace for another month, he will likely represent the A's at the All-Star Game in July.
(Kelley Ryan, US Presswire)
In 2012, Cook has pitched to a sparkling 0.59 ERA, which breaks down to two earned runs in 30.2 IP, and an utterly dominant 0.85 WHIP (anything less than a baserunner per inning is filthy). After starting the season in middle relief with low expectations, he has surged into the closer role, including picking up the save in a scoreless 9th inning against the Dodgers last night.Some young pitchers struggle with the pressure of getting the final three outs, but Cook is thriving in his new role.
"You wouldn't think there'd be a difference, but it's that extra adrenaline boost," Cook said about closing games. "It's a different beast."
Originally, he was not on board with pitching relief, but the 27th round pick in the 2008 MLB Draft admits the change has been beneficial to his career. If he keeps up his current pace for another month, he will likely represent the A's at the All-Star Game in July.
(Kelley Ryan, US Presswire)
Freshman thrower Alexandra Collatz will represent her college and country at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona after finishing second in the discus at the U.S. Junior Track and Field Championships.
Click here for the full story.
Collatz finished 14th at the NCAA Championships as USC's top competitor in the discus.
Click here for the full story.
Collatz finished 14th at the NCAA Championships as USC's top competitor in the discus.
The three major annual preseason publications have released their college football rankings for 2012. The general consensus places USC in second position (behind LSU) with Athlon picking the Trojans to take home the national championship.
Click here for the consensus rankings.
Lindy picked USC No. 2, while Phil Steele was the most down on the Trojans at No. 4 in the nation. All three publications have USC winning the Pac-12 South.
Click here for the consensus rankings.
Lindy picked USC No. 2, while Phil Steele was the most down on the Trojans at No. 4 in the nation. All three publications have USC winning the Pac-12 South.
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Lane Kiffin's camp for kids is coming up on June 24 for third through eighth graders to learn the fundamentals of the game and training from the USC coaching staff.
Click here to register!!
The "Trojans in Training" will also learn the value of proper nutrition, hydration and sportsmanship. The camp package ($150 or $110 for groups of 10+) includes a t-shirt and lunch.
Click here for more:
SummerCamps youth flyer 2012.doc
Lane Kiffin's camp for kids is coming up on June 24 for third through eighth graders to learn the fundamentals of the game and training from the USC coaching staff.
Click here to register!!
The "Trojans in Training" will also learn the value of proper nutrition, hydration and sportsmanship. The camp package ($150 or $110 for groups of 10+) includes a t-shirt and lunch.
Click here for more:
SummerCamps youth flyer 2012.doc
Former USC men's basketball assistant Mike Dunlap, who was most recently Steve Lavin's right-hand man at St. John's, was named the head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats becoming the first college assistant to jump directly to an NBA head coaching gig.
Click here for the full story.
Dunlap worked at Troy under George Raveling and then went on to learn from Lute Olson at Arizona and Ernie Kent at Oregon among others.
Click here for the full story.
Dunlap worked at Troy under George Raveling and then went on to learn from Lute Olson at Arizona and Ernie Kent at Oregon among others.
USC men's and women's golf assistant coach Josh Brewer has been named the head coach of the women's golf program at the University of Georgia.
Click here for the full story.
"The last four years for the University of Southern California golf program have been remarkable, and we are confident Josh will be able to bring a very high level of experience to our program," said Georgia AD Greg McGarity.
In Brewer's four years assisting at USC, the Trojans combined to win two PAC-10 Championships and produced a National Player of the Year, a National Freshman of the Year, 12 All-Americans, three PAC-10 Players of the Year and two PAC-10 Freshmen of the Year.
He is the third USC assistant coach to be hired as a Division I head coach this year joining women's basketball's Laura Beeman (Hawaii) and men's tennis' George Husack (Alabama).
Click here for the full story.
"The last four years for the University of Southern California golf program have been remarkable, and we are confident Josh will be able to bring a very high level of experience to our program," said Georgia AD Greg McGarity.
In Brewer's four years assisting at USC, the Trojans combined to win two PAC-10 Championships and produced a National Player of the Year, a National Freshman of the Year, 12 All-Americans, three PAC-10 Players of the Year and two PAC-10 Freshmen of the Year.
He is the third USC assistant coach to be hired as a Division I head coach this year joining women's basketball's Laura Beeman (Hawaii) and men's tennis' George Husack (Alabama).
Brewer (left) at NCAAs this season.
USC alum Eric Ladin, who stars in AMC's murder mystery "The Killing," is a die-hard Trojan football fan, so his wife surprised him with a Coliseum groom's cake at their wedding.
This epic, yet edible, recreation of the home of the Trojans was made by Susie Cakes.
This epic, yet edible, recreation of the home of the Trojans was made by Susie Cakes.
With the advent of Pac-12 Networks, all USC sports will get much more television coverage and exposure. The conference is releasing its fall schedule this week starting with women's soccer today.
The Women of Troy will be kicking it on TV nine times this season, five home games and four on the road. The conference will broadcast 58 women's soccer games in the Pac-12 Networks' inaugural run.
Click here for the full story.
"It's really exciting to see that our sport and our conference will be on TV for all to see this season," USC head coach Ali Khosroshahin. "It's an opportunity for our athletes to get exposure, so we can really show the strength of our programs and the Pac-12 as a whole."
The TV schedule...
Aug. 26 - Minnesota at USC (1 p.m.)
Aug. 31 - Duke at USC (4 p.m.)
Sept. 21 - Washington at USC (2 p.m.)
Sept. 28 - USC at Arizona State (2 p.m.)
Sept. 30 - USC at Arizona (1:30 p.m.)
Oct. 5 - USC at Oregon State (1 p.m.)
Oct. 12 - USC at Washington State (1 p.m.)
Oct. 19 - Utah at USC (3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 2 - UCLA at USC (2 p.m.)
Click more on Pac-12 Networks.
The Women of Troy will be kicking it on TV nine times this season, five home games and four on the road. The conference will broadcast 58 women's soccer games in the Pac-12 Networks' inaugural run.Click here for the full story.
"It's really exciting to see that our sport and our conference will be on TV for all to see this season," USC head coach Ali Khosroshahin. "It's an opportunity for our athletes to get exposure, so we can really show the strength of our programs and the Pac-12 as a whole."
The TV schedule...
Aug. 26 - Minnesota at USC (1 p.m.)
Aug. 31 - Duke at USC (4 p.m.)
Sept. 21 - Washington at USC (2 p.m.)
Sept. 28 - USC at Arizona State (2 p.m.)
Sept. 30 - USC at Arizona (1:30 p.m.)
Oct. 5 - USC at Oregon State (1 p.m.)
Oct. 12 - USC at Washington State (1 p.m.)
Oct. 19 - Utah at USC (3:30 p.m.)
Nov. 2 - UCLA at USC (2 p.m.)
Click more on Pac-12 Networks.
Steve Johnson became the fourth men's tennis player to collect consecutive Campbell/ITA National Player of the Year awards to match his back-to-back NCAA Men's Singles Championships.
Click here for the full story.
Johnson finished his career as a Trojan on a 72-match singles winning streak. He will spend the summer on the pro circuit playing for the USTA Collegiate Team and eventually his second trip to the U.S. Open.
(Photo by John McGillen)
Click here for the full story.
Johnson finished his career as a Trojan on a 72-match singles winning streak. He will spend the summer on the pro circuit playing for the USTA Collegiate Team and eventually his second trip to the U.S. Open.
(Photo by John McGillen)
USC owns the open water.
Rising senior Haley Anderson became the lone American qualifier for the Olympic Marathon Swim by winning the open water 10K in Setubal, Portugal.
"To qualify for the London Olympics is amazing, I'm speechless," said Anderson. "I called my Dad after the race and said, 'I did it,' but that was about all I can get out of my mouth."
(Photo by Peter Bick)
The long distance champion will look to add more races to her London 2012 schedule at the U.S. Swimming Indoor Trials, which begin June 25 in Omaha, Neb. The All-American won the NCAA championship in the 500m freestyle as a junior.
On the men's side, fellow Trojan Ous Mellouli dominated the field in Portugal to book a spot in the 2012 Olympic Games for his native Tunisia. Mellouli and Anderson train at USC under the guidance of swimming head coach Dave Salo.
Rising senior Haley Anderson became the lone American qualifier for the Olympic Marathon Swim by winning the open water 10K in Setubal, Portugal."To qualify for the London Olympics is amazing, I'm speechless," said Anderson. "I called my Dad after the race and said, 'I did it,' but that was about all I can get out of my mouth."
(Photo by Peter Bick)
The long distance champion will look to add more races to her London 2012 schedule at the U.S. Swimming Indoor Trials, which begin June 25 in Omaha, Neb. The All-American won the NCAA championship in the 500m freestyle as a junior.
On the men's side, fellow Trojan Ous Mellouli dominated the field in Portugal to book a spot in the 2012 Olympic Games for his native Tunisia. Mellouli and Anderson train at USC under the guidance of swimming head coach Dave Salo.
Mellouli won gold in the 1500m freestyle at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Two researchers from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering are using advanced technology and statistics to create a new version of "Moneyball" for the NBA. Computer scientists Rajiv Maheswaran and Yu-Han Chang are sifting through more than one million data records per game, the largest collection ever, looking for statistical patterns and insights.
Click here for the full story.
USC's Viterbi team is the only school in the country with complete access to SportVU optical tracking data, which uses video cameras installed in participating basketball arenas to capture real-time video footage, as many as 25 frames per second.
"What [Rajiv and Yu-Han] can do with the data is far beyond what we or any NBA team can do with the data," said Brian Kopp, vice president of strategy and development at STATS, owners of the SportVU technology.
As an example, the research proves statistically that the mid-range jumper is the worst shot in basketball because it yields only a two-point reward at a low percentage and rarely gets offensive rebounded.
No word yet on who will play Rajiv and Yu-Han when Aaron Sorkin inevitably writes the movie, but here is a cool video which better explains the theory.
Click here for the full story.
USC's Viterbi team is the only school in the country with complete access to SportVU optical tracking data, which uses video cameras installed in participating basketball arenas to capture real-time video footage, as many as 25 frames per second.
"What [Rajiv and Yu-Han] can do with the data is far beyond what we or any NBA team can do with the data," said Brian Kopp, vice president of strategy and development at STATS, owners of the SportVU technology.
As an example, the research proves statistically that the mid-range jumper is the worst shot in basketball because it yields only a two-point reward at a low percentage and rarely gets offensive rebounded.
No word yet on who will play Rajiv and Yu-Han when Aaron Sorkin inevitably writes the movie, but here is a cool video which better explains the theory.
Muscle Milk will continue in its role as USC athletics official performance protein provider after signing back on with USC Sports Properties. The full release:
Muscle Milk_USC.docx
"To continue our support that began in 2006 is a true testament to the brand that Muscle Milk is," said Chris Kildow, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Muscle Milk.
"The partnership with USC Athletics is a very important one within the scope of our overall collegiate marketing platform, but it's truly about supporting the student-athletes and helping these great programs succeed in every aspect of sport and academics. USC is an amazing institution, and we are excited about showcasing our brand with them for many years."
Each month, we interview athletic director Pat Haden to find out the latest news around Heritage Hall.
With the 2011-12 USC athletics season over, what stood out to you from another great year?
We showed the breadth of talent across our 21 sports with 11 teams finishing in the top seven nationally. It is a testament to the student-athletes we recruit, the coaches on staff, our great facilities and our stiff competition. We added two more NCAA titles with men's water polo and men's tennis completing four-peats in the same season, which has never been done here before.
What are your thoughts on the new women's basketball assistant coaching staff?
Michael Cooper has brought in some new blood to energize the program. When you hire assistants, a coach is looking to complement his or her style, whether it is
offensively or defensively or maybe in recruiting. Coach Cooper accomplished that by bringing in Daron Park, Tai Dillard and Evan Unrau. We should be a very competitive team in the Pac-12 next year.
Reader question: How will the enhanced NCAA academic standards effect our team's postseason eligibility? - Mark Child
As long as we know what the mark is, an APR of 930 to be eligible for postseason play, we will get over the bar. Retrospectively, only men's basketball would have been in any danger, due mostly to roster turnover with transfers, but the standards were different then. Our student-athletes and academic services staff are competitive, so with a new mark in place, we will do our best to meet it or exceed it.
Why should fans purchase the big game mini-plans for football season?
You can almost smell football season. It is just around the corner. We have a great home schedule this year highlighted by the Oregon and Notre Dame games, so you will not want to miss out on the chance to experience the Coliseum atmosphere. Plus, the environment is generational. I went with my dad and now many years later, I am taking my grandkids to games.
Click here to purchase a mini-plan!
What is on the AD's docket for the summer?
We are learning as much as we can. I have tasked all my associate athletic directors to visit an athletic department that they admire to learn what we can do better. Plus, we have so many ongoing development projects with the John McKay Center, Heritage Hall, the Uytengsu Aquatics Center and potentially the Coliseum to keep us plenty busy.
With the 2011-12 USC athletics season over, what stood out to you from another great year?We showed the breadth of talent across our 21 sports with 11 teams finishing in the top seven nationally. It is a testament to the student-athletes we recruit, the coaches on staff, our great facilities and our stiff competition. We added two more NCAA titles with men's water polo and men's tennis completing four-peats in the same season, which has never been done here before.
What are your thoughts on the new women's basketball assistant coaching staff?
Michael Cooper has brought in some new blood to energize the program. When you hire assistants, a coach is looking to complement his or her style, whether it is
offensively or defensively or maybe in recruiting. Coach Cooper accomplished that by bringing in Daron Park, Tai Dillard and Evan Unrau. We should be a very competitive team in the Pac-12 next year.Reader question: How will the enhanced NCAA academic standards effect our team's postseason eligibility? - Mark Child
As long as we know what the mark is, an APR of 930 to be eligible for postseason play, we will get over the bar. Retrospectively, only men's basketball would have been in any danger, due mostly to roster turnover with transfers, but the standards were different then. Our student-athletes and academic services staff are competitive, so with a new mark in place, we will do our best to meet it or exceed it.
Why should fans purchase the big game mini-plans for football season?You can almost smell football season. It is just around the corner. We have a great home schedule this year highlighted by the Oregon and Notre Dame games, so you will not want to miss out on the chance to experience the Coliseum atmosphere. Plus, the environment is generational. I went with my dad and now many years later, I am taking my grandkids to games.
Click here to purchase a mini-plan!
What is on the AD's docket for the summer?
We are learning as much as we can. I have tasked all my associate athletic directors to visit an athletic department that they admire to learn what we can do better. Plus, we have so many ongoing development projects with the John McKay Center, Heritage Hall, the Uytengsu Aquatics Center and potentially the Coliseum to keep us plenty busy.
USC football will start the season in the national spotlight with four of its first five games already confirmed to be televised on FOX Network, ESPN and ABC.
The Trojans' opener on September 1 at the Coliseum against Hawaii will kickoff at 4:30 p.m. pacific and air on FOX Network. As was previously announced, game two against Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, will kickoff at 12:30 p.m. pacific (3:30 p.m. local) on ABC.
USC's Pac-12 opener at Stanford on September 15 will be back on FOX Network at 4:30 p.m. pacific. The following week's game at home to Cal will be the Trojans first appearance on the Pac-12 Network, but the kickoff time has yet to be announced.
Do you get Pac-12 Networks? Find out here.
The Trojans will begin the October slate with a Thursday night (October 4) contest at Utah, which will be broadcast by ESPN starting at 6 p.m. pacific (7 p.m. local).
Click here for the complete schedule.
The remaining kickoff times and television networks will be announced at a later date. In some cases, we will not know the game time until 13 days prior to the game date.
Every conference football game will be televised in 2012. Here is the list of announced Pac-12 match-ups for the first three weeks of the season:
Pac-12 Networks 2012 Football Schedule release1.docx
(Top photo by Pierson Clair, bottom by John McGillen)
The Trojans' opener on September 1 at the Coliseum against Hawaii will kickoff at 4:30 p.m. pacific and air on FOX Network. As was previously announced, game two against Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, will kickoff at 12:30 p.m. pacific (3:30 p.m. local) on ABC.USC's Pac-12 opener at Stanford on September 15 will be back on FOX Network at 4:30 p.m. pacific. The following week's game at home to Cal will be the Trojans first appearance on the Pac-12 Network, but the kickoff time has yet to be announced.
Do you get Pac-12 Networks? Find out here.
The Trojans will begin the October slate with a Thursday night (October 4) contest at Utah, which will be broadcast by ESPN starting at 6 p.m. pacific (7 p.m. local).
Click here for the complete schedule.
The remaining kickoff times and television networks will be announced at a later date. In some cases, we will not know the game time until 13 days prior to the game date.
Every conference football game will be televised in 2012. Here is the list of announced Pac-12 match-ups for the first three weeks of the season:
Pac-12 Networks 2012 Football Schedule release1.docx
(Top photo by Pierson Clair, bottom by John McGillen)
USC women's golf, women's soccer and men's indoor track and field were honored with Public Recognition Awards by the NCAA for consistent academic excellence.
The women's golf team has paced the field with seven consecutive APR awards, while women's soccer (pictured below) earned recognition for the sixth time in the seven years of the APR's existence. The APR takes into account multi-year academic performance.
Click here to learn more about the Public Recognition Awards.
"These teams prove that it is possible to not only balance academic and athletic commitment, as most student-athletes do; but to exceed standards and post outstanding academic scores," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "The drive and determination shown in the classroom and on the field by these men and women represent what it means to be an NCAA student-athlete."
The women's golf team has paced the field with seven consecutive APR awards, while women's soccer (pictured below) earned recognition for the sixth time in the seven years of the APR's existence. The APR takes into account multi-year academic performance.
Click here to learn more about the Public Recognition Awards.
"These teams prove that it is possible to not only balance academic and athletic commitment, as most student-athletes do; but to exceed standards and post outstanding academic scores," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "The drive and determination shown in the classroom and on the field by these men and women represent what it means to be an NCAA student-athlete."
The Women of Troy finished the 2011-12 athletics' season seventh in the Capital One Cup standings, which measures the performance of the program based on NCAA team finishes.
Click here for the final standings.
The men's teams are currently in 10th with the College World Series still a possibility to shake up the final standings.
Women's water polo and golf (pictured by Dan Avila) led the way with second place finishes this spring.
Click here for the final standings.
The men's teams are currently in 10th with the College World Series still a possibility to shake up the final standings.
Women's water polo and golf (pictured by Dan Avila) led the way with second place finishes this spring.
We had some fun and put the highlighted success from the USC athletics 2011-12 campaign into an infographic.
You can sneak it into your next business presentation, especially if Bruins are in the room.
You can sneak it into your next business presentation, especially if Bruins are in the room.
The Women of Troy turned out in droves for one of our most popular events yesterday. Football 101 provided the experience to learn more about the game from the coaches as well as participate in the Trojan Walk, the locker room atmosphere and play on the famed Coliseum turf.
If you participated in the event, you can order or download your photos here.
Here is a look at the day courtesy of Pierson Clair...
If you participated in the event, you can order or download your photos here.
Here is a look at the day courtesy of Pierson Clair...
The Pac-12 Conference will release the first three weeks of the 2012 football schedule tomorrow including kickoff times and broadcast coverage.
Pac-12 Networks will launch August 15 and plans to broadcast 850 LIVE events in the first year on the national network and the six regional feeds. As of now, the conference channels will be carried on Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Cox and Bright House Networks, but the Pac-12 is negotiating with the satellite companies and other interested distributors.
A new network means lots of questions, so here are all the answers in one document:
Pac12Net-Q&A.docx
Pac-12 Networks will launch August 15 and plans to broadcast 850 LIVE events in the first year on the national network and the six regional feeds. As of now, the conference channels will be carried on Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Cox and Bright House Networks, but the Pac-12 is negotiating with the satellite companies and other interested distributors.
A new network means lots of questions, so here are all the answers in one document:
Pac12Net-Q&A.docx
USC men's tennis assistant George Husack has been officially named the head coach of the men's program at the University of Alabama.Peter Smith's right hand man was honored as the 2012 Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Assistant Coach of the Year after helping to lead the Trojans to a third consecutive national championship (fourth overall) during his tenure as associate head coach at Troy.
Click here for the full story.
"I'm indebted to Peter Smith and the USC Athletic Department for an incredible three seasons," Husack said. "Peter not only prepared his players for practice, competition and life, but also his coaches and I'm excited about the next chapter in my career. My family and I are going to miss the Trojan Family but know that the memories created and friendships formed will never be lost. Fight On."
Husack joins women's basketball coach Laura Beeman (Hawaii) as the second Trojan assistant to earn a top college job this year.
Tennis has no offseason. Fresh off a men's national championship and a women's Final Four, Steve Johnson, Ray Sarmiento and Zoe Scandalis were selected to compete this summer on the USTA Collegiate Team, which serves as an elite training program for young American talents.
Click here for the full story.
The trio will be part of a team of nine men and seven women who will compete on the USTA Pro Circuit after attending a Pro Tour Transitions training camp.
Johnson will officially turn pro this summer, including a second scheduled appearance at the U.S. Open in New York, while Sarmiento and Scandalis are expected to anchor the men's and women's teams next year at USC.
(Photo of Sarmiento by John McGillen)
Click here for the full story.
The trio will be part of a team of nine men and seven women who will compete on the USTA Pro Circuit after attending a Pro Tour Transitions training camp.
Johnson will officially turn pro this summer, including a second scheduled appearance at the U.S. Open in New York, while Sarmiento and Scandalis are expected to anchor the men's and women's teams next year at USC.
(Photo of Sarmiento by John McGillen)
Yesterday, we recapped the team achievements of the 2011-12 school year, so today we will pay tribute to the best individual performances this season.
Four USC student-athletes were recognized as the National Player of the Year led by two-time NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson (pictured by Matt Riley). Volleyball swept the national MVP awards with Alex Jupiter taking the women's honor and Tony Ciarelli named the top male player.
Men's water polo goalie Joel Dennerley was not only named the National Player of the Year, but he won Australia's Male Player of the Year and the Peter J. Cutino Award.
USC boasted 56 first team All-Americans in 2011-12. Trojans won five NCAA individual championships led by Katinka Hosszu, who swam to victory in the 400 IM and 200 fly.
The best collegiate athletes in the country were led by the coaching elite. Jovan Vavic (men's water polo), Peter Smith (men's tennis) and Bill Ferguson (men's volleyball) earned National Coach of the Year honors.
The complete list of USC first team All-Americans in 2011-12:
Alex Jupiter (WVB, third consecutive), Kendall Bateman (WVB), Natalie Hagglund (WVB), Robert Woods (FB), Matt Kalil (FB), T.J. McDonald (FB), Marqise Lee (FB, Freshman All-American), Dion Bailey (FB, Freshman All-American), Marcus Martin (FB, Freshman All-American), Hayes Pullard (FB, Freshman All-American), Andre Heidari (FB, Freshman All-American), Joel Dennerley (MWP), Peter Kurzeka (MWP), Haley Anderson (WSWM), Kasey Carlson (WSWM), Stina Gardell (WSWM), Meghan Hawthorne (WSWM), Katinka Hosszu (WSWM), Victoria Ishimatsu (WSWM), Tanya Krisman (WSWM), Lynette Lim (WSWM), Lindsay Parrish (WSWM), Christel Simms (WSWM), Amanda Smith (WSWM), Yumi So (WSWM), Dimitri Colupaev (MSWM), Jeff Daniels (MSWM), Alex Lendrum (MSWM), Vladimir Morozov (MSWM), Cristian Quintero (MSWM), Jack Wagner (MSWM), Tony Ciarelli (MVB), Doris Chen (WGLF), Lisa McCloskey (WGLF), Kaitlyn Christian (WTEN), Sabrina Santamaria (WTEN), Zoe Scandalis (WTEN), Danielle Lao (WTEN), Stephen Tarpley (BASE, Freshman All-American), Steve Johnson (MTEN), Roberto Quiroz (MTEN), Ray Sarmiento (MTEN), Lenka Vrecnikova (WROW), Aaron Brown (MTRK, 200), Joey Hughes (MTRK, 1600 relay), Josh Mance (MTRK, 400, 1600 relay), Bryson Nellum (MTRK, 1600 relay), Reggie Wyatt (MTRK, 400 IH, 1600 relay), Kristine Busa (WTRK, javelin), Jessica Davis (WTRK, 400 relay), Loudia Laarman (WTRK, 400 relay), Marissa Minderler (WTRK, hammer), Dalilah Muhammad (WRTK, 400 IH), Akawkaw Ndipagbor (WTRK, 400 relay), Jenny Ozorai (WTRK, hammer), Aareon Payne (WTRK, 400 relay)
Four USC student-athletes were recognized as the National Player of the Year led by two-time NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson (pictured by Matt Riley). Volleyball swept the national MVP awards with Alex Jupiter taking the women's honor and Tony Ciarelli named the top male player.Men's water polo goalie Joel Dennerley was not only named the National Player of the Year, but he won Australia's Male Player of the Year and the Peter J. Cutino Award.
USC boasted 56 first team All-Americans in 2011-12. Trojans won five NCAA individual championships led by Katinka Hosszu, who swam to victory in the 400 IM and 200 fly.
The best collegiate athletes in the country were led by the coaching elite. Jovan Vavic (men's water polo), Peter Smith (men's tennis) and Bill Ferguson (men's volleyball) earned National Coach of the Year honors.
The complete list of USC first team All-Americans in 2011-12:
Alex Jupiter (WVB, third consecutive), Kendall Bateman (WVB), Natalie Hagglund (WVB), Robert Woods (FB), Matt Kalil (FB), T.J. McDonald (FB), Marqise Lee (FB, Freshman All-American), Dion Bailey (FB, Freshman All-American), Marcus Martin (FB, Freshman All-American), Hayes Pullard (FB, Freshman All-American), Andre Heidari (FB, Freshman All-American), Joel Dennerley (MWP), Peter Kurzeka (MWP), Haley Anderson (WSWM), Kasey Carlson (WSWM), Stina Gardell (WSWM), Meghan Hawthorne (WSWM), Katinka Hosszu (WSWM), Victoria Ishimatsu (WSWM), Tanya Krisman (WSWM), Lynette Lim (WSWM), Lindsay Parrish (WSWM), Christel Simms (WSWM), Amanda Smith (WSWM), Yumi So (WSWM), Dimitri Colupaev (MSWM), Jeff Daniels (MSWM), Alex Lendrum (MSWM), Vladimir Morozov (MSWM), Cristian Quintero (MSWM), Jack Wagner (MSWM), Tony Ciarelli (MVB), Doris Chen (WGLF), Lisa McCloskey (WGLF), Kaitlyn Christian (WTEN), Sabrina Santamaria (WTEN), Zoe Scandalis (WTEN), Danielle Lao (WTEN), Stephen Tarpley (BASE, Freshman All-American), Steve Johnson (MTEN), Roberto Quiroz (MTEN), Ray Sarmiento (MTEN), Lenka Vrecnikova (WROW), Aaron Brown (MTRK, 200), Joey Hughes (MTRK, 1600 relay), Josh Mance (MTRK, 400, 1600 relay), Bryson Nellum (MTRK, 1600 relay), Reggie Wyatt (MTRK, 400 IH, 1600 relay), Kristine Busa (WTRK, javelin), Jessica Davis (WTRK, 400 relay), Loudia Laarman (WTRK, 400 relay), Marissa Minderler (WTRK, hammer), Dalilah Muhammad (WRTK, 400 IH), Akawkaw Ndipagbor (WTRK, 400 relay), Jenny Ozorai (WTRK, hammer), Aareon Payne (WTRK, 400 relay)
USC women's soccer head coach Ali Khosroshahin was not pleased with 2011's 7-13 record, so he's overturned the roster with 18 newcomers to go along with the McAlister Field makeover (pictured).
"After all the injuries we had last year, there was a huge need to
reinforce ourselves," Khosroshahin said. "We feel we've gone out and
recruited not only the most talented class that we've ever had here, but
also the deepest class. We have been able to bring in reinforcements at
every position, and we're very confident in these new players'
abilities and their ability to adapt to the way we play."
Click here for the full story.
The dramatic personnel shift means more players are coming in than returning. The new wave is led by Missouri sophomore transfer Caroline Stanley, who is expected to start in goal.
"She's a very good organizer," Khosroshahin said about his new keeper. "She communicates well and she's very good with her feet. I expect her to have an immediate impact on this team."
Of the 16 incoming freshmen, seven of the 13 locals earned All-CIF honors, while Oregon import Whitney Pitalo headlines the three out-of-state talents.
"Whitney could potentially be the best athlete in this class," Khosroshahin said. "Her hobby is pole vaulting and she's an accomplished soccer player. She has scored a lot of goals and can play multiple positions."
The women's soccer season kicks off in August.
"After all the injuries we had last year, there was a huge need to
reinforce ourselves," Khosroshahin said. "We feel we've gone out and
recruited not only the most talented class that we've ever had here, but
also the deepest class. We have been able to bring in reinforcements at
every position, and we're very confident in these new players'
abilities and their ability to adapt to the way we play." Click here for the full story.
The dramatic personnel shift means more players are coming in than returning. The new wave is led by Missouri sophomore transfer Caroline Stanley, who is expected to start in goal.
"She's a very good organizer," Khosroshahin said about his new keeper. "She communicates well and she's very good with her feet. I expect her to have an immediate impact on this team."
Of the 16 incoming freshmen, seven of the 13 locals earned All-CIF honors, while Oregon import Whitney Pitalo headlines the three out-of-state talents.
"Whitney could potentially be the best athlete in this class," Khosroshahin said. "Her hobby is pole vaulting and she's an accomplished soccer player. She has scored a lot of goals and can play multiple positions."
The women's soccer season kicks off in August.
Former USC baseball pitcher Brad Boxberger made his major league debut last Sunday tossing a hitless inning of relief for the San Diego Padres. He is the 101st Trojan to appear in a big league game, which pushes USC back ahead of Arizona State for the most MLB alums all-time.
Click here for the full story.
"It was just a rush of excitement," Boxberger said about getting the call. "There's not really anything I can say to explain exactly how I felt, but it was exciting."
The right-hander was a second team All-American at Troy before the Reds drafted him in the first round in 2009. He was a key piece of the Mat Latos trade between Cincinnati and San Diego during the offseason.
"He comes from a solid background as an amateur," said Padres manager Bud Black. "He's got a good arm, he's got good stuff. Again, there's a big difference between Minor League pitching and Major League pitching, but I think there is a fundamental skill set there that projects to be a Major League reliever."
(Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
Here's a look at Boxberger in action during spring training earlier this year...
Click here for the full story."It was just a rush of excitement," Boxberger said about getting the call. "There's not really anything I can say to explain exactly how I felt, but it was exciting."
The right-hander was a second team All-American at Troy before the Reds drafted him in the first round in 2009. He was a key piece of the Mat Latos trade between Cincinnati and San Diego during the offseason.
"He comes from a solid background as an amateur," said Padres manager Bud Black. "He's got a good arm, he's got good stuff. Again, there's a big difference between Minor League pitching and Major League pitching, but I think there is a fundamental skill set there that projects to be a Major League reliever."
(Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
Here's a look at Boxberger in action during spring training earlier this year...
The 2011-12 USC athletics' season is officially in the books.
Trojan teams have now won 117 national team titles with men's water polo and men's tennis completing 4-peats. USC men's teams continue to lead the way nationally with 81 NCAA men's team championships.
In 2011-12, USC athletics finished with two national champions, three national runners-up, three more top three teams and 11 teams total that ended the season ranked in the top seven nationally.
Final Team Rankings
Men's Water Polo - National Champion
Men's Tennis - National Champion
Women's Golf - National Runners-up
Women's Water Polo - National Runners-up
Men's Volleyball - National Runners-up
Women's Swimming and Diving - Finished 3rd at NCAAs
Women's Volleyball - National Semifinalist
Women's Tennis - National Semifinalist
Football - Finished 6th in the AP Poll
Women's Rowing - Finished 6th at NCAAs
Men's Swimming and Diving - Finished 7th at NCAAs
Men's Track and Field - Finished 11th at NCAAs
Men's Golf - Finished 15th at NCAAs
Women's Track and Field - Finished 24th at NCAAs
Women's Sand Volleyball - Missed the national tournament
Baseball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Soccer - Missed NCAAs
Men's Basketball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Basketball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Cross Country - Missed NCAAs
(Photos by Dan Avila)
Trojan teams have now won 117 national team titles with men's water polo and men's tennis completing 4-peats. USC men's teams continue to lead the way nationally with 81 NCAA men's team championships.
In 2011-12, USC athletics finished with two national champions, three national runners-up, three more top three teams and 11 teams total that ended the season ranked in the top seven nationally.
Final Team Rankings
Men's Water Polo - National ChampionMen's Tennis - National Champion
Women's Golf - National Runners-up
Women's Water Polo - National Runners-up
Men's Volleyball - National Runners-up
Women's Swimming and Diving - Finished 3rd at NCAAs
Women's Volleyball - National Semifinalist
Women's Tennis - National Semifinalist
Football - Finished 6th in the AP Poll
Women's Rowing - Finished 6th at NCAAs
Men's Swimming and Diving - Finished 7th at NCAAsMen's Track and Field - Finished 11th at NCAAs
Men's Golf - Finished 15th at NCAAs
Women's Track and Field - Finished 24th at NCAAs
Women's Sand Volleyball - Missed the national tournament
Baseball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Soccer - Missed NCAAs
Men's Basketball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Basketball - Missed NCAAs
Women's Cross Country - Missed NCAAs
(Photos by Dan Avila)
Written by Farren Benjamin, USC blog contributor
This past weekend, USC student-athletes Eric Strangis (men's basketball), Randall Telfer (football), Anna Janicka (women's rowing) and Magda Janicka (women's rowing) were among the 300 student-athletes throughout NCAA's three divisions to be selected to attend a four-day NCAA Career in Sports Forum held at the NCAA's headquarters in Indianapolis.
This past weekend, USC student-athletes Eric Strangis (men's basketball), Randall Telfer (football), Anna Janicka (women's rowing) and Magda Janicka (women's rowing) were among the 300 student-athletes throughout NCAA's three divisions to be selected to attend a four-day NCAA Career in Sports Forum held at the NCAA's headquarters in Indianapolis.
To be selected to the NCAA Career in Sports Forum,
student-athletes had to request to be nominated by their academic advisor and then proceed to fill out an application including essay
questions on their goals, passions and career aspirations. Despite the
rigorous process, USC was well represented at this national conference
bringing four people from three different sports.
The NCAA Career in Sports Forum is held every year
and allows student athletes to explore careers in sports, sports
entertainment and sports law, coaching, administration and officiating.
Continue reading NCAA Career in Sports Forum.
USC men's basketball senior Renaldo Woolridge, who transferred from Tennessee, lost his father Orlando Woolridge to a chronic heart condition a couple of weeks ago.
Orlando had a 13-year NBA career, including stints on Michael Jordan's Bulls and Magic Johnson's Lakers, during which he was known as a high-flying dunker. Renaldo inherited his father's basketball genes as well as his flare.
While the younger Woolridge does not have a showy game, known best as a jump shooter, he expresses himself as an entertainer behind the microphone. As a talented young hip hop artist under the moniker "Swiperboy," Renaldo has gained an internet following.
His latest release is a heartfelt tribute to his father...
Orlando had a 13-year NBA career, including stints on Michael Jordan's Bulls and Magic Johnson's Lakers, during which he was known as a high-flying dunker. Renaldo inherited his father's basketball genes as well as his flare.
While the younger Woolridge does not have a showy game, known best as a jump shooter, he expresses himself as an entertainer behind the microphone. As a talented young hip hop artist under the moniker "Swiperboy," Renaldo has gained an internet following.
His latest release is a heartfelt tribute to his father...
The USC men's track and field team finished 11th overall at the NCAA Championships thanks to a strong closing kick by the 4x400m relay team, which ran the second fastest time in school history to place second in the race.
The quartet of senior Joey Hughes, sophomore Josh Mance, junior Reggie Wyatt and senior Bryshon Nellum (pictured) ran a blistering 3:00.64 to finish an eyelash behind Florida (3:00.02). The Trojan 4x400m record (3:00.58) was set in 1992 by a squad featuring Olympic gold medalist Quincy Watts and football stars Curtis Conway and Travis Hannah.
Wyatt and Mance earned All-American honors for their individual race successes. Wyatt (pictured below) banked points by finishing third in the men's 400m IH, while Mance came in fifth in the 400m.
"Naturally I'm disappointed, but we were the top finisher on the men's side among private schools and that is significant," said USC Director of Track and Field Ron Allice.
Click here for the complete NCAA track and field recap.
The women's track and field team ended its campaign 24th at the NCAA Championships. Dalilah Muhammad was the top performer of the weekend earning All-American honors for her fifth place finish in the 400m IH.
"On the women's side, we just didn't hit on all cylinders all season," added Allice.
(Photos by Kirby Lee)
The quartet of senior Joey Hughes, sophomore Josh Mance, junior Reggie Wyatt and senior Bryshon Nellum (pictured) ran a blistering 3:00.64 to finish an eyelash behind Florida (3:00.02). The Trojan 4x400m record (3:00.58) was set in 1992 by a squad featuring Olympic gold medalist Quincy Watts and football stars Curtis Conway and Travis Hannah.Wyatt and Mance earned All-American honors for their individual race successes. Wyatt (pictured below) banked points by finishing third in the men's 400m IH, while Mance came in fifth in the 400m.
"Naturally I'm disappointed, but we were the top finisher on the men's side among private schools and that is significant," said USC Director of Track and Field Ron Allice.
Click here for the complete NCAA track and field recap.
The women's track and field team ended its campaign 24th at the NCAA Championships. Dalilah Muhammad was the top performer of the weekend earning All-American honors for her fifth place finish in the 400m IH.
"On the women's side, we just didn't hit on all cylinders all season," added Allice.
(Photos by Kirby Lee)
USC war hero Louis Zamperini shared his incredible life story on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. From running in the 1936 Olympics to meeting Adolf Hitler and then eventually surviving World War II, Zamperini is a living historical treasure.
Part I of his visit with Leno is embedded below, part II can be watched by clicking here.
Part I of his visit with Leno is embedded below, part II can be watched by clicking here.
ESPN College Football Live ranked Marcus Allen's 1981 season the second best in the history of college football.
Here's why...
Here's why...
- 2,342 rushing yards (first collegian to ever break the 2,000-yard barrier)
- 22 touchdowns
- 5.6 yards per carry
- Team-leading 34 receptions
- Set 14 records including most 200-yard rushing games in a season (8)
An ESPN video tribute to USC's fourth Heisman winner...
Former USC athletic director Mike Garrett has been hired to fill the same position at Langston University, a small historically black college in Oklahoma which competes in the NAIA.
Click here for the full story.
"USC 17 years ago was trying to grapple and get their school academically sound and athletically sound," Garrett said at his press conference. "Langston is in that position now. It's a great feeling to be able to build something. Building is what I like to do. I believe in what Langston wants to do."
USC's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1965, Garrett was an accomplished athlete and administrator as a Trojan. He will undoubtedly push Langston to raise its sights to new competitive heights.
"The only thing I know is winning," Garrett emphasized at his introduction. "I hate losing."
Click here for the full story.
"USC 17 years ago was trying to grapple and get their school academically sound and athletically sound," Garrett said at his press conference. "Langston is in that position now. It's a great feeling to be able to build something. Building is what I like to do. I believe in what Langston wants to do."
USC's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1965, Garrett was an accomplished athlete and administrator as a Trojan. He will undoubtedly push Langston to raise its sights to new competitive heights.
"The only thing I know is winning," Garrett emphasized at his introduction. "I hate losing."
In the 40th anniversary year of Title IX, ESPNW is counting down the 40 greatest female athletes of the last 40 years. USC women's basketball icon Cheryl Miller is No. 13.
Miller's resume speaks for itself: 1984 Olympic Gold medalist, 4-time All-American, 3-time Naismith College Player of the Year and 2-time NCAA champion.
However, former Women of Troy head coach Linda Sharp said that her personality set her apart from other athletes.
"One thing Cheryl had besides the skills and athleticism was showmanship," Sharp told ESPN.com. "She stepped on the court and just did her thing. She had character; she entertained. She's still that way."
Miller's resume speaks for itself: 1984 Olympic Gold medalist, 4-time All-American, 3-time Naismith College Player of the Year and 2-time NCAA champion.
However, former Women of Troy head coach Linda Sharp said that her personality set her apart from other athletes.
"One thing Cheryl had besides the skills and athleticism was showmanship," Sharp told ESPN.com. "She stepped on the court and just did her thing. She had character; she entertained. She's still that way."
Many of you are surely following the story of former USC football recruit Brian Banks. Falsely accused and then wrongly convicted of rape, he served five years in prison and then another five on parole.
A decade later, Banks has been exonerated after his accuser admitted to fabricating the charge. Even better, the linebacker is getting a shot to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL.
Here's a great video featuring old friends Pete Carroll, Ken Norton Jr. and the Win Forever team of Banks getting a tryout with the Seattle Seahawks...
A decade later, Banks has been exonerated after his accuser admitted to fabricating the charge. Even better, the linebacker is getting a shot to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL.
Here's a great video featuring old friends Pete Carroll, Ken Norton Jr. and the Win Forever team of Banks getting a tryout with the Seattle Seahawks...
Orange County kids Steve Johnson and Matt Barkley made powerful statements when the pair decided to postpone lucrative professional careers to finish what they started at USC.
Click here for the complete feature by the OC Register's Michael Lev.
"We've been through a lot," Barkley said. "When the opportunity presented itself, just like with Steve, to do something special, something unique, that was something I didn't want to miss out on."
Johnson's "something special" was winning four consecutive national championships. Barkley noted that he is coming from a different perspective.
"I haven't won three already," Barkley said. "My motivation stems from (having won) nothing."
With Johnson's collegiate trophy case full now, the attention turns to the quarterback as he begins his final journey. Will he it be a run to the Rose? A special night in New York? A chance to lift the crystal football?
No matter what happens, Barkley is bringing a no-regrets mindset into the 2012 football season, but he's got his eye on a storybook ending just like his pal Steve Johnson.
(Photo of Johnson by John McGillen and Barkley by Jon SooHoo)
Click here for the complete feature by the OC Register's Michael Lev."We've been through a lot," Barkley said. "When the opportunity presented itself, just like with Steve, to do something special, something unique, that was something I didn't want to miss out on."
Johnson's "something special" was winning four consecutive national championships. Barkley noted that he is coming from a different perspective.
"I haven't won three already," Barkley said. "My motivation stems from (having won) nothing."
With Johnson's collegiate trophy case full now, the attention turns to the quarterback as he begins his final journey. Will he it be a run to the Rose? A special night in New York? A chance to lift the crystal football?
No matter what happens, Barkley is bringing a no-regrets mindset into the 2012 football season, but he's got his eye on a storybook ending just like his pal Steve Johnson.
(Photo of Johnson by John McGillen and Barkley by Jon SooHoo)
Under the tutelage of throw coach Dan Lange, earlier named the Women's Assistant Coach of the Year for the West Region, sophomore Jenny Ozorai and senior Marissa Minderler earned All-American honors at the NCAA Championships today by finishing fourth and eighth respectively. On the strength of the throwers, USC women's track and field is in 15th place after two days.
"It was just a magical year," said Lange. "It couldn't have been more special. To have three girls who took completely different routes to get here and accomplish what they did this year, it will be a long time before it is topped in my group and then to have two finish here as All-Americans. Jenny learned how to compete this season and I thought she did a really good job competing here as did Marissa. The future looks good for Jenny."
Click here for the full recap of day two.
Aaron Brown's redemption run headlined the men's stories on day two. After a disappointing performance in the 100m by the Pac-12 champion, the sophomore responded by qualifying for the 200m finals. The Canadian ran the third fastest time overall and a wind-aided personal record of 20.44.
"It was just a magical year," said Lange. "It couldn't have been more special. To have three girls who took completely different routes to get here and accomplish what they did this year, it will be a long time before it is topped in my group and then to have two finish here as All-Americans. Jenny learned how to compete this season and I thought she did a really good job competing here as did Marissa. The future looks good for Jenny."
Click here for the full recap of day two.
Aaron Brown's redemption run headlined the men's stories on day two. After a disappointing performance in the 100m by the Pac-12 champion, the sophomore responded by qualifying for the 200m finals. The Canadian ran the third fastest time overall and a wind-aided personal record of 20.44.
Ozorai and Minderler complete a fantastic season.
Pitching wins in baseball, so in USC's reconstruction project, Stephen Tarpley is a solid building block. The left-hander was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball for going 5-3 with a 3.22 ERA in his first year.
Click here for the full story.
Tarpley posted some dominant statistics including not allowing a home run the entire season. He struck out 67 batters in 78.1 innings, while holding opposing hitters to a .241 batting average.
Click here for the full story.
Tarpley posted some dominant statistics including not allowing a home run the entire season. He struck out 67 batters in 78.1 innings, while holding opposing hitters to a .241 batting average.
Marqise Lee's athleticism knows no bounds. The football coaches are experts on the subject and the track and field staff is learning quickly.
The Freshman All-American wide receiver finished the NCAA Championships as the second best freshman long jumper in the country. Lee's second sport is hardly a hobby as the Serra product has grown into a contender over his first season.
Lee did not score for USC in Des Moines, but his best jump of 7.37m placed him behind only Florida's Marquis Dendy (7.61m) among first years. He finished in 17th overall.
(Photo by Pac-12)
The Freshman All-American wide receiver finished the NCAA Championships as the second best freshman long jumper in the country. Lee's second sport is hardly a hobby as the Serra product has grown into a contender over his first season.
Lee did not score for USC in Des Moines, but his best jump of 7.37m placed him behind only Florida's Marquis Dendy (7.61m) among first years. He finished in 17th overall.
(Photo by Pac-12)
The national champion men's tennis team and NCAA semifinalist Women of Troy combined for seven All-Americans to cap a historic year in USC tennis.
Of course, Steve Johnson leads the way. The two-time NCAA singles champion was named an ITA All-American for the seventh time (four singles and three doubles).
Trivia: Rick Leach is USC men's tennis' only 8-time All-American.
Johnson is joined on the All-American team by his doubles partner freshman Roberto Quiroz and two-timer Ray Sarmiento, who finished the season ranked No. 19 in the country in singles.
Click here for the full story on the men's tennis All-Americans.
The breakout season by women's tennis concludes with four All-Americans, the most for the program since 1986.
Freshman Sabrina Santamaria scored top honors for singles and doubles joining her partner Kaitlyn Christian and singles talents Zoe Scandalis and Danielle Lao. True freshmen Scandalis and Santamaria finished the season ranked No. 11 and No. 13 respectively in the ITA rankings, while Lao ended up at No. 18.
Click here for the full story on the women's tennis All-Americans.
(Photos: Johnson by John McGillen and Santamaria/Christian by Pac-12)
Of course, Steve Johnson leads the way. The two-time NCAA singles champion was named an ITA All-American for the seventh time (four singles and three doubles).Trivia: Rick Leach is USC men's tennis' only 8-time All-American.
Johnson is joined on the All-American team by his doubles partner freshman Roberto Quiroz and two-timer Ray Sarmiento, who finished the season ranked No. 19 in the country in singles.
Click here for the full story on the men's tennis All-Americans.
The breakout season by women's tennis concludes with four All-Americans, the most for the program since 1986.
Freshman Sabrina Santamaria scored top honors for singles and doubles joining her partner Kaitlyn Christian and singles talents Zoe Scandalis and Danielle Lao. True freshmen Scandalis and Santamaria finished the season ranked No. 11 and No. 13 respectively in the ITA rankings, while Lao ended up at No. 18.
Click here for the full story on the women's tennis All-Americans.
(Photos: Johnson by John McGillen and Santamaria/Christian by Pac-12)
USC men's swimmer Alex Lendrum and men's tennis senior Daniel Nguyen made the Capital One Academic All-America Division I second and third team respectively.Click here for the full story.
Both athletes are superstars on both sides of the student-athlete hyphen.
Lendrum boasts a 3.74 GPA majoring in biochemistry, while also earning first team All-American honors as a finalist in the 200y backstroke at NCAAs.
Nguyen was the consummate team leader and clutch performer on four consecutive national championship men's tennis teams. He clinched the NCAA title for USC as a sophomore and junior.
In the classroom, he graduated with a communications degree and a 3.43 GPA. Nguyen also made the 2012 Pac-12 All-Academic first team.
The USC men's track and field team's chances of winning an NCAA Championship were dependent on the 400m trio of Josh Mance, Bryshon Nellum and Joey Hughes, but in a stacked national field, only Mance was able to qualify for the finals thanks to a personal record 44.83 (fourth-fastest ever by a Trojan).
Hughes and Nellum finished 10th and 12th respectively, but without multiple runners scoring in USC's best race, the Trojans will be desperate to find points from less likely sources. However, Mance ran the second fastest time of the qualifying races and the trio will compete together in the 4x400m relay.
Click here for the full story.
USC will also need Aaron Brown to bounce back from an unlucky break in the 100m. The Trojans top sprinter was caught on his heels trying to avoid a false start when the gun went off and ran a pedestrian (by his standards) 10.26 to finish 16th overall. He will get a shot at redemption in the 200m Thursday.
The women's team had a less tumultuous opening day in Des Moines. Javelin thrower Kristine Busa (pictured) finished 8th overall to earn All-American honors, while the 4x100m relay team cruised to the finals behind a season-best time of 43.94.
(Photo by Eric Gay/AP)
Hughes and Nellum finished 10th and 12th respectively, but without multiple runners scoring in USC's best race, the Trojans will be desperate to find points from less likely sources. However, Mance ran the second fastest time of the qualifying races and the trio will compete together in the 4x400m relay.Click here for the full story.
USC will also need Aaron Brown to bounce back from an unlucky break in the 100m. The Trojans top sprinter was caught on his heels trying to avoid a false start when the gun went off and ran a pedestrian (by his standards) 10.26 to finish 16th overall. He will get a shot at redemption in the 200m Thursday.
The women's team had a less tumultuous opening day in Des Moines. Javelin thrower Kristine Busa (pictured) finished 8th overall to earn All-American honors, while the 4x100m relay team cruised to the finals behind a season-best time of 43.94.
Mance (left) and Nellum (right) lead a star-studded 4x400m relay team.
(Photo by Eric Gay/AP)
If ever a headline fit...
Jordan Hershiser, the son of Orel Hersheiser, was drafted in the 34th round today by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the franchise for which his father won the 1988 World Series MVP and Cy Young.
The younger Hershiser is an imposing figure at 6'8" 245 lbs., but he has not been able to stay healthy at Troy. He appeared in just 21 games during his USC career, including five relief appearances last year. He can forgo signing with the Dodgers and return to USC as a redshirt senior if he so chooses.
Jordan grew up on major league baseball fields with his famous father, who now broadcasts for ESPN.
USC Athletics on WhoSay
Jordan Hershiser, the son of Orel Hersheiser, was drafted in the 34th round today by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the franchise for which his father won the 1988 World Series MVP and Cy Young.
The younger Hershiser is an imposing figure at 6'8" 245 lbs., but he has not been able to stay healthy at Troy. He appeared in just 21 games during his USC career, including five relief appearances last year. He can forgo signing with the Dodgers and return to USC as a redshirt senior if he so chooses.
Jordan grew up on major league baseball fields with his famous father, who now broadcasts for ESPN.
USC Athletics on WhoSay
Martin Viramontes made his one year at USC count. The right-handed closer transferred to the Trojans from Loyola Marymount and saved a team-leading five games.
Now, he is the 28th round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers and the second Trojan drafted in 2012.
Now, he is the 28th round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers and the second Trojan drafted in 2012.
USC women's tennis outgoing senior Alison Ramos is one of 11 finalists for the 2011-12 John McLendon Postgraduate Scholarship, which grants $10,000 towards postgraduate work in athletics administration to five different recipients.
Click here for the full story.
Ramos was named to the Pac-10 All-Academic Second Team as a sophomore and junior.
(Photo by John McGillen)
Click here for the full story.
Ramos was named to the Pac-10 All-Academic Second Team as a sophomore and junior.
(Photo by John McGillen)
For the third consecutive Major League Baseball Draft, Andrew Triggs had his name called. After passing up the MLB to return to USC each of the previous two years, the Trojan ace will begin his professional career in the Kansas City Royals organization, which drafted him in the 19th round today.
Triggs was the first USC player taken in the 2012 MLB Draft, which is in its third day. He finished off his five year career with a 5-6 senior season accompanied by a stellar 3.49 ERA and 85/20 K/BB ratio.
(Photo by John McGillen)
Triggs was the first USC player taken in the 2012 MLB Draft, which is in its third day. He finished off his five year career with a 5-6 senior season accompanied by a stellar 3.49 ERA and 85/20 K/BB ratio.
(Photo by John McGillen)
For the second straight year, Layla Kiffin and the assistant coaches' wives will host Football 101 for Ladies, a day of gridiron education and exercise, on Tuesday, June 12.
*Reservations are still available!!*
The Women of Troy fanbase will be taught the rules, positions and vernacular of the game that binds the Trojan Family together. In addition, attendees will experience a mock game day starting with the famous Trojan Walk and then dress a player in the locker room before a Coliseum scrimmage.
Click here to RSVP!!!
Here is a look at last year's event and the fun that's in store...
*Reservations are still available!!*
The Women of Troy fanbase will be taught the rules, positions and vernacular of the game that binds the Trojan Family together. In addition, attendees will experience a mock game day starting with the famous Trojan Walk and then dress a player in the locker room before a Coliseum scrimmage.
Click here to RSVP!!!
Here is a look at last year's event and the fun that's in store...
Mark McGwire is not the first USC Olympian that comes to mind, but he did compete at the 1984 games in Los Angeles when baseball was considered an exhibition sport. He was coming off his junior season when he set a school record cracking 32 homeruns before the Oakland A's drafted him in the first round.
McGwire's bat never heated up for the red, white and blue going just 4 for 21 with no homers, but Team USA took home the gold. Baseball became an official Olympic sport in 1992, but was voted out by the IOC for London 2012.
(Photo via Sports Illustrated)
McGwire's bat never heated up for the red, white and blue going just 4 for 21 with no homers, but Team USA took home the gold. Baseball became an official Olympic sport in 1992, but was voted out by the IOC for London 2012.
(Photo via Sports Illustrated)
The 2011-12 USC athletics calendar comes to a close this week in Des Moines, IA, as men's and women's track and field compete at the NCAA Championships.
The entire meet will be broadcast LIVE on NCAA.com, while ESPN3.com will provide coverage Thursday and Friday. ESPNU will televise the conclusion on Saturday.
Click here for a complete preview.
The No. 9 ranked men's team qualified eight individual athletes and the 4x400m relay team. The 400m race, which features three Trojans (Bryshon Nellum, Joey Hughes and Josh Mance), will determine if USC can contend for a record 27th national championship.
The No. 14 rated Women of Troy will enter nine athletes and the 4x100m relay team. The strength of the women's squad is its throwers, including three competitors in the hammer (Jade Niemeyer, Marissa Minderler and Jenny Ozorai).
(Photo of Minderler via Pac-12)
The entire meet will be broadcast LIVE on NCAA.com, while ESPN3.com will provide coverage Thursday and Friday. ESPNU will televise the conclusion on Saturday.
Click here for a complete preview.
The No. 9 ranked men's team qualified eight individual athletes and the 4x400m relay team. The 400m race, which features three Trojans (Bryshon Nellum, Joey Hughes and Josh Mance), will determine if USC can contend for a record 27th national championship.
The No. 14 rated Women of Troy will enter nine athletes and the 4x100m relay team. The strength of the women's squad is its throwers, including three competitors in the hammer (Jade Niemeyer, Marissa Minderler and Jenny Ozorai).
(Photo of Minderler via Pac-12)
Collegiate baseball recruiting is a lottery. USC head coach Frank Cruz signed an elite class for 2012-13, but major league baseball is equally as interested in the hardball talents.
High school seniors have the option of signing with a big league organization or committing to play for a college for at least three years. After draft day, the waiting game begins.
USC had four commits drafted in the first four rounds. Lakewood HS pitcher Shane Watson (pictured), who was selected 40th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, heads the list.
"It's a dream come true," Watson told the Daily Breeze. "It's something I've thought about since I was a little kid. I'm just anxious to get started (on the next level), whether it's at USC or with (the Phillies)."
The most recent collective bargaining agreement slots signing bonuses for MLB draft picks in the first 10 rounds. Watson is likely to be offered a figure in the neighborhood of $1.2 million to turn pro.
P Chase DeJong (2nd round), P Kyle Twomey (3rd round) and 3B Rio Ruiz (4th round) will all be faced with difficult decisions. The scale of USC's rebuilding curve changes with each choice.
High school seniors have the option of signing with a big league organization or committing to play for a college for at least three years. After draft day, the waiting game begins.USC had four commits drafted in the first four rounds. Lakewood HS pitcher Shane Watson (pictured), who was selected 40th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, heads the list.
"It's a dream come true," Watson told the Daily Breeze. "It's something I've thought about since I was a little kid. I'm just anxious to get started (on the next level), whether it's at USC or with (the Phillies)."
The most recent collective bargaining agreement slots signing bonuses for MLB draft picks in the first 10 rounds. Watson is likely to be offered a figure in the neighborhood of $1.2 million to turn pro.
P Chase DeJong (2nd round), P Kyle Twomey (3rd round) and 3B Rio Ruiz (4th round) will all be faced with difficult decisions. The scale of USC's rebuilding curve changes with each choice.
Joel Dennerley better have a big trophy case. At just 24 years old, he has already won four national championships, the National Player of the Year and Australia's Male Player of the Year.
Now, Dennerley has become the first ever men's goalie and third Trojan (Juraj Zatovic and J.W. Krumpholz) to win the Peter J. Cutino Award, the Heisman Trophy of water polo.
Click here for the full story.
Dennerley will go down as one of the most decorated Trojans in history. He accomplished nearly everything possible in a collegiate water polo pool and now takes his talents to the Olympic Games at which he will represent his native Australia in London 2012.
(Photo by Dan Avila)
Now, Dennerley has become the first ever men's goalie and third Trojan (Juraj Zatovic and J.W. Krumpholz) to win the Peter J. Cutino Award, the Heisman Trophy of water polo.
Click here for the full story.
Dennerley will go down as one of the most decorated Trojans in history. He accomplished nearly everything possible in a collegiate water polo pool and now takes his talents to the Olympic Games at which he will represent his native Australia in London 2012.
(Photo by Dan Avila)
USC football has already been ranked No. 1 in the preseason by Athlon Sports and ESPN College Football Live.
Athlon's USC preview:
Team preview
Top 10 Players of 2012
Top 10 Greatest Players since 1967
Here's an ESPN roundtable breaking down College Football Live's No. 1 team...
Athlon's USC preview:
Team preview
Top 10 Players of 2012
Top 10 Greatest Players since 1967
Here's an ESPN roundtable breaking down College Football Live's No. 1 team...
USC football walk-on Peter Yobo and cross country runner Tony Martinez were selected to serve as Early College High School fellows to mentor and teach high school students taking accelerated college courses at X-Mester in Vincennes, IN, this summer.The program provides an opportunity for at-risk students to experience college pressure before actually going to college. Most of the students will come from low-income environments and aspire to be first-generation college students.
Click here for more.
Yobo and Martinez were two of 23 chosen for this prestigious summer program. Yobo, who was also a thrower on the track and field team, is the co-founder of iStandAbove, a charity that serves the children of his native Ghana.
(Photo of Peter Yobo)
The Sports Illustrated photo vault released this great touchdown celebration shot of Lynn Swann from 1973. The Trojans defeated Georgia Tech in the game 23-6 in Atlanta.
Swann was a team captain and MVP of the 1973 team, which was sandwiched between John McKay national championships in 1972 and 1974. The Trojans finished eighth nationally that year losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State.
In a modern twist of coincidence, Swann went to Serra High School albeit in a different city (San Mateo) than Robert Woods, Marqise Lee and George Farmer (Gardena).
(Photo by Sports Illustrated)
Swann was a team captain and MVP of the 1973 team, which was sandwiched between John McKay national championships in 1972 and 1974. The Trojans finished eighth nationally that year losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State.
In a modern twist of coincidence, Swann went to Serra High School albeit in a different city (San Mateo) than Robert Woods, Marqise Lee and George Farmer (Gardena).
(Photo by Sports Illustrated)
The 2012 USC football poster will be unveiled in July.
Here is a sneak peek at one of the photos from the shoot...
USC Athletics on WhoSay
Here is a sneak peek at one of the photos from the shoot...
USC Athletics on WhoSay
The Pac-12 is currently negotiating with the satellite television companies to include the new Pac-12 Networks in its packages. The conference plans includes a national network and six regional networks.
DirecTV CEO Mike White on the Pac-12 Networks: "We're not going to have 7 channels [1 national, 6 regional], I can assure you of that."
Obviously, negotiations are ongoing, but you can put some pressure on your satellite carrier by using the Pac-12's channel locator.
DirecTV CEO Mike White on the Pac-12 Networks: "We're not going to have 7 channels [1 national, 6 regional], I can assure you of that."
Obviously, negotiations are ongoing, but you can put some pressure on your satellite carrier by using the Pac-12's channel locator.
USC head coach Lane Kiffin announced that redshirt sophomore QB Jesse Scroggins will transfer this summer.
"After meeting with Jesse Scroggins and his father recently, Jesse has decided to transfer from USC," Kiffin said. "Jesse had a very strong spring semester in the classroom, therefore he is academically eligible to transfer at this time."
Scroggins has not yet announced where he will transfer. USC is left with three scholarship quarterbacks as Cody Kessler and Max Wittek will battle to back-up Matt Barkley.
(Photo by John McGillen)
"After meeting with Jesse Scroggins and his father recently, Jesse has decided to transfer from USC," Kiffin said. "Jesse had a very strong spring semester in the classroom, therefore he is academically eligible to transfer at this time."
Scroggins has not yet announced where he will transfer. USC is left with three scholarship quarterbacks as Cody Kessler and Max Wittek will battle to back-up Matt Barkley.
(Photo by John McGillen)
Seven years since the Seattle Mariners selected USC catcher Jeff Clement with the third overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft, the now Pittsburgh Pirates farmhand hit for the cycle in a triple-A game for the Indianapolis Indians.
The left-handed slugger, who owns USC's freshman homerun record, had to leg out a trip to complete the feat.
The left-handed slugger, who owns USC's freshman homerun record, had to leg out a trip to complete the feat."The gap is 418 [feet] here to left-center and I probably hit it 415," Clement told the story to MiLB.com. "I wasn't even thinking of going three since I'm so slow. I turned around and saw the ball in the gap and [thought], 'If I can't get to third on this ball, I'm really slow.'
"I got to third and our third-base coach, Jeff Branson, high-fived me. Then a Syracuse coach came over and asked, 'Was that for the cycle?' I said, 'No.' Then I got to thinking and realized that it was. If I had known [beforehand], I probably wouldn't have squared the ball up so well."
Click here for the full story.
Clement was last in the major leagues in 2010. He should be on the cusp of a call-up though hitting .307 this season in triple-A.
Written by sophomore middle blocker Hannah Schraer and sophomore setter Emily Young
Zdravo from Belgrade!
From touring the ancient castle on a hill, strolling down streets rich with Cold War history and shopping in the main square downtown, we felt a special bond with Belgrade. This connection came so effortlessly because of our "personal tour guide" and fabulous teammate Natasha...who at last has come home.
We could not describe the experience better than an original poem by Emily...(click on the link below the picture to read the poem)
Zdravo from Belgrade!
From touring the ancient castle on a hill, strolling down streets rich with Cold War history and shopping in the main square downtown, we felt a special bond with Belgrade. This connection came so effortlessly because of our "personal tour guide" and fabulous teammate Natasha...who at last has come home.
We could not describe the experience better than an original poem by Emily...(click on the link below the picture to read the poem)
Continue reading WVB in Europe: Hannah Schraer and Emily Young.
Written by junior outside hitter Kirby Burnham
Day 10 arrived quickly...and it was our last day together as a whole team.
We began the day touring Tito's burial grounds (a much appreciated Yugoslavian leader). We found ourselves constantly turning to Natasha for a deeper background of the information posted on the walls, as she knows much about Tito from her country, parents, and grandparents.
Following the museum we stopped to observe a giant church that has not been completed yet. The bells rang as the clock hit Noon, so we all took a minute to stop and observe this Kodak moment with the bright sun, blaring bells, and massive church.
Day 10 arrived quickly...and it was our last day together as a whole team.
We began the day touring Tito's burial grounds (a much appreciated Yugoslavian leader). We found ourselves constantly turning to Natasha for a deeper background of the information posted on the walls, as she knows much about Tito from her country, parents, and grandparents.
Following the museum we stopped to observe a giant church that has not been completed yet. The bells rang as the clock hit Noon, so we all took a minute to stop and observe this Kodak moment with the bright sun, blaring bells, and massive church.
Continue reading WVB in Europe: Kirby Burnham.
Written by sophomore setter Haley Crone and sophomore outside hitter Bria Russ
Rainy days and water closets. Today we made the eight hour trek from Slovenia to Belgrade, Serbia.
The weather has been on the rainy side and we've encountered some different bathroom customs...when you use the restroom, you have to pay! We paid for a bathroom that could be compare to a stinky outhouse.
Carrie said, "If you're going to sit in a water closet all day and collect money, you might as well clean it!"
Rainy days and water closets. Today we made the eight hour trek from Slovenia to Belgrade, Serbia.
The weather has been on the rainy side and we've encountered some different bathroom customs...when you use the restroom, you have to pay! We paid for a bathroom that could be compare to a stinky outhouse.
Carrie said, "If you're going to sit in a water closet all day and collect money, you might as well clean it!"
Continue reading WVB in Europe: Haley Crone and Bria Russ.
And then there were two... Only men's and women's track and field have yet to finish up 2011-12 competition.
Otherwise, we begin the countdown to next fall. 92 days until kickoff...
Here is a new highlight video to make the time fly...
Otherwise, we begin the countdown to next fall. 92 days until kickoff...
Here is a new highlight video to make the time fly...
Sports Illustrated polled major league baseball players who voted USC baseball alum Ian Kennedy as the ninth most underrated pitcher in the game.
Even better, the magazine posted this gorgeous photo of Ike in 2011 by SI's John Biever.
Even better, the magazine posted this gorgeous photo of Ike in 2011 by SI's John Biever.
The Coaches Tour is caravanning to the desert tonight, so the Kiffin's and O'Neill's paid a visit to Helene Galen at the Palm Springs Art Museum, which she refers to as "Little Galen."
Big Galen of course is at the corner of Figueroa and Jefferson and houses USC basketball and indoor volleyball. Helene and her late husband Lou were the primary contributors to the facility, which bears their family's name.
Big Galen of course is at the corner of Figueroa and Jefferson and houses USC basketball and indoor volleyball. Helene and her late husband Lou were the primary contributors to the facility, which bears their family's name.
Written by junior outside hitter Sam Hirschmann
Today is day 7. After flying, busing, walking, training, and shopping all over Italy and Slovenia, we finally got to rest.
Rest doesn't really seem like a word in our vocabulary for this trip, but for day 7 it was. We woke up, ate breakfast (where we find ourselves getting our daily dosage of nutella on toast), and worked out for a couple of hours.
Although we had the whole day to rest, we had a game to play...a very unique game to play actually. We were playing the Slovenian National team again, but this time in a high school/ elementary school gym... aka very small. It was so hot. I started sweating as I was tying my shoes!
Today is day 7. After flying, busing, walking, training, and shopping all over Italy and Slovenia, we finally got to rest.
Rest doesn't really seem like a word in our vocabulary for this trip, but for day 7 it was. We woke up, ate breakfast (where we find ourselves getting our daily dosage of nutella on toast), and worked out for a couple of hours.
Although we had the whole day to rest, we had a game to play...a very unique game to play actually. We were playing the Slovenian National team again, but this time in a high school/ elementary school gym... aka very small. It was so hot. I started sweating as I was tying my shoes!
Continue reading WVB in Europe: Sam Hirschmann.
Frank Cruz endured heavy turbulence off the field this season, while trying to right the ship for USC baseball. Losses on the field hurt, but the tragic death of his brother Mike has given Frank the perspective to deal with the ups and downs of coaching.
"I wasn't able to either appreciate [the wins] or reflect much on the
losses we had at that time because as soon as the game was over it was
really over," Frank Cruz told the Daily Trojan. "I'd go home to a bigger part of life.
"It really kept me balanced in terms of what's important. (Being) hired or being fired is not what's important. Life is important. Life and support are what's important."
Click here for the complete story by Nick Burton of the Daily Trojan.
Frank felt the support of the Trojan Family this season when his brother finally passed on Saturday, March 17. He also enjoyed the growing presence of USC fans at Dedeaux Field, where the Trojans finished 17-13 this year.
The program is in full rebuilding mode going 23-32 in Cruz's second campaign, but the head coach is battle-tested and irrepressible. He'll fight the good fight until the end just like Mike did.
"He's a great faker," said Frank of his brother to the Daily Trojan. "Even if he's in pain, he'll fake like he's feeling better and make me feel comfortable leaving the house. So he always acted different than he felt. And I try to tell the team that often: act different than you feel. If you struck out, you got to act different, because you're going to come up again later."
(Photo by John McGillen)
"I wasn't able to either appreciate [the wins] or reflect much on the
losses we had at that time because as soon as the game was over it was
really over," Frank Cruz told the Daily Trojan. "I'd go home to a bigger part of life."It really kept me balanced in terms of what's important. (Being) hired or being fired is not what's important. Life is important. Life and support are what's important."
Click here for the complete story by Nick Burton of the Daily Trojan.
Frank felt the support of the Trojan Family this season when his brother finally passed on Saturday, March 17. He also enjoyed the growing presence of USC fans at Dedeaux Field, where the Trojans finished 17-13 this year.
The program is in full rebuilding mode going 23-32 in Cruz's second campaign, but the head coach is battle-tested and irrepressible. He'll fight the good fight until the end just like Mike did.
"He's a great faker," said Frank of his brother to the Daily Trojan. "Even if he's in pain, he'll fake like he's feeling better and make me feel comfortable leaving the house. So he always acted different than he felt. And I try to tell the team that often: act different than you feel. If you struck out, you got to act different, because you're going to come up again later."
(Photo by John McGillen)
USC men's golf had the highest hopes hosting the NCAA Championships at local Riviera Country Club, but the Trojans failed to meet expectations and missed the cut after three rounds of medal play.
"We had a tough day, but the tougher the course, the better we've got to
be," USC head coach Chris Zambri said. "In the fairways, on the greens,
around the hole. In the end, we just need to be better. The guys had a
good year and we accomplished some good things, but we need to be
better."
Senior Steve Lim, who shot a 2-under 69, was the only Trojan on his game Thursday. He ended his career finishing in a tie for 13th in the overall individual standings.
"Steve looked great today," Zambri praised his lone senior. "I walked with him all three days this tournament. He was almost flawless today."
Click here for the recap.
The Trojans return four of five starters next season as they continue to pursue the program's first national championship.
A look at the action at beautiful Riviera via Pierson Clair...
"We had a tough day, but the tougher the course, the better we've got to
be," USC head coach Chris Zambri said. "In the fairways, on the greens,
around the hole. In the end, we just need to be better. The guys had a
good year and we accomplished some good things, but we need to be
better."Senior Steve Lim, who shot a 2-under 69, was the only Trojan on his game Thursday. He ended his career finishing in a tie for 13th in the overall individual standings.
"Steve looked great today," Zambri praised his lone senior. "I walked with him all three days this tournament. He was almost flawless today."
Click here for the recap.
The Trojans return four of five starters next season as they continue to pursue the program's first national championship.
A look at the action at beautiful Riviera via Pierson Clair...
