USC Trojans:

Olympic Spotlight: Formidable!

By Jordan Moore on July 31, 2012 4:30 PM | No Comments

While Clement Lefert came into London 2012 without much fanfare, the French swimmer has been a surprise star for USC with gold and silver medals already in the bank. Lefert swam the third leg of the 4x200m freestyle relay today and pushed France to a second place finish.

"Gold and silver in the house for USC Athletics!" Lefert tweeted. "Thanks for the support. It's amazing to be a Trojan."

Click here for more on Lefert.

In the same race, current Trojan Dimitri Colupaev came up 0.29 seconds short of a medal. Germany finished fourth.

In other USC Olympics news, the U.S. women's soccer team won Group G with a 1-0 victory over North Korea. Amy Rodriguez came on as a sub in all three group games.

Joel Dennerley and Australia bounced back from an opening loss in men's water polo. The 2011 National Player of the Year made nine saves in a 7-4 win over Kazakhstan.

Click here for more Olympic water polo news.

In volleyball, Jennifer Kessy and April Ross took three sets to dispatch a Dutch pair on the beach, while Donald Suxho and the U.S. men's indoor team swept Germany to remain undefeated.

The big story Wednesday will be Rebecca Soni's pursuit of gold in the 200m breaststroke.

Silas Redd to USC

By Jordan Moore on July 31, 2012 2:58 PM | No Comments

Former Penn State RB Silas Redd officially announced that he will transfer to USC today. The 5'10", 210-pound tailback, who ran for 1,241 yards last season, will be immediately eligible for the 2012 season.

Click here for the full story.

USC AD Pat Haden reacted to the news:

"We welcome Silas Redd to the Trojan Family. He is an outstanding student and athlete. When the NCAA presented the option to transfer, Silas and his family put a lot of thought and research into making this decision.

"At USC, we've seen both sides of this issue, having lost a number of players to transfer due to our NCAA sanctions in 2010. But Lane Kiffin and his coaches would not be doing their job if they did not try to improve our team every single day. There is a specific need here for a player like Silas Redd, so Lane and our coaches recruited him within the guidelines set up in this instance by the NCAA."

WE PLAY

By Jordan Moore on July 31, 2012 11:33 AM | No Comments

With the two year bowl ban behind us, we have dedicated the 2012 football season to the Trojan Family that rode through the storm only to come out the other side as a national championship contender.

Click here for single game tickets on sale now.

Throughout the season, we will come up with all the different reasons why WE PLAY, but most importantly, WE PLAY FOR YOU.

Olympic Spotlight: The Perfect Dive

By Jordan Moore on July 31, 2012 11:25 AM | No Comments

No Trojans are competing in the diving competitions at London 2012, but USC has won 20 diving medals historically. The legendary Sammy Lee took gold in 1948 and 1952 in the 10m platform, while Paula Jean Meyers Pope is the most decorated Trojan with four medals.

The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences recently broke down the bio-mechanics that go into the perfect dive.

Olympic Spotlight: Soni Silver

By Jordan Moore on July 30, 2012 4:57 PM | No Comments

Rebecca Soni won the first silver medal of London 2012 for USC with the narrowest of defeats in the 100m breaststroke. Soni, who finished second in the same event at Beijing 2008, started slowly before chasing down the field and getting outtouched for gold by a mere .08 seconds.

She will be the favorite in the 200m breaststroke, the event at which she won gold four years ago. The prelims begin August 1.

Also in the pool, Katinka Hosszu won her semifinal heat in the 200m IM. The final will be Tuesday at 12:43 p.m. pacific time.

The women's water polo tournament featured seven different Trojans with the highlight performance delivered by incoming freshman Anna Espar, who netted a hat trick for Spain in an 11-8 win over China. The U.S. team won a shootout 14-13 against Hungary with American Kami Craig scoring on current USC goalie Flora Bolonyai.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Kennard Update

By Jordan Moore on July 30, 2012 3:23 PM | No Comments

Senior DE Devon Kennard underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn muscle in his chest. He suffered the injury during a weight training session last week.

There is no timetable for his return.

Kennard was projected as a starter on the 2012 team. Both he and Wes Horton made the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List.

Without Kennard, defensive line coach Ed Orgeron will turn to a group of inexperienced, but talented reserves led by redshirt freshman Greg Townsend Jr., senior Kevin Greene and junior college transfer Morgan Breslin. As part of the incoming freshman class, Florida product Leonard Williams is the most likely to compete for playing time at defensive end immediately.

Fall camp begins August 6.

Kennard had two sacks as a part-time starter in 2011.

(Photo by John McGillen)

Lopes Named CFO and COO

By Jordan Moore on July 30, 2012 2:38 PM | 1 Comment

Here is an announcement from USC's Charles Griffin Cale Director of Athletics' Chair Pat Haden...

Steve Lopes, USC's senior associate athletic director since 2002, has been named chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the Trojan athletic department.

"Steve Lopes has worked tirelessly for nearly three decades in the department and has provided great vision, leadership, and financial accountability," said Haden. "He is one of the best in the country, and I value his hard work and clear judgment."

Lopes began working in the USC athletic department in 1984 as an assistant strength coach, then became an administrative assistant in 1986, business manager in 1989, finance director in 1991, assistant athletic director in 1992 and associate athletic director in 1995. He also serves as program coordinator for the Sports Management Institute. He earned a pair of master's degrees from USC, in athletic administration and business administration, and a doctorate in education from Penn.

He was a 1983 College Division All-American offensive lineman at Linfield College and played on the school's 1982 national championship team. He also lettered in wrestling and golf there. He was inducted into Linfield's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.

Haden also announced several other administrative staff promotions: Tim Tessalone to senior associate athletic director/media relations; Hatcher Parnell to associate athletic director/operations; Marilee Pischel to associate athletic director/director of human resources; Monica Morita to assistant athletic director/student services; John Mosbach to assistant athletic director/academic advising; and Gregory Millward to director of development.

"Tim Tessalone has served the department with distinction for 33 years," said Haden. "His leadership and reputation among local and national media members is outstanding and he is one of the leaders in his profession. He has worked tirelessly for our coaches and student-athletes to promote their accomplishments to our many constituencies."

Olympic Spotlight: Gold Medal Winners

By Jordan Moore on July 30, 2012 11:29 AM | No Comments

French swimmer Clement Lefert extended USC's streak of having a Trojan Olympian win gold in every Summer Games since 1912.

Click the link for the complete list of USC gold medal winners before 2012:
goldmedalists.pdf

The gold medal streak started with Fred Kelly (110m hurdles) at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. Lisa Leslie (women's basketball), Janet Evans (swimming), John Naber (swimming), Lenny Krayzelburg (swimming) and Murray Rose (swimming) are all tied for the USC all-time lead with four gold medals.

Olympic Spotlight: Golden Century

By Jordan Moore on July 29, 2012 4:21 PM | No Comments

In a reversal of the famous 2008 race in Beijing, France chased down the U.S. in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay with the help of USC's Clement Lefert, who swam a powerful third leg in the final. Thanks to Lefert, a Trojan has now won a gold medal in every Summer Olympics for a century (1912-2012).

In the same race, Vladimir Morozov led Russia to a spot on the medal stand with a third place finish. After two full days of London 2012, Trojans have won one gold and two bronze medals (all in swimming).

Click here for more on Lefert extending USC's golden streak.

USC volleyball alums Jennifer Kessy and April Ross made their Olympic debuts on the sand today. Amid chilly temperatures, the dynamic duo made short work of their Argentine opponents winning in two sets.

On the indoor volleyball court, Donald Suxho contributed to a USA men's team sweep of Serbia to begin group play.

Mixed results in the men's water polo tournament, Shea Buckner and Team USA squeaked by Montenegro 8-7, but Joel Dennerley and the Aussie Sharks lost 8-5 to Italy.

Monday's highlights: Rebecca Soni is seeded second in the women's 100m breaststroke final at 12:15 p.m. pacific. You can watch it live online during the day or taped delayed on NBC primetime.

Also, the women's water polo tournament, which features six Trojans, gets underway. Team USA takes on Hungary at 11:40 a.m. pt.

(Photo of Lefert via Getty Images)

Olympic Spotlight: On the Board

By Jordan Moore on July 28, 2012 2:30 PM | No Comments

Amanda Weir became the first Trojan to tally the USC medal count at London 2012 as part of the women's 400m freestyle relay team, which earned a bronze. Weir swam a leg of the prelims and then watched as Team USA touched third behind Australia and the Netherlands in the finals.

Click here for the complete guide to USC at London 2012.

Katinka Hosszu, who graduated this past spring, provided the hard luck drama of the day. The Hungarian led the 400m IM at the halfway point before narrowly missing out on the medal stand and finishing fourth. She still has three more events to come.

In team competitions, Nicole Davis helped USA women's volleyball knock off South Korea in four sets, while Amy Rodriguez came on as a substitute for the U.S. women's soccer 3-0 win over Colombia.

Hosszu suffered a heartbreaker.

(David Phillip/AP)

Olympic Spotlight: Opening Ceremonies

By Jordan Moore on July 28, 2012 8:31 AM | No Comments

Trojan Olympians Allyson Felix and Tumua Aneye are budding photojournalists and did a great job capturing the excitement of Friday night's Opening Ceremonies.

First, USA water polo player Shea Buckner made sure to get a moment with Kobe...

Continue reading Olympic Spotlight: Opening Ceremonies.

Olympic Spotlight: Opening Weekend

By Jordan Moore on July 27, 2012 4:24 PM | No Comments

The complete schedule of events for Trojan Olympians is on our London 2012 website, but here are the featured events for the weekend. All the action will be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com.

Saturday, July 28

Katinka Hosszu, 400 IM - The preliminary heats begin at 3:17 a.m. pacific, but the finals will be live online at a more reasonable time (12:09 p.m. pt). The recently graduated Hungarian is a threat to medal on the first day.

Amanda Weir, 400m Freestyle Relay - The veteran's only event of the Olympic Games is on day one. She will compete in the first heat at 4:11 a.m. pacific and then the relay final is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. pt.

Nicole Davis, USA Volleyball - The indoor team gets its first action against South Korea to begin group play. The match will be carried live on NBC at Noon pacific.

Sunday, July 29

Joel Dennerley, Australia Water Polo - The four-time NCAA champion will start in goal against Italy in Group A action (6:10 a.m. pt). Dennerley's backup is incoming Trojan James Clark.

Donald Suxho, USA Volleyball - The men's indoor team plays its opener against Serbia at 8:45 a.m. pt live on NBC.

Jen Kessy/April Ross, USA Beach Volleyball - The dynamic duo hits the sand in front of Buckingham Palace with a 1 p.m. pt dual against Argentine pair Zonta and Gallay. The match will be carried live on NBC.

(From left: Ross, Kessy, Allyson Felix and Kami Craig)

Summer Changes

By Jordan Moore on July 27, 2012 4:17 PM | 2 Comments

Here is an update from our Sports Information Department on some recent staff changes at USC Athletics...

The summer is a time when staff change most often occurs in athletic departments and USC was busy with comings and goings among its non-coaching personnel.

Please welcome to the Trojan Family: Julian Bonse (assistant director of development); Melinda Marino (administrative assistant/development); Todd Davis (assistant director of operations/game management); Daniel Zerunyan (marketing coordinator); Todd Hewitt (director of equipment operations); Kelly Dormandy (assistant strength and conditioning coach); Christopher Chase (assistant strength and conditioning coach); Brad Roll (assistant strength and conditioning coach); Rachel Schlachet (assistant athletic trainer); Abigail Wonnell (assistant athletic trainer); Lisa Noceti Dewit (physical therapist); Stephanie Hong (physical therapist/resident); Kevin Bolen (learning specialist/Stevens Academic Center); Becci Twombley (nutritionist); Reaghan Foley (administrative assistant/John McKay Center/football); Aaron Marshall (operations administrative assistant/men's basketball); Michelle Greco (video coordinator/women's basketball).

Several long-time valued employees left the athletic department this summer and we wish them the best in their future endeavors: Teresa Verbeck (assistant athletic director/development); Samantha Tulin (director of development); Toni VanEck (SAAS assistant director/academic counselor); Sue Lerner (assistant athletic trainer); and Irene Puentes (football office receptionist).

(Photo of Sam Tulin and Teresa Verbeck by Pierson Clair)

Olympic Spotlight: Most 2012 Olympians

By Jordan Moore on July 27, 2012 12:17 PM | No Comments

USC has 40 Olympians competing at London 2012, which is more than any other university. Our Pac-12 brethren Cal (38) and Stanford (37) along with Florida (37) follow just behind.

Click here to see our complete guide to USC at London 2012.

The opening ceremonies are ongoing as we type, but they will be shown on taped delay in the United States. For many, the walk around the Olympic Stadium is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Olympic Spotlight: Tumua Anae

By Jordan Moore on July 27, 2012 10:58 AM | 1 Comment

One of three Trojans on the U.S. Women's Water Polo team, Tumua Anae was photographed by the Los Angeles Times as part of a special Olympian portrait feature.

The photos were taken by Jay Clendenin in the dive pool at McDonald's Swim Stadium on campus.

Olympic Spotlight: Soni and Hosszu

By Jordan Moore on July 27, 2012 10:40 AM | No Comments

On the female side, USC's best two hopes for swimming gold come in Rebecca Soni and Katinka Hosszu, who will compete in a combined six events.

Hosszu graduated in the spring as a five-time NCAA champion. Coming off three gold medals at the European Championships, the Hungarian believes the 400m IM is her best chance at the top of the podium in London.

Click here for the full story on Hosszu in the Washington Post.

Hosszu (pictured) is entered in both the 200m IM and 400m IM, so she needs to master all four strokes. Her weakness is the breaststroke, but fortunately, the world's best breaststroker trains right next to her at USC.

"I just look at one side and there's an Olympic champion and the other side a world record-holder," Hosszu told the AP about the Trojan Swim Club. "Sometimes I go over for training with the breaststroke group and try to work on technique. That helps a lot."

ESPN's Sport Science was also interested in how Soni cuts through the pool so quickly. The 100m and 200m Olympic favorite broke it down with John Brenkus.

House Call

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 4:50 PM | No Comments

Celebrity sightings are a part of LA life, but a football fan could easily be starstruck by the VIPs that have been rolling through Dedeaux Field this summer to work with Tom House, a former Trojan player and pitching coach.

House runs the Rod Dedeaux Research and Baseball Institute, a high-tech haven for "rotational athletes" of any kind to see their motion broken down by cameras that capture 1,000 frames-per-second in three dimensions. Just this offseason alone, he has attracted to campus NFL starting quarterbacks Tom Brady (pictured with House), Drew Brees, Matt Cassel, Carson Palmer, Alex Smith and the world's most famous backup Tim Tebow.

Click here for the full story from Kenny Legan on NFL.com.

"Pitching, quarterbacking, tennis, golf, hitting ... all rotational athletes have the same timing, the same kinematic sequencing -- hips, shoulders, arms and implement. And depending on the verbiage, the same mechanics as each other. It's all the same, in order of importance: timing, sequencing and mechanics," House told NFL.com.

House's NFL business has exploded thanks to Drew Brees, who has been working with him since 2004. The Saints QB, who broke Dan Marino's single season touchdown record last year, even thanked House in his ESPY speech.

"These guys are already pretty good and they're trying to get better," House told Legan. "That surprised me on their burning desire to get better. That's unique."

From left: Palmer, Cassel, Brady and Smith working with House at USC.

Olympic Spotlight: Make It 40!

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 3:55 PM | No Comments

Incoming USC graduate student Joseph Veloce will compete in track cycling for Canada at the Olympic Games, which makes it an even 40 Trojans participating in London 2012. He is enrolled in the USC Viterbi School to get his Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

Veloce is the second Olympic Trojan cyclist joining Wesley Chowen, who competed in road cycling at the 1960 and 1964 Games. However, Veloce will race the keirin, which is basically cycling's version of roller derby.

He has won several Canadian Championships, including gold medals in the keirin in 2001 and 2008. He recently graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

2012-13 Men's Basketball Schedule

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 12:18 PM | No Comments

The 2012-13 men's basketball schedule, which features non-conference home showdowns against San Diego State and Minnesota and a full Pac-12 slate, was released today. The season opener is November 9 (Homecoming weekend) versus Coppin State at Galen Center.

Click the link to download the schedule:
2012-13 Schedule.pdf

The Trojans will battle an elite field at the Maui Invitational (November 19-21). USC will open the tournament against Illinois before potential match-ups with Texas, North Carolina, Butler and Marquette.

With an unbalanced Pac-12 schedule, USC will not travel to Oregon or Oregon State and will not host Colorado or Utah this season. The crux of the home schedule will play out deep into the season as the Trojans face UCLA (February 24), Arizona (February 27) and Arizona State (March 2) in three consecutive games.

Click here for more on the schedule.

After a 6-26 campaign, Kevin O'Neill's squad has turned the page with high-powered transfers J.T. Terrell, Ari Stewart, Renaldo Woolridge and Eric Wise joining up with now healthy stalwarts Jio Fontan (pictured), Aaron Fuller and Dewayne Dedmon.

"This is the first time in three years that we've had a full roster to work with," O'Neill told Jon Rothstein. "We've got 13 to 14 guys that can play."

The Elder Statesman

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 10:56 AM | No Comments

Using Pac-12 Media Day as a benchmark, Lane Kiffin's public perception has come a long way. Just two years ago, the new kid at the podium was chastised for his eyewear and the supposed brash attitude that hid beneath the shades.

"Winning solves a lot of problems," Kiffin told Jeff Miller of the OC Register.

So does time... A third of the Pac-12 head coaches are new this year, which puts Kiffin in the middle of the pack in terms of conference tenure and the comfort of experience is evident.

Kiffin also wears the role of favorite well. While he admits to acting outside of his true personality to get attention for an upstart Tennessee program, the Pete Carroll protege preached both confidence in his team and the "prep not hype" mantra in response to the myriad of questions about handling expectations.

"These players have come here to be in these conversations," Kiffin said. "Our staff came here to be in these conversations. This is exactly what we expected."

Olympic Spotlight: 24 Hours

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 10:53 AM | No Comments

We are just one day away from the Games of the XXX Olympiad.

As we mentioned previously, the USC London Alumni Club held a reception for Trojan Olympians. NBC was there to capture the evening and get the pulse of a few of our contenders in the final days before they take center stage.

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

Pac-12 Media Day Highlights

By Jordan Moore on July 25, 2012 5:58 PM | No Comments

Our cameras followed around Lane Kiffin, Matt Barkley and T.J. McDonald as they experienced 2012 Pac-12 Media Day.

Here are the highlights...

Olympic Spotlight: Paralympian

By Jordan Moore on July 25, 2012 5:20 PM | No Comments

While USC is sending 39 Trojans to the Olympic Games, current student Eric Hollen will represent the Cardinal and Gold at the Paralympic Games in London. Though Hollen has been confined to a wheelchair since injuring his spine in a tractor accident a decade ago, he has become an elite shooter, who will compete for Team USA in the 10-meter air pistol and 50-meter pistol events.

Click here for the full story.

"My injury has provided me with so many opportunities that I would not trade it for the world," Hollen said. "I hope to be able to inspire others to find their Olympic effort."

Hollen is a student in the Virtual Academic Center at the USC School of Social Work, which he praises for its versatility to web-based students. His ultimate goal is to work with disabled veterans and serve as a source of inspiration.

Facilities Race

By Jordan Moore on July 25, 2012 2:41 PM | No Comments

We are blogging to you live from the John McKay Center today. Slowly but surely, the JMC tenants are moving over from Heritage Hall before the grand opening on August 21.

The new athletics and academics building is a three-level tribute to Troy.

The ground floor is a massive academics center complete with state-of-the-art computer labs. The basement is a fitness paradise featuring a turf field (pictured by OC Register), nutrition bar and hydrotherapy pools to go along with brand new equipment for the strength and conditioning and athletic training departments. On the top floor, the football coaches and staff are treated to new offices and high-tech meeting rooms.

In short, USC's recruiting weakness (facilities) has now become a strength. Click here for more on college football's "Facility Arms Race" from NBCSports.com.

"It does help in recruiting," Lane Kiffin told Michael Ventre. "It helped with last year's class, just them knowing that this process was being done, that they'd be in that building. It does have an impact on recruiting. It has already had an impact on (the last couple of) classes."

Olympic Spotlight: Olympic Factory

By Jordan Moore on July 25, 2012 1:57 PM | No Comments

While the Opening Ceremonies are Friday, technically, the Olympics started today with women's soccer, including Team USA defeating France 4-2 with USC alum Amy Rodriguez contributing as a substitute.

Rodriguez is one of 39 Trojan Olympians representing 18 countries in six different sports at London 2012. USC has earned a reputation as an Olympic factory over the years by sending more athletes to the Summer Games than any other collegiate institution.

Click here for a Men's Health story on how we do it.

"We have great weather and a great geographic base in terms of recruiting," Athletic Director Pat Haden told Jon Finkel. "You add together the climate, a great academic institution like USC and Southern California's love for Olympic sports and you have a perfect trifecta."

The USC London Alumni Club held a function last night to celebrate the 2012 Trojan Olympians (pictured). The list of distinguished attendees included Jesse Williams, Duane Solomon, April Ross, Jenn Kessy, Nicole Davis, Donald Suxho and Carol Rodriguez plus coaches Dave Salo and Ron Allice.

McDonald's Day

By Jordan Moore on July 25, 2012 11:01 AM | No Comments

For the first time, the Pac-12 invited two players from each football program to join the head coach for Media Day, so All-American safety T.J. McDonald got to experience the west coast car wash.

McDonald was able to enjoy the day with his brother Tevin, a cornerback at UCLA. The brothers, who do not smile in photos (see right), have a great respect and fondness for one and other.

Tevin on his older brother: "Being able to play and learn from him and call him my brother is a blessing to me."

The family ties run even deeper as both boys also paid tribute to their Trojan All-American father.

T.J. on his dad: "He has been extremely involved [in my success]. I have the opportunity to turn to the guy that has done it all."

Finally, T.J. has always expressed a respect for the great defensive back legacy at USC, which of course features Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, who will broadcast games on Pac-12 Networks.

McDonald on potentially becoming the first Trojan to win the Lott Impact Trophy: "For me to win that award would mean a lot. Ronnie Lott has meant a lot to me and to USC."

Safety U: Lott and McDonald

The McKays

By Jordan Moore on July 24, 2012 8:39 PM | No Comments

With the John McKay Center nearing completion, a statue of its namesake was unveiled today.

Here is a look at J.K. McKay mimicking his legendary father...

Photo Gallery: Pac-12 Media Day

By Jordan Moore on July 24, 2012 4:39 PM | No Comments

Pierson Clair was roaming around Pac-12 Media Day at Universal Studios and the Gibson Amphitheatre capturing all the action. Among the notable Trojan attendees were head coach Lane Kiffin, QB Matt Barkley, S T.J. McDonald, former All-American WR Curtis Conway and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

2012 USC Football Outlook

By Jordan Moore on July 24, 2012 11:12 AM | No Comments

Today is Pac-12 Media Day. Fall camp begins August 6. And, the opener is September 1 at the Coliseum.

Basically, football season is here!

So, time to study up on the 2012 Trojans who have been voted Pac-12 favorites and likely will be ranked in the top 5 in the preseason polls.

Click the link for your preseason primer:
12prenotes.pdf

Kiffin, Barkley and McDonald on the stage at Pac-12 Media Day.

Pac-12 Network Talent

By Jordan Moore on July 24, 2012 10:01 AM | No Comments

As Pac-12 Networks builds towards its first football telecasts on August 30, the conference announced the addition of several big names to the broadcasting team including former USC All-American WR Curtis Conway (pictured).

As was previously announced, the number one broadcast crew will feature Trojan legend Ronnie Lott, while Conway will serve as a studio analyst. Former USC assistant coach Yogi Roth will work the sideline as a reporter on Pac-12 Networks.

"We've worked hard to establish a team of on-air personalities that brings a wealth of broadcasting and playing credentials to our viewers while also establishing a voice unique to the Pac-12 Networks and our growing brand," said Gary Stevenson, President of Pac-12 Enterprises.

Other former players from other schools include Adam Archuleta (ASU), Ryan Nece (UCLA), Glenn Parker (Arizona) and Coy Wire (Stanford), while play-by-play talents Ted Robinson, Kevin Calabro and Dave Flemming will call the action.

USC football makes its Pac-12 Networks debut on September 22 against Cal.

(Photo via Trojan Wire)

Watch Pac-12 Media Day

By Jordan Moore on July 24, 2012 9:38 AM | No Comments

USC has been picked to win the Pac-12 Conference Championship over Oregon in 2012 by the media. The Trojans are predicted to win the South ahead of Utah and UCLA.

If you want to watch a live stream of the event, you can do so below. Lane Kiffin, Matt Barkley and T.J. McDonald are scheduled to take the stage at 10:55 a.m. pt, but it will likely be later than that.

Olympic Spotlight: Pac-12 Dominance

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 4:52 PM | No Comments

The Pac-12 outpaces all other collegiate conferences when it comes time for the Olympic Games. The "Conference of Champions" will send 239 athletes, coaches and other officials with ties to Pac-12 institutions to London 2012.

Of the 529 athletes on Team USA, 119 of them are Pac-12 alums. If you do the math, that makes up roughly 25% of the American roster.

Click here for more on the Pac-12 at London 2012.

USC leads the Pac-12 with 39 athletes and seven coaches competing at the XXX Olympiad.

Click here for more information on #LON2012USC.

While the opening ceremonies are Friday, Team USA women's soccer begins competition Wednesday. The U.S. Women's National Team is loaded with Pac-12 stars like Amy Rodriguez (USC), Alex Morgan (Cal) and Hope Solo (Washington).

(Photo of Rodriguez and Morgan via ESPN.com)

Classic Night for Men's Tennis

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 2:58 PM | No Comments

USC men's tennis will be a star attraction this week at the Farmers Classic at UCLA as the four-time national champions will be honored tonight and then two-time NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson will compete in the ATP main draw.

Click here for more.

Johnson is lined up to battle Igor Sijsling from the Netherlands with a round two showdown looming against former Trojan commit Sam Querrey. The order of play has not been released, but Johnson, who won his first pro match last week, is likely to get on court Tuesday.

Peter Smith and the Trojans will be honored during "the halftime show" between the two night matches tonight.

(Photo by Bill Kallenberg)

Prior Knowledge

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 1:34 PM | No Comments

Leaving USC as one of the greatest collegiate pitchers of all-time, Mark Prior seemed like a sure thing, but the road that was supposed to lead to Cooperstown instead dropped him off in various minor leagues and medical centers around the country.

The phenom is now a 31-year-old veteran scratching his way up the Red Sox system buoyed by renewed health after an exhausting six-year stretch during which Prior threw just 24 professional innings. At AAA Pawtucket, the starter-turned-reliever has used more guile than game to compile a 4.05 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.

As this ESPN story on the Trojan great explains, Prior has found perspective amidst the pain of a promising career derailed by injuries.

"The older I've gotten, my perspective of success and failure has changed," Prior told Teddy Mitrosilis. "People want to make it a black-and-white thing, but you can't always do that. Now, it's about getting a hitter out, getting out of a [jam], those little victories. Keep lining up those little victories."

(Photo by Mike Janes/AP)

Olympic Spotlight: Aniko Pelle

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 12:00 PM | No Comments

Former USC women's water polo player Aniko Pelle, who married her Italian club coach two years ago, has been granted a sport nationality change, so the two-time Hungarian Olympian will participate in London 2012 for Italy. She found out just 10 days before the opening ceremonies.

She will become the third Trojan in history to compete for multiple countries at the Olympics joining men's volleyball player Terry Place Brandel (United States in 1980 and West Germany in 1984) and swimmer Bjorn Zikarsky (West Germany in 1988 and Germany in 1996).

The Trojan Olympian count stands at 39! Click here to see our #LON2012USC Olympic viewers' guide.

Pelle's first match will be July 30 against Australia.

(Photo by Lars Baron)

Barkley for Manning

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 11:45 AM | No Comments

USC QB Matt Barkley is on the Manning Award Watch List, which recognizes the best quarterback in the country, including postseason bowl performance. Matt Leinart won the inaugural Manning Award in 2005.

Barkley and Washington's Keith Price are the only two preseason nominees from the Pac-12.

Barkley attended the Manning Passing Academy last week.

Haden on Penn State

By Jordan Moore on July 23, 2012 11:13 AM | No Comments

USC athletic director Pat Haden reacted to the sanctions handed down to the Penn State football program by the NCAA today.

"First and foremost, with today's news about the Penn State football sanctions and their impact, let's not forget about the victims. The circumstance that led to these sanctions was very unfortunate and tragic.

"We can't speak to how these sanctions are going to impact the Penn State program. At USC, we found that the most difficult part of our NCAA sanctions has been the reduction of scholarships.

"We are fortunate to have an outstanding group of coaches and a plan in place to deal with our sanctions. You have to be very judicious in recruiting, you have to be lucky with injuries and you have to guard your roster from players being recruited by other schools. It is an inexact science and you have to do the best you can. Our coaches have handled these challenges extremely well."

LIVE Facebook Presale

By Jordan Moore on July 22, 2012 9:45 AM | No Comments

Fans of the USC Athletics Facebook page can purchase single game tickets right now to watch the Trojans take on Cal, Colorado, ASU and Hawaii. The exclusive 24-hour window for our social media fans will run out at 9 a.m pacific time on July 24.

Click here to go to the Facebook pre-sale!

Longtime USC Sports Tour Operator Surl Kim Dies

By Jordan Moore on July 22, 2012 8:51 AM | 3 Comments

Official obituary written by USC Sports Information

Surl Kim, who operated a Los Angeles travel agency that specialized in sports tours, including for 41 years to USC athletic events, died on Wednesday (July 18) in Los Angeles. He was 91.

Kim founded Kim Tours & Travel in 1953, becoming the first person to start organized sports tours to the Rose Bowl and later the Super Bowl. He organized his first USC tour to the 1969 football game at Notre Dame. He continued chartering trips for thousands of Trojan fans to football games and other athletic road contests through 2010.

The popular Kim, known for his outgoing and colorful personality, graduated from USC in the early 1950s after serving as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II.

Continue reading Longtime USC Sports Tour Operator Surl Kim Dies.

#LON2012USC Viewers' Guide

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 3:46 PM | No Comments

London 2012 is a week away!

To help you follow the 39 Trojans across the pond, we have built a #LON2012USC viewers' guide, which will update with schedules, results, broadcast listings, stories, tweets and photos.

Click here to check it out!!

Olympic Spotlight: James Clark

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 2:49 PM | 1 Comment

Joel Dennerley's successor as USC men's water polo goalie will be his understudy on the Australian National Team for London 2012. Incoming freshman James Clark officially became the 38th Trojan participating in the Olympic Games, which begin a week from today.

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

2012 Football Media Guide

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 2:02 PM | 4 Comments

The 2012 USC Football Media Guide has been released online. The comprehensive book encapsulates the current roster with stats and biographical information as well as the extensive history of the program.

Click the link to download a PDF of the media guide:
2012uscfbmediaguideA.pdf

The guides will be available for $20 next week at the Sports Information Department on the first floor of Heritage Hall. The USC Bookstore will also be selling them soon.

My Wish: Mark Sanchez

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 1:47 PM | No Comments

As part of ESPN's ongoing "My Wish" series, former USC QB Mark Sanchez fulfilled the dream of leukemia sufferer Jesus David Reyes who just wanted to hang out with the New York Jets superstar.

#AskUSC

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 11:02 AM | No Comments

USC will send QB Matt Barkley, S T.J. McDonald and head coach Lane Kiffin to Pac-12 Media Day as representatives Tuesday. When they are up on the big stage, the Pac-12 wants you to ask them a question.

You can tweet your question to @Pac12 using the hashtag #AskUSC or click here to submit your question through the Pac-12 Media Day website.

Pac-12 Media Day will be streamed LIVE online starting at 9 a.m. pacific. Click here to watch Tuesday, July 24.

Walter Camp Trio

By Jordan Moore on July 20, 2012 10:44 AM | No Comments

QB Matt Barkley, WR Robert Woods and S T.J. McDonald made the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List giving USC as many nominees as any program in the country (tied with Kansas State and Oklahoma).

Click here for the complete list.

Woods (pictured) made the Walter Camp All-American second team in 2011. The player of the year watch list will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists in mid-November.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Olympic Spotlight: Nicole Davis

By Jordan Moore on July 19, 2012 3:03 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

Just one week shy of the 2012 London Olympic games, USA women's volleyball hosted Bulgaria in a three-match series at the Galen Center. Team USA features former USC libero, Nicole Davis, who led the Women of Troy to two consecutive national championships in 2002 and 2003.

The USA-Bulgaria series marked Davis' debut at the Galen Center and her homecoming to the USC campus.

"Galen was promised to me when I was being recruited as a junior. The facility is absolutely amazing and fun to play in," Davis said. "I have such a strong emotional tie to USC. I am proud to be a Trojan and it's special to me to be able to play here."

(Photo by Pierson Clair)

Continue reading Olympic Spotlight: Nicole Davis.

Out on a Lim

By Jordan Moore on July 19, 2012 2:58 PM | No Comments

Recently graduated USC golfer Steve Lim won his first tournament as a pro by shooting 16-under par to grab the Cal State Open by one stroke over Derek Stipe. The $13,500 first place prize is a good start for Lim who was the Trojans top finisher at the NCAA Championships.

Previous winners of the event, which dates back a century, include Walter Hagen and Kirk Triplett.

Olympic Spotlight: Paula Weishoff

By Jordan Moore on July 19, 2012 11:09 AM | No Comments

One need only look up in the rafters last night to understand Paula Weishoff's legacy in USC women's volleyball. The two-time Olympic medalist and former Women of Troy All-American coached under her own retired jersey this week as the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team swept Bulgaria in a pair of London 2012 tuneups at Galen Center.

Weishoff, who was an assistant at USC for the better part of the last decade under Mick Haley, is currently assisting No. 1 ranked Team USA.

Here are her thoughts on returning to Troy and the national team's preparations:

Good Moody

By Jordan Moore on July 19, 2012 10:33 AM | No Comments

USC senior RB Curtis McNeal was nominated for the Doak Walker Award as one the 52 best running backs in the country. Academically ineligible in 2010, McNeal ran for more than 1,000 yards last season to complete a powerful reclamation story.

Click here for the complete list of candidates.

For "Tailback U," Reggie Bush is the only Trojan to win the Doak Walker Award, which has been around since 1990. It should be a good year for runners in the Pac-12 with eight tailbacks on the watch list, which does not include Oregon's DeAnthony Thomas.

McNeal emerged as a breakaway threat in 2011.

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Olympic Spotlight: Anderson and Twitter

By Jordan Moore on July 18, 2012 1:38 PM | No Comments

Current Trojan Haley Anderson will look to tame the open water as she swims the Olympic marathon at London 2012. She has the right disposition for the job.

"I hate walls. I hate turns," Anderson told Active.com. Click here for the full story.

Anderson is hard at work preparing for the grinding swim down the river Thames. She is one of many USC Olympians documenting their journey on Twitter.

Click here for a Twitter list.

Anderson could not control her excitement after qualifying for the Olympics.

(Photo via Getty Images)

On the Board

By Jordan Moore on July 18, 2012 1:03 PM | No Comments

Four-time NCAA team champion and two-time NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson is officially a pro. He took down Donald Young in three sets this week to earn his first main level ATP win.

Click here for more.

Ranked No. 402 in the world, Johnson had suffered several tough losses, including a five-set marathon at last year's U.S. Open, before finally breaking through at the BB&T Atlanta Open. Next up, he will play his doubles partner Jack Sock.

(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Lee Amendment

By Jordan Moore on July 18, 2012 11:16 AM | No Comments

After a day of the Trojan social media Family expressing its discontent, sophomore WR Marqise Lee has been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. He was originally left off as an underclassman, but Lee is considered a real contender for the trophy given to the nation's best wide receiver.

Click here for the amended list.

Lee made 73 catches for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns as a Freshman All-American. He closed the season with a jaw-dropping 13 receptions for 224 yards and 2 TDs in the 50-0 rout of UCLA.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Pac-12 Networks August TV Guide

By Jordan Moore on July 18, 2012 10:42 AM | 1 Comment

Pac-12 Networks debuts on Wednesday, August 15, at 6 p.m. pacific, with the first episode of Pac-12 Live. From there, the national network and six regional affiliates will have wall-to-wall programming providing blanket coverage of every sport.

Click here for the Pac-12 Network's August programming guide.

Click here for the Pac-12 Los Angeles' August programming guide.

The initial schedule features a steady diet of studio shows, classic games and fall previews. The live action for Trojan fans begins with USC women's soccer vs. Minnesota on Sunday, August 26, at 1 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks.

Barkley for O'Brien

By Jordan Moore on July 18, 2012 10:18 AM | No Comments

Matt Barkley was named on the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, which nominates the best quarterbacks in the country. The Davey O'Brien is determined in part by a fan vote, so you can push Barkley to the top by VOTING HERE once the season starts.

Click here for the complete watch list.

Of the 34 nominees, only Washington's Keith Price and Washington State's Jeff Tuel join Barkley from the Pac-12. No Trojan has ever won the Davey O'Brien Award despite Heisman winning seasons from Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.

(Photo by John McGillen)

WE PLAY for GOLD

By Jordan Moore on July 17, 2012 5:04 PM | No Comments

10 days away from London 2012...

Trojans have won 123 Olympic gold medals, including one in every Games since 1912.

Rebecca Soni (pictured) will look to add to her Beijing gold.

Negrete's Good Work

By Jordan Moore on July 17, 2012 1:27 PM | No Comments

USC punter Kyle Negrete is a nominee for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team thanks to his selflessness and community service mentoring autistic teens and traveling to Africa and Haiti on recent aid trips.

Click the link to see all the nominees:
2012 Allstate AFCA GWT Nominee Release FINAL.pdf

Click here for our feature on Negrete mentoring people with autism.

Negrete was in Sports Illustrated playing with Make-a-Wish Trojan fan McClain.

Olympic Spotlight: Felix Going for Gold

By Jordan Moore on July 17, 2012 1:02 PM | No Comments

USC alum Allyson Felix has won two individual Olympic silver medals and three world championships, but she would trade her whole trophy case for a gold at London 2012.

Click here for the full story.

Felix will run the 100 meters and 200 meters as well as a relay or two at the Olympic Games, which begin 10 days from now. She is the 200-meter favorite and provided a glimpse into her mindset and training leading up to London.

Biletnikoff Favorite?

By Jordan Moore on July 17, 2012 11:19 AM | No Comments

Junior WR Robert Woods was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award last year, but lost out to Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, who was named the nation's top receiver for the second consecutive season. Blackmon and Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, the other finalist, are gone to the NFL leaving Woods as the presumptive favorite as the preseason watch list was released today.

Click here for the complete list.

Marqise Lee, who many around Heritage Hall believe will be Woods' stiffest competition for Biletnikoff honors, was not among the nominees because true sophomores are not eligible for the preseason list. However, he can be added midseason.

Woods broke the Pac-12 single season catch record in 2011. No Trojan has ever won the Biletnikoff Award.

(Photo by Long Photography)

Neon Dion

By Jordan Moore on July 17, 2012 11:02 AM | No Comments

Freshman All-American LB Dion Bailey is a marked man this season. The redshirt sophomore has now been named to four different watch lists with the Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman or linebacker) nominating him today.

Click here for more on the Lombardi Award.

Bailey is already on the radar for the Butkus (linebacker), Nagurski (defensive player) and Bednarik (defensive player).

OG Brad Budde won the Lombardi Award in 1979 for USC. Since then, five Trojans have been finalists (1982 DT George Achica, 1984 LB Jack Del Rio, 1989 DT Tim Ryan, 2004 DT Shaun Cody and 2008 LB Rey Maualuga).

Bailey with Barkley after his breakout game at Cal last year.

Thank Canada

By Jordan Moore on July 16, 2012 12:14 PM | No Comments

Current USC sprinter Aaron Brown will run the 200 meters for Canada at the Olympic Games in London, which pushes the Trojan tally to 37 Olympians.

Click here for the full story.

Brown had a remarkable sophomore season at Troy including a Pac-12 Championship in the 100m. He earned a ticket to London 2012 thanks to Athletics Canada's Rising Star provision after failing to qualify at the trials.

Pan Am Gold

By Jordan Moore on July 16, 2012 11:37 AM | No Comments

Former USC men's volleyball national players of the year Murphy Troy and Tony Ciarelli are bringing the Pan Am Cup back to the United States after leading the sweep of Argentina in the gold medal game.

Click here for the full story.

Ciarelli, who captained the Trojans to the NCAA Championship Game this spring, was named the tournament's Best Attacker. Troy served a pair of aces in the Pan Am final.

A bearded Ciarelli (second from right) and No. 6 Troy (fifth from right) celebrate.

Caves and Cliffs

By Jordan Moore on July 16, 2012 10:40 AM | No Comments

USC women's water polo has crossed into Montenegro, the native country of 10-time national championship winning head coach Jovan Vavic. The team took a catamaran ride to the Blue Cave and then went cliff diving.

Click here for the latest blog entry.

Photos: A team cruise before the coaches lead the Women of Troy right off a cliff.

Bailey for Butkus

By Jordan Moore on July 16, 2012 10:33 AM | No Comments

Who is the best linebacker in the country? Freshman All-American Dion Bailey is a preseason candidate for the Butkus Award, which aims to answer that very question.

Click here for the complete list.

The Trojans will start a trio of sophomore linebackers in 2012 with Bailey (pictured), Lamar Dawson and Hayes Pullard. Chris Claiborne won the Butkus Award in 1998.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Twomey Treat

By Jordan Moore on July 13, 2012 3:53 PM | 1 Comment

USC Baseball got just the break it needed today when Oakland A's third round draft pick Kyle Twomey decided to attend USC instead of signing a professional contract. The left-handed pitcher was the second highest drafted high school player this year to forgo the big leagues for college.

"He has a great feel for pitching and he is a strike-thrower, so I expect him to come in and compete for a weekend rotation spot from day one," said an ecstatic head coach Frank Cruz.

The 6'4" southpaw was 8-3 with a 0.76 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 73 innings as a high school senior at El Dorado.

Olympic Spotlight: Allice and Nellum

By Jordan Moore on July 13, 2012 1:50 PM | 1 Comment

On the night Bryshon Nellum was shot in the legs, USC Director of Track and Field Ron Allice was by his side in the hospital. While the doctors questioned whether Nellum would ever hit top gear again, Allice believed.

"He's my guy," Allice told the Press Telegram. "It's his career. I'm not going to tell any athlete, especially one as talented as Bryshon, what he can't do."

Click here for a full Yahoo! feature on Nellum by Jeff Eisenberg.

Allice stood by his prized pupil as he went from can't-miss to can't-run. Now, the duo can't stop smiling as the preparations continue for London 2012.

"We literally took it day by day, year by year," Allice explained to Bob Keisser. "What he had going for him is this amazing will to come back, each time. The amount of work he's put in to get back ... I've never seen anything like it."

Allice has coached more than 300 All-Americans and has sent upwards of 40 athletes to the Olympic games. His first Olympian dates back to the 1964 games, but his latest double-digit crop featuring Nellum might be the most rewarding.

"I'm happy he's going to the Olympics," Allice told Keisser about Nellum. "But as far as I'm concerned, he's already won."

(Photo by Stephen Carr/Long Beach Press Telegram)

Thorpe Picks Off Two

By Jordan Moore on July 13, 2012 11:08 AM | No Comments

Secondary stars T.J. McDonald and Nickell Robey are on the preseason watch list for the Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's best defensive back. The All-American safety and All-Pac-12 cornerback made up two of the 35 nominations.

Click here for the full list.

In 1989, Mark Carrier became USC's only Thorpe Award winner (created in 1986). All-American safeties Troy Polamalu (2002) and Taylor Mays (2008) were finalists, but did not take home the grand prize.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Captain Munday

By Jordan Moore on July 13, 2012 10:44 AM | No Comments

USC women's lacrosse head coach Lindsey Munday has big plans for 2013. After two years of building the program, she will lead the Women of Troy into NCAA competition for the first time in the spring and then captain the U.S. Women's National Team in the 2013 World Cup next summer in Canada.

Click here for the full story.

Munday and Trojan assistant coach Devon Wills are currently training with Team USA in preparation for this weekend's North American Challenge Cup in Ontario, Canada. The announcement of her captaincy was made at a team dinner.

"It's a huge honor. I'm so fortunate to be a part of this team. I think everyone feels that. We're all so lucky to represent our country, and it's crazy surprising that I was voted [captain]," Munday told Lax Magazine.

(Photo by John Strohsacker/LaxPhotos.com)

See You in Pasadena

By Jordan Moore on July 13, 2012 10:31 AM | No Comments

The Pac-12 and Big Ten have decided to suspend the previously announced scheduling collaboration, which would have included an annual football inter-conference series, due to logistical concerns.

The Rose Bowl partners released a joint statement today:
Big Ten Pac-12 release1.pdf

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott: "After extensive deliberation and consultation with member institutions, television partners and others, the Pac-12 and Big Ten have decided not to pursue the previously announced plans for enhanced scheduling collaboration across all sports at this time. While we continue to value our close relationship, particularly our partnership in the Rose Bowl, the Pac-12 came to the conclusion that it's in our best interests to maintain our 9-game conference schedule and maximum flexibility in out-of- conference scheduling. Thus, the Pac-12 decided not to lock into the proposed mandatory 12-game schedule in football."

Scott (left) and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany (right)

USC in MLB Midseason Review

By Jordan Moore on July 12, 2012 2:32 PM | No Comments

Major League Baseball begins its second half Friday night, so let's check up on the Trojans at the All-Star break.

Ryan Cook, RP, A's - Oakland's new closer has been lights out (1.41 ERA and 0.89 WHIP) en route to his first All-Star nod.

Ian Kennedy, SP, D'Backs - Coming off a 21-win season, Ike finished the first half with six wins and a 4.26 ERA.

Tommy Milone, SP, A's - In his first full big league season, the left-hander has been consistently solid with an 8-6 record and 3.57 ERA.

Lucas Duda, 1B/OF, Mets - The left-handed slugger is tied for the team lead with 12 homeruns.

Barry Zito, SP, Giants - After spending the offseason working out at USC, the former Cy Young winner has bounced back to the tune of a 7-6 record and 4.01 ERA.

Brad Boxberger, RP, Padres - The flamethrower made his major league debut becoming the 101st Trojan to reach the bigs.

Up next...

Grant Green, SS, A's - Likely to be No. 102, he awaits his first call-up while hitting .290 with 8 HR and 10 SB in AAA.

Cook pitched a scoreless inning in the 83rd MLB All-Star Game Tuesday.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

USC Powers Up

By Jordan Moore on July 12, 2012 2:18 PM | No Comments

USC Sports Properties announced today that Powerade will be the official sports drink of USC Athletics thanks to a long-term agreement reached between the two partners.

Click the link for more:
USC Athletics and POWERADE.pdf

"POWERADE hydrates many of the best athletes in the world, including those at the upcoming
Olympic Games, at professional sports franchises, and at hundreds of elite colleges and
universities," said Ilan Sobel, Senior Vice President and General Manager, POWERADE.
"We're thrilled to welcome a school of USC's caliber to our family, and we look forward to
providing top notch hydration options to help the Trojans power through to continued success.
Fight on!"

Olympic Spotlight: Vegas Vacation

By Jordan Moore on July 12, 2012 12:44 PM | No Comments

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson and Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan are on the select team brought in to scrimmage against the Team USA men's basketball squad in Las Vegas. Also in "Sin City," fellow Trojans Kami Craig and Tumua Anae are getting ready with USA Water Polo for London 2012.

Team USC unites... (From left: Craig, Gibson and Anae)

Outland Likes Holmes

By Jordan Moore on July 12, 2012 11:07 AM | No Comments

USC senior center Khaled Holmes made the preseason watch list for the prestigious Outland Trophy, which recognizes the nation's best interior linemen.

Click here for the complete list.

Unlike some of the awards given out in college football, the Outland Trophy has a long history dating back to 1946. In 1967, Ron Yary became USC's first and to this point only Outland winner.

(Photo by John McGillen)

Nagurski Tabs Three

By Jordan Moore on July 12, 2012 10:32 AM | No Comments

The Bronco Nagurski Award, which recognizes the nation's best defensive player, included three Trojans on its preseason watch list. All-American S T.J. McDonald, All-Pac-12 CB Nickell Robey and Freshman All-American LB Dion Bailey were nominated by the Football Writers Association of America.

Click here for the complete list.

No Trojan has ever won the Nagurski Award. Of the 84 players on the preseason watch list, 10 are from the Pac-12.

Robey was the only cornerback to make All-Pac-12 First Team in 2011.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

2012 USC Football Poster

By Jordan Moore on July 11, 2012 4:55 PM | 1 Comment

At long last, we reveal the official two-sided 2012 USC Football poster!

You can pick them up this week in the Heritage Hall lobby or by attending the opening game against Hawaii. If you are out of state, click here to order your poster.

Olympic Spotlight: 15 Days to London 2012

By Jordan Moore on July 11, 2012 2:36 PM | No Comments

With just over two weeks to go until the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games, we wanted to give you a chance to catch up on some of our London 2012 coverage to this point.

Here are spotlights on some of the top contenders to extend our gold medal streak:

(Click on the names for more)

Amy Rodriguez (Team USA Women's Soccer)

Allyson Felix (Team USA Track & Field)

Rebecca Soni (Team USA Swimming)

Jennifer Kessy and April Ross (Team USA Beach Volleyball)

Haley Anderson (Team USA Swimming)

Katinka Hosszu (Hungary Swimming)

Kami Craig and Tumua Anae (Team USA Water Polo)

Felix is leading the charge down Abbey Road.

Groza Watching Heidari

By Jordan Moore on July 11, 2012 11:47 AM | No Comments

USC sophomore PK Andre Heidari was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list on the heels of a Freshman All-American season.

Click here for the full list.

Heidari made 88.2% of his field goals last year, which ranked third in the nation, and split the uprights on all 50 of his extra point attempts. No Trojan has ever won the Lou Groza Award.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Together Again

By Jordan Moore on July 11, 2012 10:40 AM | No Comments

Former USC men's volleyball teammates Murphy Troy, the 2011 National Player of the Year, and Tony Ciarelli, the 2012 National Player of the Year, have been reunited on Team USA at the Pan American Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Both Trojans are featured in the staring lineup with Troy at opposite and Ciarelli (pictured) at outside hitter. The Americans are undefeated in the tournament after sweeping Mexico thanks to Troy's team-leading 14 points (12 kills and 2 blocks).

Click here for the full story.

Next up: Team USA faces Brazil to conclude group play.

(Photo via NORCECA)

Euro Trip

By Jordan Moore on July 11, 2012 10:27 AM | No Comments

USC women's water polo continues its trek across Croatia as the Women of Troy bussed from Split to Dubrovnik today.

Click here to read their latest blog entry!

They also sent along this gorgeous postcard from their scrimmage in the sea against a Russian girls team in Montenegro.

Hero of the Game

By Jordan Moore on July 10, 2012 4:56 PM | No Comments

As we continue our show of appreciation to the men and women that protect and serve this country, USC will honor a "Hero of the Game" during every home football contest this season. And, we want you to tell us who deserves this tribute the most.

Please email GOSC@usc.edu with the subject line "Hero of the Game" and tell us in a paragraph the story of a heroic serviceman or woman in your life.

The six honorees that we select from the submissions will be acknowledged on the Coliseum field.

Pac-12 Medal Winners

By Jordan Moore on July 10, 2012 3:01 PM | No Comments

Each year, the Pac-12 awards Tom Hansen Conference Medals to a male and female senior student-athlete at each participating university who exhibits the greatest combination of athletic skill and scholarly achievement.

For the recently completed 2011-12 school year, Daniel Nguyen (men's tennis) and Amanda Smith (women's swimming) were named USC's medal winners.

Click here for the full story.

(Photo by John McGillen)

Holmes Eyes Rimington

By Jordan Moore on July 10, 2012 10:55 AM | No Comments

USC senior Khaled Holmes made the Rimington Trophy Watch List (nation's top center) for the second consecutive season.

Click here for the complete list.

After converting from guard to center last season, Holmes assumed a leadership role as the mastermind of the offensive line. No Trojan has won the award since its inception in 2000.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

USC Olympics Facts and Figures

By Jordan Moore on July 9, 2012 4:56 PM | 1 Comment

As we ramp up our USC Olympic coverage in anticipation of the London 2012 Games, which begin July 27, let's drop some knowledge about Troy's golden past.

Here are the key bragging points:

USC has produced more Olympians, Olympic medalists and Olympic gold medalists than any other U.S. university.

Trojans have won 123 gold medals, including one in every Olympics since 1912.

If USC competed as a country, its 262 total medals would be 17th among all countries, while its 123 gold medals would be 12th.

Click here for much more!!

USC's five most decorated Olympians with four gold medals apiece: John Naber, Lenny Krayzelburg, Janet Evans and Murray Rose (all swimmers) plus Lisa Leslie (women's basketball).

Rose has the largest haul with six total medals (four golds, one silver and one bronze).

Three-Wide

By Jordan Moore on July 9, 2012 1:29 PM | No Comments

Robert Woods...Marqise Lee...Nelson Agholor...

If there are enough receptions to go around, Lane Kiffin's offense could have three consecutive Freshman All-American wide receivers. Judging by what he has seen during offseason workouts, the elder Woods believes the neophyte Agholor is more than capable of being the next in line.

"Wow, this kid's got it," Woods said to himself and then Michael Lev of the OC Register after a throwing session last week. "He might be ahead of me [as a freshman], as of right now. He's making a lot of plays out here already, and he's already lining up in the right position."

Click here for the full OC Register story.

Woods continues to watch from the sidelines, while recovering from ankle surgery, but he put the whole receiving corps on notice that the new kid is coming up from behind.

"I was already saying, 'Third wide, third wide.' We were telling the guys [to] step it up. You've got Nelson coming up. Spring was you guys' time. Now fall comes, it's Nelson's time."

While Woods and Lee are locked into the starting spots, Agholor is likely to compete with George Farmer, Victor Blackwell and De'Von Flournoy at the third receiver position.

Pac-12 Postgrads

By Jordan Moore on July 9, 2012 1:21 PM | No Comments

Graduated USC student-athletes Daniel Nguyen (men's tennis), Amanda Smith (women's swimming), Greg Woodburn (men's track) and Briana Gilbreath (women's basketball) were granted $3,000 postgraduate scholarships by the Pac-12.

Click here for the full story.

These four exemplary Trojans demonstrated a commitment to continuing education, campus and community involvement, and leadership, while also posting a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Gilbreath is currently playing in China with Trojan teammate Ashley Corral.

Four for Maxwell

By Jordan Moore on July 9, 2012 10:14 AM | No Comments

As the preseason hype continues to get ramped up, USC finds itself with more names than any other program on the Maxwell Award watch list, which identifies the premier players in the nation. The core quartet of QB Matt Barkley, WR Robert Woods, WR Marqise Lee and RB Curtis McNeal made the list of preseason nominees.

Click the link for the entire list:
2012 Maxwell Watch List - July.pdf

Three USC Heisman winning running backs, O.J. Simpson, Charles White and Marcus Allen, doubled up to win the Maxwell Award in the same season.

McNeal is expected to carry the backfield load in 2012.

(Photo by Pierson Clair)

Three for Bednarik

By Jordan Moore on July 9, 2012 9:55 AM | No Comments

The USC defense returns its entire starting back seven in 2012, including three Trojans on the Chuck Bednarik watch list, which recognizes the best defensive players in the nation. All-American S T.J. McDonald, All-Pac-12 CB Nickell Robey and Freshman All-American LB Dion Bailey are among the 64 players on the preseason award list.

Click the link for the entire list:
2012 Bednarik Watch List - July.pdf

The USC defense boasts the second most nominees in the country. In 2008, Rey Maualuga became the only Trojan to ever win the Chuck Bednarik Award, which has been in existence since 1995.

Bailey and fellow redshirt freshman LB Hayes Pullard led USC in tackles in 2011.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Scrimmage in the Sea

By Jordan Moore on July 6, 2012 12:50 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

USC women's water polo scrimmaged against the Volosko Men's Club in the Adriatic Sea yesterday.

(Photo by Darcy Couch)

Olympic List (so far)

By Jordan Moore on July 5, 2012 1:09 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

Here is the list of the 33 Trojans that have officially qualified for London 2012 as we speak:

Tumua Anae (U.S.)                 Water Polo
*Haley Anderson (U.S.)           Swimming (Marathon Swimming 10K)
*Flora Bolonyai (Hungary)       Water Polo
Shea Buckner (U.S.)                Water Polo
*Dimitri Colupaev (Germany) Swimming (800m Freestyle Relay)
Kami Craig (U.S.)                  Water Polo
Nicole Davis (U.S.)                  Volleyball
Joel Dennerley (Australia)       Water Polo
Zsofia Erdelyi (Hungary)          Track (Marathon)
Allyson Felix (U.S.)                  Track (100m, 200m, 400m Relay)
*Stina Gardell (Sweden)          Swimming (400m Individual Medley)
Katinka Hosszu (Hungary)       Swimming (200m Butterfly, 200m and 400m IM, 800m Freestyle Relay)
Tina Kefalas (Greece)              Track (Marathon)
Jennifer Kessy (U.S.)               Beach Volleyball
Sofia Konoukh (Russia)           Water Polo
Clement Lefert (France)           Swimming (400m Freestyle Relay)
*Lynette Lim (Singapore)         Swimming (400m and 800m Freestyle)
*Josh Mance (U.S.)                  Track (1600m Relay)
Ous Mellouli (Tunisia)               Swimming (200m, 400m and 1500m Freestyle, Marathon Swimming 10K)
*Vladimir Morozov (Russia)      Swimming (100m Backstroke)
Bryshon Nellum (U.S.)              Track (400m, 1600m Relay)
Eva Orban (Hungary)                Track (Hammer Throw)
*Cristian Quintero (Venezula)   Swimming (800m Freestyle Relay, 200m and 400m Freestyle)
Amy Rodriguez (U.S.)               Soccer
April Ross (U.S.)                       Beach Volleyball
Felix Sanchez (D.R.)                 Track (400m hurdles, 1600m relay)
Duane Solomon (U.S.)              Track (800m)
Rebecca Soni (U.S.)                 Swimming (100m and 200m Breaststroke)
Donald Suxho (U.S.)                 Volleyball
Amanda Weir (U.S.)                  Swimming (400m Freestyle Relay)
Lauren Wenger (U.S.)               Water Polo
*Katarzyna Wilk (Poland)          Swimming (800m Freestyle Relay)
Jesse Williams (U.S.)                Track (High Jump)

(*denotes current Trojans*)

Team USA at Galen

By Jordan Moore on July 5, 2012 12:40 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

The Galen Center will serve as the host site of matches two and three of the USA vs. Bulgaria Challenge Series, July 16 and 18.

Team USA features former USC libero Nicole Davis (pictured), who is headed to her second Olympics this summer in London.

Full Story

(Photo by Rick Rickman)

Small World

By Jordan Moore on July 5, 2012 12:16 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

The USC women's water polo team crossed paths with former USC All-American and NCAA champion Ous Mellouli before a scrimmage in Rijeka, Croatia. The Tunisian swimmer was training with the Danish swim team in preparation for London 2012.

Mellouli is the current reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 1500m freestyle and will compete in four events at the upcoming Games.

(Photo by Darcy Couch)

U.S. Women's Open Preview

By Jordan Moore on July 5, 2012 11:51 AM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

USC sophomore Doris Chen (pictured) and incoming freshman Kyung Kim will join eight former Trojans at the 2012 U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship. The Championship starts today, July 5 through the 8.

USC leads the LPGA with 12 former players on the tour.

Full Story

(Photo by Pac-12)

Joint Forces Donation

By Jordan Moore on July 4, 2012 10:43 AM | No Comments

As part of our 4th of July celebration of independence, USC athletics is proud to announce that we are donating 500 tickets to members of the military, veterans and their families to the Coliseum opener against Hawaii on September 1. In turn, we are offering the Trojan Family a chance to show its support.

USC fans can click here to donate tickets. And, USC athletics will match every additional ticket donated by the Trojan Family.

Click here to donate tickets to Joint Forces Day!!!

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Tebow Sighting

By Jordan Moore on July 3, 2012 5:01 PM | No Comments

The always newsworthy Tim Tebow was working out at USC on Dedeaux Field today. Mark Sanchez's backup was kind enough to break for a photo with current Trojans (from left) DT Antwaun Woods, DB Josh Shaw, WR Marqise Lee and WR Victor Blackwell.

Get Pac-12 Networks

By Jordan Moore on July 3, 2012 2:19 PM | No Comments

The Pac-12 sent out a video to USC fans to remind them what they will be missing if they don't have Pac-12 Networks. They want you to let your TV provider know that you want it.

Click here to find out more.

Kiffin named 2012 CBBBS Honoree

By Jordan Moore on July 3, 2012 11:04 AM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

USC head coach Lane Kiffin was named 2012 Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters Honoree for his outstanding work serving as a leader to the youth in the community.

Ciao from Venice

By Jordan Moore on July 3, 2012 10:50 AM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

The USC women's water polo team has arrived in Venice after visiting Croatia during its three-week tour of Europe.

"It's thrilling to be here with the team. Venice is beautiful! We can't stop sweating but we still look pretty." -Senior Dominique Sardo

(Photo by Darcy Couch)

Felix Doubles Down

By Jordan Moore on July 2, 2012 3:02 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor Andie Hagemann

Allyson Felix will compete in both the 100 and 200 meter dash in the 2012 Olympics following Jeneba Tarmoh conceding the 100 meter dash runoff.

The runoff was scheduled for Monday evening due to Tarmoh and Felix tying for third place at the U.S. track trials.

Felix, a USC alum, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200m.

Full story on ESPN

(Photo by Eric Gay)

Cook selected as MLB All-Star

By Jordan Moore on July 2, 2012 2:39 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

Former USC pitcher Ryan Cook was selected to play on the American League All-Star team on Sunday.

Click here for more on Cook's rise.

Cook was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 27th round of the 2008 draft. In 2011, Cook made his major league debut in Arizona before being traded to Oakland in late 2011.

The MLB All-Star game is on Tuesday, July 10 in Kansas City.

(Photo by Kelley L. Cox)

Soni Wins 200m Breaststroke

By Jordan Moore on July 2, 2012 1:19 PM | No Comments

Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann

Olympic gold medalist and USC alum Rebecca Soni won the 200-meter breaststroke Saturday night at the 2012 U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials, qualifying her for her second race at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Soni clinched the 200m victory in 2:12.13, the fastest time in the world this year.

Rebecca Soni is the defending gold medalist in the event and qualified for the 100m event earlier in the week.

(Photo by Al Bello)

July 2012 Archives