As 2012 draws to a close, Pat Haden looks back at the year's heights with an eye toward big things in the new year.
What were the moments of the year for you?
We salute our champions at USC and two programs have stood out above the rest, men's water polo and men's tennis. Jovan Vavic has made history by leading his team to five consecutive national titles. The atmosphere on campus for the NCAA Water Polo Championships between crosstown rivals was absolutely electric. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson has to be our athlete of the year. He finished his USC career by winning 72 consecutive singles matches, which is truly remarkable. All due credit to Peter Smith and his team on a four-peat of their own. It is a pleasure to watch greatness at work.
Who is a person that effected you in 2012 that we might not know much about?
I would have to say Joyce, a beautiful custodian, who comes to Heritage Hall at 3:30 a.m. with a smile on her face everyday to clean our offices. She is retiring after 25 years of loyal service to USC. It is people like Joyce who are the fabric of this department and make this such a fun place to go to work.
What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
There is so much to be excited about around this campus and athletic department. For starters, we finally get to see women's lacrosse in action debuting at the Coliseum on February 9 against Northwestern. Also this spring, we will open the Merle Norman Stadium for sand volleyball as that program begins its second season. And as we turn the page to 2013 in football, I anticipate a spirited quarterback competition to replace Matt Barkley.
What is your New Year's resolution?
If I were to make a resolution, it would be to read more to my grandkids. In light of recent events, we cannot hug and cherish our families enough this holiday season.
Where can we find you next year?
With the Heritage Hall renovation underway, the Trojan Family can find me at the University Village with the rest of the athletic department administration. We will be taking over the former USC Oral Health Center between the food court and Superior Market. Have a Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
What were the moments of the year for you?
We salute our champions at USC and two programs have stood out above the rest, men's water polo and men's tennis. Jovan Vavic has made history by leading his team to five consecutive national titles. The atmosphere on campus for the NCAA Water Polo Championships between crosstown rivals was absolutely electric. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson has to be our athlete of the year. He finished his USC career by winning 72 consecutive singles matches, which is truly remarkable. All due credit to Peter Smith and his team on a four-peat of their own. It is a pleasure to watch greatness at work. Who is a person that effected you in 2012 that we might not know much about?
I would have to say Joyce, a beautiful custodian, who comes to Heritage Hall at 3:30 a.m. with a smile on her face everyday to clean our offices. She is retiring after 25 years of loyal service to USC. It is people like Joyce who are the fabric of this department and make this such a fun place to go to work.
What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
There is so much to be excited about around this campus and athletic department. For starters, we finally get to see women's lacrosse in action debuting at the Coliseum on February 9 against Northwestern. Also this spring, we will open the Merle Norman Stadium for sand volleyball as that program begins its second season. And as we turn the page to 2013 in football, I anticipate a spirited quarterback competition to replace Matt Barkley.What is your New Year's resolution?
If I were to make a resolution, it would be to read more to my grandkids. In light of recent events, we cannot hug and cherish our families enough this holiday season.
Where can we find you next year?
With the Heritage Hall renovation underway, the Trojan Family can find me at the University Village with the rest of the athletic department administration. We will be taking over the former USC Oral Health Center between the food court and Superior Market. Have a Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
I am a life long 68 year old Notre Dame fan. I occasionally watched a USC game and would naturally root for the opposing team . But during Matt Barkley's time at USC, I caught myself rooting for the Trojans more than once, but not against ND of course. Everything I have read or seen tells me Matt is a great human being as we'll as a great player. He exudes optimism and kindness. I appreciate the fact that he has life's priorities in line. His actions off the field could teach us all something. I want to wish Matt continued success in football but more importantly in life. I hope having this come from an ND fan gives it more meaning to Matt.
That was a very nice comment, R Bozzo. Nicely said, thank you, I agree whole-heartedly.
I agree with R.Bozzo and even have a bet for ND to beat Alabama. Even if "God is a Trojan" Wish Matt was available today. It was embarrassing losing to GT. I know Pat will make the alumni happy in the new year. Max Wittik has a very strong arm, but needs to work on accuracy. Can that be taught? Or is it more natural ability? The competition for QB should be interesting in 2013. Fight On and Happy New Year.
Does any one besides me miss Dick Clark? I grew up watching American Bandstand in thee 50s & 60s. I could not wait to get home from school to practice dancing in front of a black and white TV.