My next day began early after a much needed good night of sleep. We rushed to the USC Pep Rally in Times Square. When we arrived at 11:30 a.m. for the noon rally, the Spirit of Troy and a large Trojan crowd was already gathered there. Trojan Candy roamed among the fifty band members as they warmed up and then stood in the bleachers.
Check out my two YouTube videos. The first shows the start of the rally, and the second shows the band marching off at the end of the rally. The Spirit of Troy was AWESOME! In addition to the Trojans who were in attendance, several passers-by stopped to listen to the enthusiastic music. Some of them must have been wondering...who are these people? We're USC Trojans, and we came to your city to BEAT the Orange!
We next walked into the Marriott to shop for USC souvenirs and stop by the USC Alumni Reception Center. There, I saw friends Carol Fox (USC Trustee and fellow USC Trojan Guild member) and her son Chris Fox.
Leaving the Marriott, we walked several blocks in the stifling heat and humidity, to see the "glass" Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The flagship store was packed with customers and sight-seers like yours truly.
My evening finished with the Spirit of Troy reception at the Old Castle Pub and Restaurant in MidTown Manhattan. Dr. Bartner brought a small contingent of band members to perform a rousing pep rally indoors. Band Alumni and boosters left the pub, ready for the big game tomorrow!
My sister Pat, brother-in-law Dudley and I landed very late at Newark. It was 2:00 a.m. EST. On the United plane with us were two USC Football Equipment Managers. Seth Travis and Tim Alice flew in early to work! We flew in for pleasure!
After a short night of sleep, Trojan Candy set out for a day of sightseeing in the Big Apple. We arrived at the 9/11 Memorial at 1:00 p.m. There was a tremendous amount of security since the 9/11 Anniversary is near.
The park is expansive. There are two enormous waterfall pools, each about an acre in size. One is located where the North Tower used to be and the other where the South Tower was formerly. The banisters around the perimeter of both pools lists the names of the 9/11 heroic victims. Such a touching remembrance!
The Survivor Tree is situated in the middle of the park. It's a pear tree that survived the 9/11 attacks.
There were scattered Trojans strolling throughout the park. Two familiar faces walked up as I walked near the Survivor Tree. They were two Trojan Mikes! Both are former presidents of the Trojan Coaches' Club. Mike Donovan and Mike Gin just flew in this morning.
As we conversed, a few New Yorkers walked by and said, "Go, Trojans!" while giving us the Victory sign. Trojan Candy likes New York City already!
Our next stop was the Uptown "W" Hotel, the site of Pat Haden's "The State of Troy" Reception. The "W" is across the street from the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
I saw several "old" friends and made many "new" friends in the reception. The friends that I enjoyed visiting with and meeting were alumnus Sean Kearns (Annenberg '97- USC Club of New York), Adam Bart (USC Associates), alumnus Bryan Dick (Cinema '99), USC photographer Dan Avila, Jeff and Toddy Benjamin (friend Farren Benjamin's parents), Sandy and Rose (Orange County Trojan Guild members), Dave Jacobson (Scott's dad), Chris Fox (president of the Trojan Club of San Pedro-Peninsula), Margyn Lew and Mitchell Lew (President of the Board of Governors). There were also many USC Athletic Personnel friends working the event.
After the reception, the attendees were seated inside a small auditorium for Pat Haden's address. He first mentioned the accomplishments of our Athletic Department. Pat spoke about our proud Olympic Heritage, the new John McKay Center, the Heritage Hall Initiative and our plan to present our current athletes with a really "robust" college experience.
Next, a dramatic video of our new Women of Troy Lacrosse Team was presented and was followed by Head Coach Lindsey Munday's presentation. She is "gung ho" about the upcoming inaugural season, and she promised to build a "power house" team at USC soon!
Pat Haden took the podium again and described Coach Munday as being a "super competitive" person. Then he said, "It is in our Trojan DNA to be Champions!"
FIGHT ON, to that!
Trojan Candy and husband Jim walked over to the Fan Fest as soon as we arrived at the Coliseum. We saw a friend manning the Chevron Booth. Former USC punter Boomer Roepke gave me a big hug. But, I still had to get the football through a teeny hole to win a t-shirt. Needless to say, I didn't win a shirt. However, we had better luck at the Carl's Jr.'s Wheel. Anyone who spins the wheel wins something! That's more like it!
As we entered the Coliseum, we were given a red wrist band that read, "TROJAN PRIDE 55" in memory of "Junior" Seau.
Beat Syracuse!
Trojan Candy will volunteer next at Heritage Hall on Thursday, September 20th.
I will be writing next about the USC-Syracuse game from New Jersey.
FIGHT ON, until then!
