Trojan Candy arrived just in time for The Coach's Tour in Manhattan Beach. The coaches had not arrived yet. The lobby was filled with Trojan Club members. The Long Beach Trojan Club was well represented. Auction and silent auction items were displayed on tables.
Coach Lane Kiffin spoke first. He said that SC will go back to playing physical football next season. In spring practice, Coach Kiffin said that the defense looked different...they looked nasty! This season we will get back to the basics and to that competitive atmosphere. Finally, he said that there will be more team environment. The audience seemed to like what Coach Kiffin said. FIGHT ON, USC Football!
Coach Andy Enfield spoke next about his expectations for the men's basketball team this season. He said that the team will run up and down the court, spread the offense, make plays for their teammates and "Bring some Showtime back in LA!" The audience really liked Coach Enfield's last statement! FIGHT ON, USC Men's Basketball!
Next, Chass and Max took the stage with Coach Robinson. Coach asked them several questions. Max spoke first. He said that he is majoring in Psychology and would like to be a Sports Psychologist after playing football. He said that he has lost some weight for personal and football reasons. Max said that the "team chemistry" is better this year. FIGHT ON, Max!
Chass said that he was excited about the rapport between Coach Enfield and the players. He said that Coach wants him to take more of a leadership role. His job will be to "run and gun" and get the rebound out quickly. Sounds exciting! FIGHT ON, Chass!
As I left with my sister Pat and brother-in-law Dudley, we saw Coach Kiffin waiting by his car outside. He said, "Good night," to us and waved. We returned his smile and waved. Yes, it was a "GOOD night" to be a Trojan!
This morning the Trojan Guild of Los Angeles (TGLA) was invited to a tour of the John McKay Center. All of the TGLA members and guests gathered by the John McKay statue for our tour of the Center.
We entered the Center through the "All-American" Walk downstairs. As Julian was giving a demonstration, Trojan Candy saw a friend walking into the Football Locker Room. I called out to Marqise Lee (9/22/2011). When Marqise saw my camera, he posed for me. Thanks, Marqise! I immediately told my fellow tour mates who he was. Excitement ensued!
Julian took us to all three floors. The Center was empty because the summer session had not started yet.
Thanks to our tour guides, Julian Bonse and Jessica Dugaw!
Trojan Candy arrived an hour early at the 2:00 p.m. Celebration so that I could get a prime seat to take pictures of my graduating friends. Several of those friends were meeting friends at the Galen Center south entrance.
The ceremony began when all the USC Coaches took their seats on the stage, and all the athletes marched in to their seats. Athletic Director Pat Haden and President C.L. Max. Nikias gave their opening statements. President Nikias told the athletes that graduating from USC is just the beginning. He said that what you do henceforth will define who you are. What a powerful statement! FIGHT ON, A.D. Haden! FIGHT ON, President Nikias!
Next, Legend of Troy winners Trustees Gayle and Ed Roski and USC Director of Track and Field Ron Allice were presented their trophies. Trustee Roski graciously accepted their award. FIGHT ON, USC alums Gayle and Ed! Coach Allice recalled memories of his 19 years at USC. He said the friendships that he established with his athletes will stay with him forever! FIGHT ON, Coach Ron!
Women of Troy Sand Volleyball Senior Erin Kaupp took the stage next. She conveyed to the audience how she overcame Ewing's Sarcoma in her junior year in high school to be able to enroll at USC. It was a struggle, but a worthwhile one. Never give up! FIGHT ON, Erin!
The "Presentation of Seniors" was next. While good friend and real photographer Pierson Clair took pictures of each athlete with his/her respective coach on the stage, Trojan Candy sat at the end of the ramp, called each friend by name and took their pictures. These are the friends that I met at Heritage Hall.
If the name is in blue, then it is a link to that person's interview.
After the Seniors were presented, Senior Frankie Telfort took the stage for his address. Frankie told the audience that he had just entered USC on a football scholarship and had started practice. Then, after only two weeks on campus, the devasting news came. He had a heart defect and could no longer play football. USC still honored his linebacker scholarship, and Frankie became a Student Assistant Coach. He said that he is so thankful for the opportunity. FIGHT ON, Frankie!
Three Heritage Hall friends won Senior Awards.
Alitta Boyd won the 2013 Gimble Award that recognizes the student-athlete who was deemed most cooperative.
Then, Bryshon Nellum and Haley Anderson won the 2013 Trojaneer Diamond Award. This award recognizes two student-athletes who have brought the most fame and distinction to the university.
Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Alitta, Bryshon and Haley!
A.D Pat Haden gave the closing remarks, and Trojan Candy followed the athletes outside to the Galen Center steps for group pictures.
What a fantastic afternoon. It was so nice to see all my friends again! FIGHT ON, USC Senior Athletes!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY GOOGLE ALBUM for additional pictures before the ceremony, after the ceremony and at the reception.
