As soon as Trojan Candy entered the Galen Center for the USC-UCLA Women of Troy volleyball match, I was able to get a free white T-shirt that read, "Beat the Bruins." I proudly put it on ASAP. Then as my husband Jim and I entered the arena, we heard them playing. Yes, the Spirit of Troy is "in the house!"
During the pre-game, I sat in my chair with my camera pointing upward to the big screen as the Women of Troy Volleyball introductions were made. As lineups change, I always record the introductions, plus I wanted to see the UCLA picture get "squashed" by our USC symbol. Near the end of the video, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this tall figure come down the row in front of me and stand right in front of me. Luckily, he did not block my camera's view. When the lights came on, I saw the back of his head. He looked like someone that I knew. Trojan Candy's memory for faces, not my forgetfulness of names, did not let me down. The tall, skinny figure was friend Max Browne. Although I met Max when he was an incoming Freshman on 2/5/2013 and photographed him numerous times, I have never been able to interview him. During the next break in the action, Trojan Candy tapped him on the shoulder.
Max turned around with a big smile on his face and said, "Hi, Candy." He must have known that I was sitting behind him. I asked Max if I could interview him. He agreed, and I spoke quickly. Max is a first year graduate student majoring in Business Administration at USC. Trojan Candy took pictures of him at the Athletic Graduation Ceremony on May 12, 2016. He plays Quarterback on the football team. In addition to playing football, Max said his hobby is to watch any sports. His favorite team is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Max's favorite food is hamburgers. His favorite movie is "National Treasure," and his favorite book is "Holes." "24" is his favorite television show. Max's favorite music is RAP. Former placekicker Alex Wood came with Max. FIGHT ON, Alex! FIGHT ON, Max!
After interviewing Max, Trojan Candy saw another friend in the south stands. I walked over to say hello and naturally, take a picture. Sara Hughes (1/31/2014) was sitting in front of four guys. Sara is a Senior on the NCAA Champion Beach Volleyball Team. Behind her were Junior Basketball Guard Kurt Karis, Senior Volleyball Middle Blocker Andy Benesh (5/14/2016), Sophomore Volleyball Setter Gert Lisha, and Freshman Basketball Forward Nick Rakocevic (8/26/2016).
There is always the match in Westwood.
FIGHT ON, Women of Troy Volleyball!
After the USC Men's Water Polo victory over Stanford, my family and I set up for a "mini" tailgate just outside of the Avery Stadium. The seven of us were on a bench next to the Stanford Football Parent's Tailgate.
At the end of the band, friend Serge Liberovsky (9/1/2011) said, "Hi, Candy." It was so nice to see him again.
FIGHT ON, USC Football!
FIGHT ON, USC Spirit of Troy!
My sister Patti, brother-in-law Dudley, oldest grandson Zane and I walked briskly to the Stanford Avery Stadium to catch the water polo match between our Men of Troy and the Stanford Cardinal. We had to climb steep stairs to get to shady seats.
Thank you for signing autographs, USC Water Polo players!
Luckily, Coach Vavic walked out of the gate, recognized Trojan Candy from when Jim and I volunteered at Heritage Hall, and smiled at me. I introduced him to Zane and told him that my entire family attended USC's victory over Pacific in December 2013 at Stanford's Stadium that won us the NCAA Championship. It was then that Zane told me that he wanted to play water polo at USC. Coach Vavic smiled and told Zane to stay with it even though water polo is a tough game.
Coach, congratulations on your 500th Men's Water Polo win!
What a sensational afternoon!
Fight On, USC Water Polo!
Our first home football game started very early. Game time was 11:00 a.m.
In the third quarter, the Women of Troy NCAA Beach Volleyball Team was honored as 2016 NCAA Champions. FIGHT ON Women of Troy Beach Volleyball!
So many Trojans were honored today. And, our football team beat Utah State 45-7!
FIGHT ON, USC Football!