Two USC Men's Basketball Alumni came to our New Year's Eve Men's game against Washington State. Trojan Candy saw them leave their courtside seats. Where did they go? Just by luck, I walked to the Founder's Room during halftime. There they were! Friend David Blu (10/22/2016) and Sam Clancy were standing at the bar. Trojan Candy was able to take this picture of them.
David told me that he is working in the insurance business. Sam told me that he is still playing professional basketball in Argentina! FIGHT ON, David! FIGHT ON, Sam!
Trojan Candy finally made it downstairs to the Banquet Room in the Ronald Tutor Center. The Banquet Room was much fuller that last year.
I barely made it in time to my table, when Athletic Director Lynn Swann announced that Deontay Burnett was the recipient of the "Bob Chandler Award." I put down my things and almost ran up to Deontay's table.
Michael's dad told Trojan Candy that he played eleven years in the NFL and that he has five children. There is an older sister, Michael, brother Micah who also plays football, a younger sister who plays softball, and an 18 month old baby. Perhaps, another Trojan Family! FIGHT ON, Michael!
Chris told Trojan Candy that his favorite food is ox tails. His family is originally from St. Louis. His favorite movie is "Space Jam," and his favorite television show is "Animal Kingdom." In his spare time, Chris likes to play the video game "Madden II." Wonder if Chris hangs out with Rojo or Christian Rector? As for music, Chris likes hip-hop music, and his favorite artist is Kendrick Lamar. He started playing football when he was six years old. He chose USC because, "It was my 'dream school!'" Trojan Candy is so glad that Chris chose USC! FIGHT ON, Chris!
After I finished my interview with Chris, I saw Stephen Carr nearby. He posed with Isaiah Langley for my next picture.
Trojan Candy asked Stephen if he saw his family's picture on my Salute to Troy blog article (8/18/2017). His smile said it all. Now for my interview.
Stephen's favorite food is pasta. He likes rap music and his favorite artist is Nipsey Hustle. When I asked Stephen about any hobbies, he said football is his hobby. His favorite movie is "Don't Be a Menace." By now, the lights went out so that a video could be shown. Stephen told me to ask him more questions, but Trojan Candy said that it was too dark to write. I'll ask you more interview questions the next time I see you. Until then, FIGHT ON, Stephen!
When the video finished, Coach Helton began the Awards Program. The first award was the Harry and Marion Keiper Lifters of the Year Award. Trojan Candy was able to take this picture when the awardees stepped off the stage steps. Marvell Tell III, Chris Hawkins, Toa Lobendahn (12/13/2017), Sam Darnold (12/14/2016), Nico Falah, Uchenna Nwosu (12/13/2017) and Cameron Smith (12/13/2017) smiled for me. Thanks!
Coach Helton announced the next awards in program order.
For some unknown reason, my faithful Sony camera started messing up. As I tried to figure out my problem, my good friend Ray Wong kept taking pictures. He sent me all the pictures that I missed. Thank you and FIGHT ON, Ray!
FIGHT ON, USC Seniors!
With the Awards Banquet over, Trojan Candy started taking candid pictures.
Trojan Candy was finally able to interview Viane Talamaivao. His favorite food is prime rib. Viane's favorite music is Eighties Funk. Quite unique! Trojan Candy was overwhelmed with Viane's hobbies. He likes to paint, make bread, take photographs (like yours truly), do graphics design and produce music. Viance composes instrumental music...for the guitar. Enjoy your hobbies and FIGHT ON, Viane!
Standing near the stage was the Steve Lopes family. Helaine, Steve, and Matt Lopes with friend.
Then, Trojan Candy interviewed Senior Matt Lopes.
Matt's favorite food is Mexican food. He likes all kinds of music but is a big country music fan. His favorite country music artist is Jason Aldean. The movie "Stepbrother" is Matt's favorite. Matt's hobby is to watch sports and go to the beach. He likes to play beach volleyball. What an outdoors enthusiast! FIGHT ON, Matt!
Now, it was time for me to interview Steven Mitchell. Steven majored in Communication Management. He has earned a B.S. and M.S. from USC. Congratulations! His favorite television show is "Martin." Steven's favorite food is cabbage and cornbread. He likes R & B music the best, and his favorite artist is Drake. "Lion King" is Steven's favorite movie. As for hobbies, Steven likes fashion and "dressing up." My final question was why he chose USC. Steven said he wanted to stay close to home and that he grew up "a USC family."
Here is Steven with his mom Nicole and his dad Steve. FIGHT ON, Steven!
My night was over, but the memories will live on forever!
FIGHT ON, USC Football!
