April 2019 (4) Candygrams

Friday, April 19, 2019---USC Men's Tennis Senior Day

Today is the USC Men's Tennis Senior Day at Marks Stadium. The match vs. Arizona started with the Star Spangled Banner.

After the National Anthem, the USC Senior Day was announced.

Next, the USC Men's Tennis Team huddled.

The Doubles competition started. On Center Court were Laurens Verboven and Brandon Holt (4/14/2017).

The Smith brothers, Riley (11/15/2018) and Tanner, were paired on Court 2.

Jack Jaede (11/15/2018) and Daniel Cukierman (2/10/2018) played #3 doubles.

The USC men won the Double's point 2-0.

Now, it was time for the Senior Day Celebration. Trojan Candy took the still pictures and my husband Jim took the videos.

Tanner Smith was the first Senior to walk out. He was followed by his family.

Then, Tanner hugged his mom Tammie.

The second Senior was Logan Smith (2/16/2016).

Logan received a souvenir album from Coach Kris Kwinta.

Logan posed with his father Shawn, mother Lily and sister Kiana.

Jack Jaede was the third Senior to be honored.

Jake hugged friend and USC Swimmer Riley Scott.

The fourth Senior Laurens Verboven had a big smile on his face.

Laurens hugged Coach Smith.

Laurens Verboven, Kris Kwinta and Deiton Baughman

Laurens received his album from Coaches Kris Kwinta and Deiton Baughman.

Then, Laurens hugged his girlfriend Julia Adams who made his big head.

Jake DeVine was the fifth Senior to be honored.

Jake received a bouquet and album from Coach Kris Kwinta.

Jake's family joined him on the court. They were Daniel, Laurel, Jake, John, Luke and Julia DeVine.

Student Manager Juan Granizo was the last Senior honored. He posed with Coach Smith.

Jim took a video of the entire ceremony.

Trojan Candy managed to take this picture of the Seniors and their families and friends.

This is a video of the Seniors, families, friends and teammates.

I rushed to take a better picture of Logan Smith and his family.

Trojan Candy took a nicer picture of Laurens Verboven and his girlfriend Julia Adams.

Now, it was time for the Singles to start. Senior Jake DeVine was on Court 6.

Riley Smith was returning a volley on Court 4.

Daniel Cukierman played #2 singles.

Brandon Holt was waiting for a serve on Center Court.

Freshman Mor Bulis was ready to serve on Court 5.

Laurens Verboven was getting ready to receive service on Court 3.

Laurens was USC's first to win his singles match.

Laurens thanked the judge.

Laurens proudly wrapped a Belgian flag on his shoulders.

Laurel, Jake, Julia, Daniel, Luke and John DeVine

Trojan Candy walked to Court 6 and was able to take a nicer picture of Jake DeVine with his family. From left to right were Mom Laurel, Jake, sister Julia, brothers Daniel and Luke and Dad John.

I took another picture of Jack Jaede and his girlfriend Riley Scott.

Trojan Candy asked Riley if I could interview her, and she said, "Yes."

Riley, like Jack, is a Senior. She majored in International Relations. She competed in the Breaststroke at USC. Riley likes to watch all kinds of sports. Her hobby is cooking. She likes to make "shakshouka," a dish of poached eggs. Riley's favorite book is "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11." Congratulations Riley and FIGHT ON!

Brandon Holt won his Singles to give USC a 3-1 lead.

On Court 5 Mor Bulis clinched our victory over Arizona with a 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4 victory!

Our men did a final huddle.

FIGHT ON, USC Men's Tennis!

Julia Adams, Laurens Verboven, Marniik Sevens, Warel Waytjens, Chloe Derenette, Andy Schelleuens and Joppe DeVroede

As Jim and I were leaving, I saw Laurens Verboven with his friends from Belgium. They were from left to right: Julia Adams, Laurens, Marniik Sevens, Warel Waytjens, Chloe Derenette, Andy Schelleuens and Joppe DeVroede.

Standing nearby was friend Thibault Forget (2/28/2015) and his friend Sarah Kane.

What a memorable day for Trojan Candy!