Trojan Candy, my sister Patti and brother-in-law Dudley Poon were booked on a 1:00 pm Southwest Airlines flight to Dallas to see the Advocare Classic football game against Alabama. At least half the waiting passengers were Trojans. I walked around the lobby talking to Trojans and giving them my Trojan Candy card. I chose only "visible" Trojans...who were wearing USC clothes. What a nice way to meet new friends, especially Trojans.
On the plane, I sat by two avid USC supporters. Barbara and Bill Delgado told me that they are good friends of Scott Thompson (8/4/2011). Scott is the Special Team/Offensive Administrative Assistant. Trojan Candy met him in 2011 when I was volunteering at the desk in Heritage Hall. Bill, Barbara and I talked about Scott, USC football and game trips we have taken. Then, they told me that their brother-in-law Fernando R. Ledesma ran track for USC in 1955-1956. I told them my husband Jim and I would check to see if we have a Heritage Hall Medallion for him. Needless to say, the two and a half hour plane trip went by pretty fast!
Also on the plane were band members of L.A. Guns, who were scheduled to perform at the Trees Deep Ellum in Dallas Thursday evening. As we disembarked the plane in Dallas, the crew played their CD. My husband Jim had flown in earlier and came to pick us up. As Pat, Dudley and I were on the curb loading our luggage, Trojan Candy saw a few members of the band also loading up their luggage. I jumped out of our rental car, walked over to a band member and took his picture. He was Michael Grant! Another band member Kenny Kweens joined Michael for this picture.
What a memorable plane trip!
My friend Gail Nagaoka and I came to see the season opener for the Women of Troy volleyball team. As soon as we walked into the Galen Center, Trojan Candy saw some familiar faces. I walked over to Tara and Greg Strange. They told me that their daughter Alexa (3/3/2016) is competing on the Women of Troy Volleyball Team. I know Alexa from Beach Volleyball. Tara introduced me to Alexa's younger brother Aaron. He is a Freshman on the USC Men's Volleyball Team.
Naturally, I had to interview Aaron. He is from San Clemente and plans to major in Interactive Media in the School of Cinematic Arts. Aaron will play Opposite on the team. He started playing volleyball when he was thirteen. More personally, Aaron's favorite food is sushi. He likes all kinds of music. Aaron has many hobbies. He likes to go to the beach, surf and go spear fishing for Sheepshead fish. Other favorite activities that Aaron enjoys are going to movies, building computers, coding and reading Star Wars books. What an interesting young man! Another great Trojan Family! FIGHT ON, Aaron!
After winning the first set, our women didn't play well against Marquette. So Trojan Candy's eyes wandered around the Galen Center Arena and found the Men's Basketball Team, a few Women of Troy Basketball players, and some Men's Volleyball players sitting in the south seats. Not being shy, I waited for the second set to end. Then I walked right over to the section and took this picture. Then I walked into the stands and sat down on the steps by good friend Jordan McLaughlin. I complimented him on playing with the Pac-12 All Star Team during the summer. FIGHT ON, Jordan!
Then I asked Jordan if I could interview a new Freshman. Jordan pointed up to a player sitting about six rows up. How convenient. I walked up the steps, sat down by the Freshman, gave him my Trojan Candy card and asked if I could interview him. With a somewhat startled smile, Nick Rakocevic said I could. Nick, who is 6'10", is from Chicago. He chose USC because of our coaching staff, it was a perfect situation and the team is great. Nick is majoring in Communication. For hobbies, he said he likes to play basketball, hang out with friends and family, and listen to RAP music. Nick likes Italian food the best. His favorite movie is "Shutter Island." So glad you chose USC, Nick. FIGHT ON, Nick!
Unfortunately, our women lost in four sets.
On Saturday Trojan Candy was back for the third game of the season to see our women take on UCI. This time my husband Jim came with me to the match. Unfortunately, our women lost in three sets to UCI. We will get better as the season progresses.
However, there was a "bright spot" for me. One aisle over, Trojan Candy saw a familiar face. I walked over, introduced myself, and asked Willie McGinest if I could interview him and take his picture. He agreed to the picture but not the interview. Here is Willie McGinest! He told me that a relative of his is playing for UCI. Thank you and FIGHT ON, Willie!
But, Trojan Candy's night was not over. I walked down the center aisle trying to get back to my table. I hadn't even finished my dinner yet.
I saw several friends along the way.
Then, I saw Isaac Whitney (2/4/2015) and Darreus Rogers talking to one another. Naturally, I went up to them and took their picture.
I had wanted to interview Darreus on the football picture day, but it was too hot in the sun. I asked Darreus if I could interview him, and he said, "Yes." Darreus is a Senior Wide Receiver majoring in Communication. He started playing football when he was seven years old. Darreus likes to listen to Rap and Rhythm and Blues music. And, as you saw in the video of Part 2 with the Wide Receivers on the stage, Darreus likes to dance. His favorite food is macaroni and cheese. His favorite movie of all time is "The Lion King." He also likes the movie series "Ballers" starring the Rock. Teasingly, Darreus told me that he would like to be considered "the most good looking guy on the team!" Trojan Candy can agree to that! FIGHT ON, Darreus!
What an end to such a glorious night! Now, I can go home and eat dinner.
FIGHT ON, USC Football Team!
BEAT ALABAMA!