Trojan Candy was again lucky to attend the second Zoom videocast of the "Inside Scoop on Spring Ball." This week, the moderator was Jordan Moore. Coach Clay Helton analyzed many plays and player accomplishments during the Spring Game on Saturday, April 17th.
Then, Jordan interviewed Safety Chase Williams (2/7/2018). Jordan first talked about Chase's teammate Talanoa Hufanga. Chase told Jordan that he came in with Talanoa. Chase said, "Talanoa was a great player who was fast and physical. With him gone, there is a void to be filled. This gives me an opportunity to make plays." Chase reasoned, "I was immature when I first came in, but as a Junior, I know the defense now. Playing pure safety now will be a lot more on the mental side. Also, partnering now with Isaiah Pola-Mao is good. We got each other's back. Since we have worked together, we have built a chemistry and a bond." In conclusion, Jordan asked Chase to describe himself. Jordan described himself as being thoughtful and conscientious. He said, "I am a person that speaks his mind. Moving forward into the future, the young student athletes will make the change."
Jordan is not the only one who has interviewed Chase. Trojan Candy was able to interview Chase when he was an incoming freshman in 2018. Click on his blue name in the previous paragraph to read my interview of Chase. FIGHT ON, Chase!
Now it was time for Jordan to interview Director of Player Personnel Spencer Harris. Director Spencer spoke proudly of USC's Boulevard Studios. He said, "Boulevard Studios is an 'In house' model of brand development and brand promotions as we enter into this new era of name, image and likeness emphasis. Most importantly, we promote USC football on social media and build the brand for our student athletes." Then, Director Spencer told us that on January 2, 2021, Boulevard Studios released their brand promotion for USC football #1 recruit Korey Foreman. Billboards were everywhere. Korey was seen online wearing a beanie and shirt of his brand. There were 1.5 million impressions!
Next, Director Spencer showed a three minute video about Boulevard Studios which is shown to every prospective football player. Trojan Candy took these snips from the video:
In conclusion, Spencer believes that this video about Boulevard Studios is a powerful recruiting tool for convincing prospective athletes to become Trojans. Keep FIGHTING ON, Spencer!
Trojan Candy was invited to see the Zoom videocast of the first "Inside Scoop on Spring Ball" this morning. I am going to write about running back Vavae Malepeai and Coach Donte Williams, who were interviewed by moderator and former USC football player Shaun Cody.
Vavae came first. The 2021 USC football season will be Vavae's Senior season. Vavae told Shaun that he takes the season one practice at a time and one game at a time. Because he is older in spring ball, he gets the most out of each rep. Shaun then asked Vavae, "What legacy does he want to leave at USC?" Vavae's sincere answer was quite lengthy. He said, "I hope that I am remembered as a great teammate that my teammates could rely on and reach out to. That I left people, places, and younger ones better than when I came." Vavae also gave this advice, "Our team must learn from one another, must feed off one another, add more tools for our game, take one day at a time, stay who you are, and stay consistent." More personally, Vavae wants to be explosive and put more points up on the scoreboard. In conclusion, Shaun conveyed to Vavae what Vavae's teammates have told him. Shaun said, "Your teammates have described you as being a great leader, as being down-to-earth, and as being humble." Vavae smiled at the comments.
Even more personally, Trojan Candy was fortunate to have interviewed Vavae (click link) at a USC Men's Tennis Match in January 2017. FIGHT ON, Vavae!
Next, Shaun spoke with Coach Donte Williams. Coach Williams is the Associate Head Coach and was chosen the Pac-12 Recruiting Coordinator of the year. He is very excited about spring practice and of all of the players he has recruited. Shaun asked Coach Williams what are the keys to recruiting? Coach Williams said, "One key to recruiting is to be willing to adapt. Another is to use all of your resources." He mentioned Boulevard Studios as an outstanding USC resource. "Expect the unexpected. Last, but not least, keep pushing forward." Next Coach Williams added, "You have to build depth, and you have to win in the trenches. We want to be the best. In order to do that we have to take it one play at a time and one game at a time." Coach Williams added that the purpose of spring practice is to see "how can you individually get better with the schematics and techniques we are teaching you." What words of wisdom! FIGHT ON, Coach Williams!
FIGHT ON, USC Football!
Trojan Candy first met Chris Brown at the Galen Center on Saturday, March 28, 2015. He and I attended a USC Men's Volleyball match versus the Bruins. Friend Zach Banner introduced me to his three teammates Richie Wenzel, Chris and Grant Moore. Our men beat the Bruins 15-11 in the fifth set!
At the football team relay part of Swim with Mike on Saturday, April 11, 2015, I took this picture of Chris, who was a relay swimmer.
On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the USC Football Team Awards Dinner, Chris, on the right, posed with teammates Grant Moore and Wyatt Schmidt. Then later, after dinner, Chris won the "John Dye Memorial Award" for Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Then, at the USC Student-Athlete Graduation on Thursday, May 10, 2018, Trojan Candy took the next picture of a proud, smiling Chris.
Coach Helton presented Chris his second "John Dye Memorial Award" for Offensive Lineman on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the USC Football Awards Banquet Part 1. Trojan Candy was also able to take this picture of Chris holding his award.
FIGHT ON, Forever, Chris.
Trojan Candy arrived an hour early at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center for the Women of Troy Water Polo match versus the Arizona State Sun Devils. It was also Senior Day.
After I found my favorite location on the south side of the stadium to take pictures and videos, I got to work.
Now it was time for the Senior Salute. The Seniors in order were: #1 Holly Parker, #2 Maud Megens, #7 Verica Bakoc, #8 Denise Mammolito, #12 Kelsey McIntosh, #13 Kari Jensen, and #16 Randi Reinhardt. FIGHT ON, Holly! FIGHT ON, Maud! FIGHT ON, Verica! FIGHT ON, Denise! FIGHT ON, Kelsey! FIGHT ON, Kari! FIGHT ON, and Happy Birthday, Randi!
USC's Senior Verica Bakoc made the first goal with 6:07 left in the first quarter. Unfortunately, Trojan Candy missed recording her goal.
Then with 0:43 left in the third quarter, in an exciting play, Verica Bakoc stole the ball and scored! Luckily, Trojan Candy videoed Verica's second goal!
Trojan Candy was looking for all of the Women of Troy Seniors in order to take pictures of them and their families. Outside, I saw a few parents waiting for their daughters.
Then, I also saw some USC Baseball boosters standing along the fence that separates Uytengsu from Dedeaux Field where our USC baseball team was playing Oregon. Only family members and player friends are allowed in the baseball stadium.
Now it was time to take pictures of the Water Polo Seniors.
Trojan Candy saw a beautifully decorated cake for the reception.
Not being shy, Trojan Candy went up to players and asked if they were Seniors. I saw Denise Mammolito's dad whom I met briefly in the stadium earlier. He told me that he would bring Denise to me for a picture.
My first Senior picture was of Verica Bakov, who posed with her "adoptive family" Tristan and Kim Reinhardt, brother and mother of teammate Randi Reinhardt. FIGHT ON, Verica!
Then, Senior Randi Reinhardt posed with her dad Kevin Reinhardt, her cousin Sandi Kausch, her brother Tristan, and her mom Kim Reinhardt. Randi's brother Tristan was a USC water polo player in 2014-2015. FIGHT ON Tristan! FIGHT ON, Randi!
The next Senior to pose for Trojan Candy was Kelsey McIntosh. She posed with her sister Mikayla Tyler (who is also a Trojan), her husband Jacob McIntosh, her mom Kim Tyler, her sister Alyse Tyler, her dad Titus Tyler, and her brother Brayden Tyler. FIGHT ON, Mikayla! FIGHT ON, Kelsey!
Senior Kari Jensen posed with her mother Kristie Jensen. FIGHT ON, Kari!
Trojan Candy was so glad that Denise Mammolito came next to take her picture! Denise posed with her mom Kym and her dad Louis. FIGHT ON, Denise!
