2012 shaping up to be special

USC athletics is on the rise. Though there has never been a significant drop off in the land of Troy, it is undeniable that there has been a recent surge. USC currently boasts several national championship-caliber programs.

In 2011, two programs hoisted the national championship trophy over their collective heads — men’s tennis and men’s water polo.

Because of the recent success in USC athletics among the men’s and women’s teams, the question must be asked: Is 2012 the year of Troy?

The men’s water polo team won its unprecedented fourth-consecutive national championship in December, setting the surge of athletic success in motion.

Without a doubt, the men’s and women’s water polo teams are officially in dynasty mode, greatly due to the leadership of coach Jovan Vavic.

Though the No. 3 Women of Troy have not won the national championship since 2010, 2012 might yield a different result.

With a record of 18-4 overall and 5-2 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference play, the Women of Troy currently sit in third place in conference standings before the conclusion of the regular season next week.

The men’s volleyball team is leading the pack.

The No. 1 Trojans are wrapping up their regular season (only two matches remain in the regular season) after defeating No. 2 UC Irvine in its 15th consecutive win.

In the upcoming weeks, the Trojans will vie for the coveted MPSF title. Men’s volleyball boasts a 20-4 record overall in 2012 (16-4 MPSF record) and a handful of All-Americans.

The Trojans are in prime position to make a run for the MPSF title as they are led by Tony Ciarelli the senior outside hitter, who totaled 146 career aces in the match against UC Irvine.

Like volleyball, the men’s tennis program is on the verge of a title.

The reigning three-peat champions (2009, 2010 and 2011) are holding strong at No. 1. Following a defeat of Arizona over the weekend, the Trojans possess a 23-0 record and a 43-match win streak.

The men’s tennis team is looking to close out its “perfect” season against Bay Area rivals, California and Stanford to wrap up the regular season.

The Trojans will be competing for the historic fourth-consecutive national championship, only 1966-1969.

With the annual spring football game Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum, eyes have been fixed toward the USC football program.

Similar to other Trojan athletic programs, the football team is hoping to be in Miami, Fla., come January 2013 for the BCS National Championship.

Sure, it isn’t hard to imagine, considering the Trojans are fresh off of a 10-2 2011 season and have Heisman-hopeful Matt Barkley and safety T.J. McDonald returning for their senior seasons along with a cast of All-Americans returning for “unfinished business.”

Not only are Trojans competing for NCAA glory, many Trojans (current students and alumni) will be competing for Olympic gold this August in London, thus, expanding the Trojans’ domination.

Some have credited the recent success to USC athletic director Pat Haden and his excellent leadership since his arrival in 2010.

In the short time that Haden has been athletic director, USC has won three national championships and numerous conference titles.

Only time will tell until we see how many championships USC can rack up in the coming years.

The recent success of USC’s athletic programs alludes to the newfound athletic dynasty on the USC campus. Though it is only April, 2012 is already proving to be the most fruitful for all of the Trojan athletic teams.

 

 

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