100 years of being a USC Trojan


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When Los Angeles Times writer Owen R. Bird coined the term “Trojans”  100 years ago in a track and field preview, the 25-year-old had no way of knowing that his invention of the nickname would be one of the most timeless images over the past century. For most schools, a nickname is just that. It’s […]

Trojan basketball still needs more time


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Frustration is natural, but give the Trojans time. We shouldn’t overreact. But, admittedly, it remains increasingly difficult not to. We’re watching the USC men’s basketball team amid its worst season in school history. The 23 losses are a program first. They have won 20 percent of their games, the lowest since the program’s inception. The […]

Taking a look at the Gilbreath-Corral legacy


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Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper, Paula and Pam McGee. Those names put USC women’s basketball on the map, and back in the 1980s, you could synonymously link the program to major success: back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984, five Pac-10 conference titles and four appearances in the Final Four. All six […]

Trojans annually dominate NFL draft


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Tailback U? USC should probably call itself NFL U. It might actually be more accurate. The NFL’s annual scouting combine began Tuesday in Indianapolis, where the country’s best talent will meet in hopes of raising its draft stock. Seven Trojans will participate in the combine, among them offensive tackle Matt Kalil, defensive end Nick Perry […]

USC is no stranger to replacing its stars


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A big problem at any university is finding a way to maintain stability when it comes to marketing the faces of an athletic program. USC is no exception. Over the next 18 months, some of the finest athletes to ever don the cardinal and gold will walk up on a stage, receive their degrees and move […]

Junior day means more than you think


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The phrase “junior day” isn’t likely to ring a bell in most people’s minds, regardless of their allegiance to the game of college football. That’s because, to the uninformed eye, the event seems to be little beyond a bunch of eager high schoolers checking out a university campus. But it’s much more than that. On […]

The USC-UCLA rivalry still means so much


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When USC and UCLA meet in any sport, there tends to be a lot on the line. There might be a conference title at stake. Other times, postseason hopes are at stake. Ultimately, the rivalry is always for city bragging rights, regardless of record or standing. But this year, neither team has a whole lot […]

Trojans to play the role of the underdog


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From entrance signs honoring the likes of Fred Lynn, Mark McGwire and Randy Johnson to the 12 national championship banners hanging so proudly as you step just a few feet inside the stadium to the Prior Plaza wall — which has 184 hanging plaques to commemorate every All-American and every major leaguer who has ever […]

Louis Zamperini serves as inspiration


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Students walk by Cromwell Field every day, but do most know of the legacy inside? Just within the front gate is a tribute to USC track star Louis Zamperini. With the 2012 track and field season in progress, the rising stars of USC should look toward the story of Zamperini for inspiration. Deemed a troublemaker […]

Cruz looks to bring tradition back


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Frank Cruz was sitting in his office overlooking the first base line at Dedeaux Field, squeezing a weathered, beaten up baseball in his right hand. “I’m quietly optimistic,” the Trojans’ second-year coach said of his team’s upcoming season, which begins Friday at home against Jacksonville University. He also knows he has every reason not to […]