The Hammer

Can you feel it?

The weight that just dropped off your shoulders. That big sigh of relief. The steady wind on a cool Los Angeles night that has the hint of something called peace...

I can.

24 hours ago about 52 different thoughts went through my head and it ended on one word: Pray. I called our drum major back. Went on facebook. Searched through my bible for the best little tidbit I could find then went to bed not knowing. Knowing what? Anything really. The news was unoffical. Yet it was about as official as it could be...

8:27 AM. Heritage Hall.

Jenn Brown is camped out in a corner outside. Gary Klein and a few other nameless beat writers were inside, laptops up, fingers ready. And the Sports Information Deparment hadn't even turned the lights on yet.

The next several hours were a blurr of tweets, facebook updates and ESPN headlines. Stuck behind the desk is the last place I usually want to find myself, but today of all days it was the worst place possible. A few hundred feet away, the athletic department I had worked in for over 3 years, the friends that I have just had the chance to make and the school that has treated me with more dignity that I could have asked for, was being slowly picked apart and thrown out to pasture.

2 bowl games? Lost. 30 scholarships? Nonexistant. Freedom? A thing of the past.

Meanwhile, the PAC 10, I'm sorry PAC 11, continued to discuss expansion into a mega conference after dismissing one of its more highly touted quarterbacks.

I'm sorry. I thought this placed was called Reality? Oh its not? I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere between Bizarre and Sureal. Well that explains the makeshift media room amongst the soon-to-be 6 Heisman Trophies. It all makes sense now.

And honestly, it truly does. A whirlwind of information has been followed by a whirlwind of opinions and will shortly be followed by a tornado of appeals. We know certain people deserved to punished. They aren't. Other people are though. Its how things happen nowadays. And yet I say, it all make sense.

The fact of the matter is, USC came together tonight somewhere between a 67 page report and a spirit rally for a freshman orientation program. When Heritage Hall was finally vacated like the 2005 Orange Bowl, and the dust had settled, we had a lesson from Special Teams Coach John Baxter.

You see, this poor fellow decided it would be a good idea to watch the Trojan Marching Band play for a group of incoming freshman. Suddenly, here comes the assistant director with an idea and a microphone. So the new coach gave a lesson to the new students.

"I'm a special teams coach. I get guys to run 60 miles per hour into one another and like it." Really? Go on...

"I tell the players. Be the hammer. Not the nail."

For all the talk of the NCAA "dropping the hammer" on USC, it bordered on cruel irony. But that's exactly what made the entire day make sense. Every person gutsy enough to still call themselves a Trojan suddenly knew what they would have to do next season.

So now, I'm going to bed. Cool breeze, peaceful night with the feeling that all is right in the world? You know why?

Because tomorrow morning I'll wake knowing exactly what I need to be.

Long Over Due: A Meltdown and a Moment

4 months ago was the last time I had a chance to write for this thing.

2 losses ago.

1 disaster ago.

Moments like last Saturday make everything come to a screaching halt, my world included. I was bracing myself for a sea of pessimism from those who don't truly understand the definition of "losing-8-defensive-players-to-the-NFL, having-a-new-defensive-coordinator,having-a-new-offensive-coordinator,having-a-true-freshman-quarterback-and-enough-injuries-to-fill-hosiptal-wing-will-eventually-catch-up-to-you." We weren't coming into this year thinking we could win the national title, but when it became a slight possibility we forgot the odds. We through out the calculator. We put the money on the table. And then we remembered.

Even Trojans have rebuilding years.

But what we also remembered was this little thing called loyalty and a state of mind called optimism.

Fight.

On.

Dr. Bartner's Newest Issue: "All our linebackers are in the NFL!"

With all the hulabalo and this and that around new basketball coach Kevin O Neil, I have decided its time to write a new blog.

About the football team.

There really isn't anything more to say. The rest of the media has either praised, ridiculed or otherwise commented on O Neil, Atheltic Director Mike Garrett and the state of the entire program as a whole. Ultimately, no one can really say anything until the season comes around and we either win or we don't. There is a reason we keep score. It is so random, miscellaneous members of the media and sporting world don't decide the fate of young, hardworking college athletes. Or at least not in basketball. We'll leave that for football season.

So, about that football team.

I noticed Dr. Bartner had trouble holding the rally in Wrigley Plaza on Catalina Island for the traditional 4th of July set of performances. The nearly 70 year old band director makes it a point to keep the focus on the football team no matter what time of year it is. However when bragging about the usual stars, he hit a road block and the rally speech sounded a little something like this:

"And all our linebackers.....are in the NFL!"

The "Cush, Clay and Rey" departure was big enough to make the cover of Sports Illustrated, but its left just as big of a hole in list of marketable names. So here is my challange to Dr. Bartner and the rest of you (including myself). Name one person on the defense besides Taylor Mays. And no Josh Pinkard doesn't count. The old man has been on the team longer than the NCAA has been investigating Reggie Bush. Neither plans to wrap it up anytime soon either. I think you can name a few offensive players. You mostly likely know the entire quarterback corp by now and our small collection of tailbacks. You might even know a wide receiver or two. Admit it. The offense is a little flashier. You pay to see long balls caught with one hand in the endzone and every down backs power through the UCLA D-Line. But a cliche is a cliche for a reason:

Offense sells tickets. Defense wins games.

So Dr. Bartner, get to know the new studs of the 2009 roster or learn new ways to introduce Taylor Mays. Its only July. We have a few more rallies to do.

Caught 'Cardinal' Handed: Floyd Resigns Under Suspicion

Can I say it? Something smells fishy. As much as I want to defend USC coaches til their dying day, the good of the university and athletic program comes before any individual coach's reputation. And if you want to taint the reputation of said program in any way, there are going to be alot of people that simply won't like you any more. You see, there is something about us Trojans that people notice and comment on time and time again from the marching band to the star quarterback. We're proud. Some call it arrogance, others a high standard. Either way, we don't like it when its messed with. Now can say this? Tim Floyd messed with it. Because now, whether he really slid $1,000 under the table to sign one-and-done OJ Mayo, or not, we all think he did. I applaud him merely for getting out before he dragged the entire program down in the mud with him. Its not really an appluase though. More like a golf clap. A very quick golf clap.


Its suspect, isn't it? Two months ago he was turning down a job with Arizona (A program with an actual reputation) to stay with the Trojans. Suddenly now he resigns saying he no longer has the "enthusiam" it takes. Really? What happened in those two months that so drastically drained his "enthusiam"? Easy. The NCAA and all their investigations. It could be coincidence. It very well could be. But does anybody honestly believe that it is?


There is always one bad apple in every group. This could be worse. I caution any nay sayers who think that this signals some sort of end to the goliath that is USC Atheltics. The Trojans have won National Championships in 4 different sports since my arrival at USC in 2006(Women's Soccer, Men's Water Polo, Women's Golf, Men's Tennis). None of those top programs are under even a hint of suspicision. And what about our crowning glory that is football? The Reggie Bush "investigation" has been brewing since I was in high school and nothing resembling a conclusion has surfaced in years. Other accusations have been merely that. Winning attracts attention. I'll take my chances.


And if you get discouraged, or hear the obnoxious laughing coming from Westwood simply remind yourself that it is June and you are two months away from football season.

A Whole New Ball Game: Entering the World of Sports Broadcasting

There is a new intern in the sports department at KABC. Her name is Stephanie Graves.

That's right folks, I have entered the world of sportscasting in the nation's second largest media market in the nation. And lets face. We have cooler sports teams. Today was merely introductory, observing how clips are edited, how highlights are written for the teleprompter, what the studio looks like during filming and who controls everything benind the camera. What a day it was! The studio was twice the size of another other I had been in. Everyone was warm and friendly, particularly the weather man.

No, you won't see my face gracing your TV screen just yet, but I am learning the necessary skills that put me ahead of the competition so one I'll be informing of the latest news from the television instead of the computer screen.

WE ARE SC: Men's Tennis

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE USC MEN'S TENNIS TEAM FOR BECOMING THE 2009 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

Look for "We Are SC" alerts when any USC team wins big.

FIGHT ON!

That's so "GQ": So Cal's Golden Boy Goes National in More Than Just Football

If I were Tom Brady, I'd be nervous. He may not loose his title as one of the nation's top QB's, but he might be loosing his grip on a market he has, until now, had completely cornered: Best Looking. Jet's Rookie Quarterback Mark Sanchez just posed for a spread in GQ magazine complete with a sexy super model and shirtless outfits. You know, the usual.

Such is the life of an NFL quarterback apparently. In between pre-season mini camps and daily trips to the gym you become a poster boy for "the-only-reason-most-women-watch-football" campaign. And am I, a fellow Trojan and former classmate, surprised by this? Not one bit. After watching Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and John David Booty grace the Coliseum Gridiron with their presence I have conjured a theory that being one of the most ruggedly good looking men this side of Mississippi must be a pre requisite for the job. Oh, and you must win. Alot. A few Rose Bowl victories don't hurt either. A Heisman trophy, or at least an offensive MVP for whatever BCS game USC wins that year is a definite plus. But in the end, you won't find many ugly USC quarterbacks. It takes away from the aura. After all, Chris Erskine from the LA Times did refer to us as "The University of Camelot."

Beyond the fairy tale however, lets take a look at the life he is really living. Yes he is getting paid millions of dollars to live not only his fantasy, but one that belongs to millions of 10 year old boys and middle aged men alike, but thats where the fantasy begins and ends. Money buys as much happiness as it does talent or undying loyalty. Mark can't just waltz into the 2-9 Cafe on a summer visit to his alma mater without glancing eyes or the possible paparazzi (Or at least a few more than what he got as USC's signal caller). He can't be the hero to millions of Jets fans without having a few winning seasons and maybe a Super Bowl appearance or two. Its a tough crowd, them Jets fans. Mark, of all players, has the work ethic to do it as long as he doesn't fall into the same traps as his predecessor Matt "Hollywood" Leinart did. I'm a loyal Leinart lady myself, but you can't deny the press hasn't given him much room to budge the past three years. Lets just say, I have had to be a little less loyal post scandal. Or two. Or, um, three.

Now lets factor a few more things into the equation. He is moving 3,000 miles away from everything he knows and loves to place where it snows. As as Southern California native myself, I can say that snow is a BIG deal. What I am saying? Rain is a huge deal to us! Snow is...is...is epic and something that I personally don't think I could survive. Have no fear Mark, your time in New York only lasts as long as your contract. If you don't meet expectations you could be traded at the drop of your owner's hat to Buffalo! Or even Minnesota! Or some other team in the middle of nowhere that still manages to produce just as much of the white stuff. And, no, there isn't a chance of coming back to Los Angeles. Beside, you already did a stint on their only "pro" team. So if Mr. GQ ever wants a girlfriend or even a wife and kids, he needs someone willing to uproot their lives on a moments notice.

Its true what they say. The grass looks greener on the other side. Or for you diehard Trojans, Cardinal-er (I'd say a B.A. in communication gives me the right to invent that word). I for one, wish Mark the best of luck, but see no reason to be jealous of his job. After all, I'll be in 75 degree weather mid December while he is trying to figure out how to hold on to ball when he can't feel his fingers.

SCend Off: The Class of 2009 Edition

Our athletic department will being saying good bye to a few good Trojans when the Class of 2009 turns the tassel. And possibly a few more. However, this is a time look at those who epitomized student athlete by not only making their mark on their respective teams but earning their degree at the same time. My two favorite seniors represent the different paths an athlete can take after graduation, both just as rewarding. They are equally as prepared for what lies ahead and though they will no longer being wearing a Cardinal and Gold jersey, or any jersey for that matter, they will always be Trojans to us. Without further ado, may we honor basketball's Keith Wilkinson and football's Mark Sanchez.

MARK SANCHEZ

Some are under the impression that Mark is graduating early. False. He is graduating right on time. His predessesors graduated late. The NCAA allows 5 years of eligibilty as long as one of those is a "red shirt" year. Mark did "red shirt" (i.e. practiced, but did not play with the team) his freshman year, allowing him an extra year of playing time. However, he decided it was time to leave and enter the NFL draft with a B.A. in Communication to go along with that impressive arm strength he's so famous for. Despite entering the draft after the fall semester, he commited himself to finishing the degree he had started. And he did it in four years. This my friends, is what we mean by scholar-athlete. To the outside world, he is "Mark Sanchez: The Jets rookie quarterback." On Friday, he will be "Mark Sanchez: USC Graduate." I don't know if I'll see Mark on Friday. With thousands and thousands in cap and gown and the possiblity that he might be required to by in New York for certian events, I am not holding my breath. But if I do, I'll be sure give him the biggest hug possible, not because of the million dollar contract he just signed, but because of the little piece of paper that President Sample did. His athleticism and enthusiam will be missed on the field and his sense of humor and words of encouragement off. I know he will miss game days at the Coliseum, but be glad to be out of the Annenberg Auditiorium which at times could be mistaken for an igloo due to its hyperactive air conditioning system. Don't worry Mark, think of it as preparation for New York. You know it snows there, right? (PICTURE: Myself with Mark Sanchez and Desmond Reed at the 2007 Band Banquet)

KEITH WILKINSON

Keith wasn't known for being the most consistant starter on the team. He wasn't the MVP of this years PAC 10 Tournament Championship team. But if anyone improved over the past 4 years it was Keith. Each year, this 6'10" Orange County Native will the perfect smile took on a bigger and bigger role on the court. On his brightest of days he could hit a three that was so beautiful you would marry it if you could. He is part of Coach Floyd's first class and is now Floyd's first graduating senior. And no, he won't being going into the NBA. Junior Daniel Hackett and Freshman DeMar DeRozan have the Trojan legacy in that department covered (hopefully). Keith is going into the real world, also with a B.A. in Communication, just like the rest of us. He doesn't have the million dollar contract, but he has the same little piece of paper that Sanchez does. Most people would agree, that is all he really needs. (PICTURE: Myself with Keith Wilkinson after beating Arkansas in the 2nd Round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament in Spokane, WA)

And finally, to those who spent four years supporting these athletes:

THE TROJAN MARCHING BAND, Class of 2009

They has seen and done things most people only dream of. They were the first to attend four straight Rose Bowls (One being for a National Championship), and yes, march four straight Rose Parades. That is 24 total miles down Colorado Blvd and the first 6 were in the pouring rain. They were the first to experience 3 straight Rose Bowl wins. They've never lost to Notre Dame or Cal or most of the PAC 10 for that matter. Their final record stands at 32-4. Some of them have witnessed national titles in Women's Soccer and Men's Water Polo. Others saw the Men's Basketball team win their first PAC 10 Tournament and receive USC's first 3 straight bids to the NCAA tournament. Some of have been to Italy, others to Brazil. Many both. They have performed on the American Idol Finals, the Grammy's and the Oscars.

And they have stories. Oh do they have stories. They saw the last of the Bush-Leinart Era. They know what it was like that cold night in South Bend when nobody knew if Matt had really made into the endzone. They know what its like to realize that Vince Young's knee really did hit the ground, but that it didn't stop the Rose Bowl, our second home, from being covered in burnt orange and white confetti. Sit down and talk with them. You'll be entertained for hours.

But most of all, they helped create memories for the rest of us. My class is about to step into the spotlight as seniors yet don't know a USC without this wonderful group of people. We met them as 19 year old sophomores and we're watching them enter the world as 22 year old young adults, degree in hand, future on the horizon. They'll make it though. Why? Because they know the meaning ot two simple words.

Fight. On.

Congratulations Class of 2009. We will miss you!

Reloading, Not Rebuilding: The Transition Post

At USC we have a saying about our football team. Alright, we have a few of those, but the one that comes to mind this time of year is "We don't rebuild; We reload." When everyone is concerned about new coaches, new quarterbacks and new chemistry, USC has a funny way of picking up where it left off with a few new tricks up its sleave. And that, my friends, is the essence of this post.

Up until now I had beind doing this for a project for an undergraduate class at USC. I followed guidelines, I earned grades. It served its purpose. Now its purpose is to earn followers and respect. So without further ado, here is some "Chalk Talk" about the new design....

The Breakdown:
*The Title: "The Sword" is a reference to the USC Drum Major's greatest and most sacred symbol. As a proud member of The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe, it only seemed fitting. Recently, I became only the 2nd female in history to try out for the position of Drum Major (Pictured here with 2008-2009 Drum Major Ed Carden after the 2009 Rose Bowl). I had to earn the right to handle the sword as it should be and though I did not gain the title, I gained a lifetime of memories. And a spiffy story behind my blog title.

*The Layout: The format will be fairly free now. The posts aren't always going to be 1,000 words long. They will be as long as they need it to be. No more, no less.

*The Topics: The Trojans. The sub title is self explanatory. Anything to do with USC athletics has a place here. Serious or not so, I'll be sure to mention it whether it be the latest on the Trojan Marching Band or that Taylor Mays announced his participation in a sorority invite to the entire Sports Information Deptartment. However, I won't mind wandering off the beaten path to speak my mind on anything to do in the world of sports. And there will always be a point.

And what about me (Pictured here out of uniform)? What gives me authorization to write on such a storied program? Beyond pure love and loyalty, it is my unique perspective. Participation in the Trojan Marching Band has allowed to go to sporting events that most people only dream of (3 straight Rose Bowls, 3 straight Men's Basketball NCAA Tournament Bids, 2 Men's Basketball PAC 10 Tournament Championship games, etc) and my role as a student assistant in the USC Sports Information Department gives me the inside look. Its not a bad combination. I really quite enjoy it.

And I hope you enjoy "The Sword."

FIGHT ON and WIN FOREVER!

Oops: Floyd Stays at USC as ESPN Blushes

It was a typical Wednesday night. I was on Facebook quickly glancing through a wealth of newly changed statuses on my home page. That’s where the typical part ended. Suddenly I am quickly surfing over to a new tab, searching for a specific piece of information and finding exactly what I didn’t want to find. ESPN was reporting on April 2nd (It was still April 1st on the West Coast) that Tim Floyd was expected to be leaving USC for Arizona. As quickly as the Trojan’s hope for a great 2009-2010 season had bloomed after short, but successful run in the post season, so did it vanish. But wait. Several hours later the story disappeared and Tim Floyd (Pictured left) reassured the Nation of Troy he was not going anywhere while ESPN suddenly contracted a terrible case of foot-in-mouth disease. At that moment I was also curious what the sporting world thought of this case and ESPN’s blunder. After diving into the online discourse, it is safe to say that it seems that most people were more concerned about the final destination of Coach Floyd than whether ESPN sacrificed a bit of it’s journalistic integrity to try to be the first with a story. For a sampling of the encounter here are my response to two bloggers that commented on this issue. The first one I found on the College Sports Hotline and the second was discovered on Fan Nation.

Arizona’s next coach: Could it be Tim Floyd?
(Click here to the comment in context)

I think this event, especially in retrospect (now that we know he is staying), is one of the more curious happenings of this year's post season for several reasons. My first thought when reading that he was going to leave (A terrible blunder by ESPN which I will address in a moment) I found sudden and confusing. Why would Tim want to leave this year? Tim has been able to sell USC (At least as an institution if not as a stellar basketball program) to top recruits the past couple years making it obvious that rebuilding the program is anything but impossible. Despite a mid season slump this is the team that beat Cal, UCLA and ASU to win the PAC 10 tournament and almost beat Final Four contender Michigan State in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. It it obvious this team was just getting started toward the end of the season which leaves next season as a sea of possibilities waiting to be explored. If you were Tim Floyd, despite entertaining the Arizona offer, would you really even want to leave? However, had Floyd decide to go to the desert, I would not have minded getting a chance at Pittsburgh's Jaime Dixon who supposedly has had an urge to return to Southern California. Had Floyd decided to leave and Dixon take his place, do you feel that USC would have had the chance to keep DeRozen and other incoming recruits despite the coaching change?

Besides the oddity of thinking Floyd would want to leave this year is the fact that Arizona would want him. He may have greatly improved USC the past few years, but they are not exactly a powerhouse yet. He is a good fit for the current program, however, due to Arizona's past success, I would think they would be looking at taking from more established programs.

And finally, do you think ESPN has any excuse for jumping the gun like they did? Though I would not have minded if they had reported that Arizona had offered Floyd the position, they decided to report on it as if he had all but signed on the dotted line. Why? Because one of their radio affiliates said so. I am surprised that there is not as much disappointment or backlash toward ESPN for this little stunt. I certainly give them less credibility now.

P.S. Also I would like to point out that Daniel Hackett’s issue was cleared his freshman year by the NCAA and there was no real reason why it should have come up again his junior year.

Tim Floyd Makes the Right Move
(Click here to see the comment in context)

I could not agree more that Tim Floyd made the right decision. Rebuilding takes time and patience. Though USC was not transformed into a powerhouse over night (As sometimes people wish when a new coach is hired), they are seeing successes already. Never before has USC been to the NCAA tournament three straight years or won the Pac 10 Tournament. Success can be measured by a process (Are we doing better than we did before?) and a product (There are more W's than L's in the record books). USC is actually achieving both now.

Though Arizona (Pictured Right) has had past successes, they did no better than USC during the regular season and went out early in the PAC 10 tournament. I applaud them for making it the Sweet Sixteen after barely making the NCAA tournament, but I still do not think that enough of a success to entice a coach away from a program who just recently (2007) made it to the Sweet Sixteen as well. If Tim means what he says about wanting to build his own traditions, then why would he want to start all over again at another program after he's worked this hard to begin a tradition of success at USC?

Here is a thought: Had he left, what do you think would have been his main motivation? And had USC gotten first choice Jaime Dixon as a replacement, do you think he could have kept all of Floyd's recruits and our current players in the anticipation of seeing the success he achieved at Pitt?