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?

Dear Diary: What Keeps the Madness Alive?

For some, the Road to Detroit ended in Minneapolis. I must count myself in that contingent. Granted, I do not play basketball. My hand eye coordination is minimal at best. However, I have had the privilege of being selected as a one of 30 band members to go on the road with the USC Men’s Basketball Team in the post season the past three years (Which is the first time in the school’s history that the basketball team has received three straight bids to the NCAA tournament). After an exciting, emotional run in the Pacific 10 Tournament that found the USC Trojans as Pacific 10 Champions for the first time in school history, this blogger found herself eating her words. After exploring for, and arguing in favor of, the NIT only a short time ago, I sighed in relief to know that we would not be going. Along with the championship trophy, came an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament. They also brought yours truly along for the ride. From defeating UCLA in Staples Center to finally falling to Michigan State in the Metrodome (Pictured left), I was able to witness the phenomena as a not so quiet fly on the wall. Finally, I had to wonder what held it all together. Year after year, these tournaments take place with a high degree of success no matter who is left standing at the very end. The answer lied within my own university, within my very own team in fact. It was simple: Pure loyalty. It is a multi dimensional loyalty carefully balanced in a symbiotic relationship between teams, fans and university spirit groups that create and uphold this highly successful tournament system. Though nothing, not even this system, is perfect, when it does come together as planned, there is no wonder why we call this event “March Madness.” Let me take you now, on my journey so you can truly understand why I conclude that loyalty is the most important factor in this tournament.

Before the NCAA makes it selections, the conference tournaments must take place and declare a winner that will receive the only official automatic berth into the tournament. This year, this was USC’s only chance of making it to the post season. After a midseason slump and one too many a loss the chance of actually winning three straight games against ranked opponents, including rival UCLA, seemed slim at best. However a little determination, and desperation, goes along way. Injury free and tournament bound, the Trojans relied on every group’s greatest weapon: teamwork. The loyalty to the team over oneself is the main catalyst of the tournament. “One and done” wonders and leading scorers can only carry you so far. When the Michigan State shut down Taj Gibson in the 2nd round, the Trojans stayed in the game by relying on Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis to pick up the scoring slack and make up for the fact that Gibson managed to score only three points the whole game. They still came extremely close to beating Michigan State. Had they relied one player whether it had been Gibson, or freshman DeMar DeRozan it would have been detrimental to their success. Former NBA great David Robinson explains teamwork as such: “Each player contributes his own gifts and efforts so that the great goal–winning–can be reached. But players who seek their own glory at the sacrifice of the team’s glory drive the team away from success.” The Trojans stayed loyal to each other and thus found success in both tournaments.

What, however, is a tournament, if no one watches? The NCAA picks neutral sites. Though a high seed may get the advantage of staying within their region, no one gets a true home court advantage in the post season. To help create the allusion of a home court advantage and thus give your team the upper hand, fans must travel. The tournament counts on the fact that certain fans will travel in large groups, spending their precious dollars on tickets and merchandise. Fan loyalty not only helps create the home court advantage for the teams, but revenue for the NCAA. And if it weren’t for all the revenue the NCAA was making off those loyal fans, they wouldn’t have the money to charter a flight for every team and their respective pep bands and cheerleaders, put them up in a nice hotel, provide free meals for the team and per diem ($ 40 a day) for the spirit groups and still have enough to pay everyone running the tournament itself. Though this is not the only way the tournament makes money (We can’t forget the ever lucrative television contracts and advertisements), this is the sort of loyalty that literally keeps the tournament up and running.

That being said, it is known throughout the collegiate world that certain fans are more loyal than others. Though schools that draw larger crowds can more than make up for others in sales, it leaves teams with fewer crowds without even the chance of any sort of home court advantage. That is where university loyalty is key. The NCAA does pay for a certain amount of band members and other spirit groups to fly out with the team, but it takes a group of dedicated members to give up either the very beginning or very end of their spring break for it to actually become a reality. Good bye Cabo. Good bye Palm Springs. Hello Minneapolis: Home of the Mall of America, the Golden Gophers, and really not much else. Nonetheless, I, along with some of my cohorts (Such as the Song Girls and Spirit Leaders pictured below) packed our bags and flew from 80 degree Los Angeles to 40 degree Minneapolis to partake in something bigger than ourselves. After spending the semester studying rhetoric, I noticed how each school’s band and spirit groups helped create a narrative by which all the fans and/or players understood. “Rock Chalk Jay Hawk” has no meaning to me, but when fans chanted it, helped invigorate the Kansas players and intimidate the opposing Dayton Flyers. Likewise, playing “Tribute to Troy” signaled to our opponents that USC had arrived, but more over, it is known throughout the USC community as inspiration. The understanding between university members creates maybe not the most important loyalty of the tournament, but be assured, it is the strongest.

Inter-team loyalty. Fan loyalty. University loyalty. The interdependency of this entire entity is what makes the NCAA tournament as successful as it is. Of course there are lucrative television contracts, ad sales, sponsorships and pools in Las Vegas betting on each game, but that can all exist because of this basic element. Whether it makes a team strong enough to reach the tournament beyond all odds or makes the Metrodome feel like the Galen Center, it all comes to down to a special symbiotic relationship that might not make the world go round, but it keeps “the madness” alive.

The Rulebook: What Happens When Coaches Follow It? Or Ignore it?

The NCAA rulebook might be the only place where you find more rules than the Constitution. Trying to regulate the entire world of college sports is no easy task, but some have felt in recent years that the organization's regulations are sometimes bordering on absurd, but nonetheless the pressure and importance of complying is stressed higher than ever before. One wrong move can put acareer, whether it be a coach's or player's, in double jeopardy. This week I found two blogs that are perfect examples of what happens when coaches do, or do not, follow NCAA or University regulations. The first blog addresses the NCAA punishment for Florida State University which involved one of the worst cheating scandals in history (It affected 61 athletes and 10 sports). The second tells the tale of the Oklahoma University’s basketball coach Jeff Capel and how by following his school’s self imposed regulations, he is able to enjoy, and keep, the success of his team (The fourth ranked OU is looking to grab a #1 seed in the this year’s tournament). Ultimately this also shows that sometimes the punishment doesn't always fit the crime. Either way, rules are rules.

“Florida State Punished For Cheating Scandal (But Not Really)"

(Click on the title to link to the blog and comment)

Thank you for pointing out the ever present inconsistency of the NCAA and its endless amount of regulations, most importantly the absurdity of “vacated wins.” The fact that this organization wants to play God with the record books never ceases to amaze me. Erasing from the records, or even changing the “W” to an “L” doesn’t not change history; It merely changes ink on the page. A similar issue comes to mind involving a former player from my current university (USC). There had been accusation of Reggie Bush accepting gifts from an agent while still attending USC. Years later there is still no clear conclusion or action taken, but several punishments had been in consideration if any of the allegations were ever prove true. These included taking away his Heisman Trophy and any titles the Trojans might have won with Bush’s help. Like the FSU case (Shamed FSU Coach Bobby Bowden, pictured left), winning records and team national titles were earned and that can not be altered. Though possibly a note indicating that violations occurred during this time may be would be appropriate, I think it is unreasonable to take anything such as winning records or team titles away (Is it fair to “throw the baby out with the bath water” and punish the rest of the team who played fairly?). In the end, it doesn’t change history. Even taking away his Heisman Trophy dose not change the fact that he won it or that the allegation did not affect his sportsmanship or ability to win such an award (Such as with the recent steroid scandal in the MLB). Though I would see 6 bronze trophies instead of 7 when I walk into Heritage Hall, everyone would still remember that he was the best player in college football that year and more than likely his jersey number would stay retired. After all, OJ Simpson’s did.

Ultimately what would you suggest to the NCAA that would truly be a punishment besides trying to change the record books? And how can we regulate 'the regulators' when they seem to be contradicting themselves? Also, which is more of a ‘sin’ in the sports world? Violating academic integrity issues or accepting gifts from agents prematurely?

“Capel and Griffen: Communication Without Words”

(Click on the title to link to the blog and comment)

This story is a great demonstration of how a relationship forged between a future and coach a player can be much more than just about personal gain, but the fact that were able to do it without crossing any boundaries or breaking any university rules (As done by the previous coach) makes this an even more appealing read. Though, due to scandals throughout the years, regulations for recruiting are obviously necessary it sometimes makes it difficult to truly get to know a coach or a player on a more personal level-something which is important when it comes to team chemistry and coaching styles matching with playing styles. Getting to know the player you are recruiting is not only important for the team statistics but for everyone’s well being (Both so the player can know how to help the team and so the team can know how to help the player develop as soon as they walk into the gymnasium). I applaud Capel and Griffen for achieving this while still sticking honestly to the regulations. Though some may see text messaging as “loop hole” the bare naked truth is that they not break a single regulation. Now Oklahoma is not only enjoying the success of this, but are able to revel in it without looking over their shoulder such as Florida State must be doing now with its recent academic violations. After looking at that story and shaking my head in dismay about the blatant disregard for the rules (Even if NCAA seems to have almost too many of them), I was encouraged to see a Coach accomplish his goal (Recruiting and subesquently signing Blake Griffen, pictured right) without crossing any boundaries. If the Oklahoma program were to win the NCAA Men’s Tournament, they can do it with the knowledge they won fair and square. If only we could say the same for the entire Florida State Athletic Department. My question to you is do feel OU’s coach should be rewarded for not breaking the University regulation on phone calls by lessening the restrictions? Should Capel now be allowed to call players at his will?

Lost in the Madness: The National Invitational Tournamet

It is March. It is the time when the California sun comes out, the Midwestern snow begins to thaw and the East Coast can lower the temperature on their thermostat for the first time in months. It also means that no matter where you are from, no matter how many layers of clothing you take off when the spring time begins, you all have one thing on your minds and it is not how much sunblock you need to take to Cabo. On the contrary, it is a phenomena known as March Madness. This is the time when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament takes center stage not just in the collegiate world, but of all of sports. It is an honored, exhilarating tradition, that actually extends beyond one final post season game (such as with football). The single elimination format can have even the most tame of sports fans on the edge of their seats. With “bracketologists” working over time, journalists capturing the “Cinderella story” of the season and fans buying plane tickets to places as mundane as Omaha, Nebraska to watch their teams no matter how low or high the seed, it is no wonder why they call it March Madness. However, with the advent of my beloved Trojans (pictured left: The second round of the 2007 NCAA tournament) dropping below 5th in the Pac 10 and out of tournament consideration (this year's appearance would have been a historic three in a row for USC), I have had to take a second look at a part of the post season that often gets lost in the madness: The National Invitational Tournament.

More commonly known as The NIT, it has become the step child of the basketball post season. Going to the NIT if you are a Duke or UCLA is like going to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl if you are Ohio State or USC. It may be alright if you are a smaller school, a lower level Division I program, but if you have any sort of clout in the Division I world, the NIT is merely a consolation prize; Something to keep you busy so you do not find yourself depressed while watching other schools in the tournament. However, after reading the history of the NIT, and coming from a school that might be playing in it this year, I believe it is safe to say that this tournament is more than just a second rate post season experience, but a crucial part of the entity known as March Madness. And do the players see it the same way? Without making a sweeping generalization, it safe to say that most appreciate it for what it is. One of this year's competators, Baylor's Curtis Jerrells said before the NIT finals "It is not the NCAA tournament, we are in the NIT but whatever you are doing you should be fully devoted to it." What is it though? The oldest post season tournament in college basketball. The now more famous NCAA tournament followed a year later. One of the most intriguing aspects is that their Final Four always play at the historic Madison Square Garden (pictured here) thus juxtaposing tradition from the professional and university level worlds in one game. When first started in 1938, the entire tournament was played at this sight. One of its most memorable moments occurred in 1970 when Marquette turned down a bid to the NCAA tournament to play in the NIT and subsequently won. In what could be considered a brilliant, but bizarre strategic move, then Coach Al Maguire decided a longer duration in a lower level tournament and a chance a title was more beneficial then a harder tournament with a lesser chance at winning it all.

Though this may be the only time someone has ever turned down an invitation to what people affectionately call “The Dance,” the incident makes one think. If we ignored the modern day rhetoric of the NIT, and looked at it for what it really is (Another post season tournament), we see its potential rather than its flaws. We see that it truly has a place in the post season. Just as not every player has the capabilities or maturity to play on a ranked team at a large school, not every team has the capability or maturity to play at a large national tournament. Though a challenge is deemed by most an important part of sport, sometimes an overwhelming atmosphere such as the NCAA tournament can cause a team to falter instead of flourish. If only there were a slightly smaller tournament, designed similarly to the NCAA, with just as much history, but not as much pressure for those teams who need an intermediate step. Wait one second. There is such a tournament: The NIT. This tournament will never be as large or as competitive as the NCAA. The final winner could probably never beat the NCAA champion (though that would be a fascinating experiment). That is not its place. It plays an important role in the post season, one that allows the entire basketball world to participate and progress, not just a select few. Though most consider it an honor to receive a bid to the NCAA tournament, not every team is mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with such an honor. Does that mean they should be limited to sitting at home and watching others continue to hone their skills in extra games? No. It just means they need another tournament. A tournament that will encourage success at any level and help teams eventually reach a point where they can compete with larger, more established programs.

March Madness is one of the most exciting times in sport. You will never hear the complaints about it like you do for the BCS (Bowl Championship Series). Though a higher seed sets you up for success, any school, no matter high or low their ranking coming in has a fair chance at winning the title of “Best College Basketball Team of the Year.” The tournament system is a proven one. We must look at the National Invitational Tournament as having its own important place, one that contributes to the success of the game of basketball and its players and not a mere consolation prize for those who do not receive a bid to the NCAA tournament. Just like smaller bowls allow for extra playing time, revenue and success during football season, the NIT provides the same during the basketball post season. Now if we could only come up with a comparable two tournament, bowl inclusive, system for football season. I might one day be writing about “January Jazz” like I do “March Madness.”

No Littering Allowed: How Large Sites Promote More Clutter Than Creativity

The blogosphere creates an interesting dilemma: How do you let those whose voices that have important and well thought out opinions be heard while sorting through mindless clutter and chatter? It is not just the blogoshpere, but society in general that is facing this issue more now that even before. The internet at times epitomizes free speech and avid sports fans take advantage of that. The problem? Not everyone thinks before they speak freely. After searching through one of the largest athletic blogging sites on the web, known as Deadspin.com, I found two blogs that though had they had nothing to do with each other topically speaking, they had something very important in common – there was very little thought put into both. If sports bloggers want to personify themselves as reputable and their subject as holding an important place in modern society we are going to have to hold ourselves to a higher standard than these two bloggers demonstrated.

The first post I discovered is about a blogger named Pete Gaines who commented on ESPN’s reporting of Stephen and Seth Curry, two current basketball stars who are not, mind you, on star teams. The second is Rick Chandler’s “report” (And I use that word rather loosely), on E!’s newest show entitled Hot Girls in Scary Places. What does that have to do with sports you ask? The three stars just so happen to be USC Song Girls. Though one would accuse my previous blog on the world of marching bands to be just as tangential, I urge you to take a look at both blogs and my comments before making that judgment. Even tangents can have substance which is something these two blogs seem to lack.

“ESPN Presents Stephen Curry’s BracketBusters, Starring Stephen Curry”
My response:
After reading your post, there were two questions that came immediately to mind:
1. Are you surprised?
2. Can you blame ESPN?
Let me elaborate…
First and foremost what is ESPN? They are quite possibly the world’s largest, and without question, the most popular source for sporting news. A company does not find itself there by accident or over night. They learned to find a story and capitalize on it. ESPN uses its resources. In this case they have taken two basic rhetorical story lines of college basketball and exploited it. Combine the two, and you might just have a story that could go beyond the boundaries of your a typical sports fan. The alumnus that would not know where to begin to look for his or her own school’s athletic website might even read this. ESPN knows that.

Its first element is The Cinderella Story that “March Madness” has become famous for. Even if the said “Cinderella” doesn’t win it all and live happily ever after, the entire country will still know their name by the time the clock strikes midnight. By creating a “Bracket Buster,” ESPN has found a way to extend the popularity of that concept well and beyond the month of March. Brackets alone are intriguing, especially by this time of the year. Who is going to subsequently destroy such brackets have everyone, even fair whether sports fan, riveted to the TV screen.
Its second element finds roots in American values – family, teamwork, tradition. You mention these brothers are partially intriguing due to their “NBA dad and hot mom.” ESPN, or any other network for that matter, might see it as two young men carrying on the tradition set in place by their father. They are brothers, sticking together in the world of sport, both succeeding, both carrying on the “family name.” Can anyone in their right mind consciously scoff at that concept? So why then, are you even surprised, that this is all you heard about through the various ESPN portals you accesss? In the end it is a business, and this is a story. A good one. Don’t you think you would blame them for not seizing the opportunity?

On another level, these boys do not go to schools that are considered powerhouses in the world of college sports. Texas’ and Oklahoma’s showdown tonight was possibly as well viewed as when these two schools met during football season. Those are two schools with well rounded athletic programs and each probably have public relations offices working over time to go with it. Can you say the same for Old Dominion or Liberty? If ESPN hadn’t taken special care in scouring the ranks of college basketball for not only the top players not just on the highest ranked teams, maybe these two boys would have remained relatively unknown. ESPN not only brought attention to two good players, but two schools that often get overlooked. Your issue might seem to have more validity if they were continually talking about two brothers who decided to go to Duke and UCLA. Why report about that? Everyone knows they are good. There is no story. The Curry Brothers might not be on teams that are as strong as the aforementioned, but that is not why they are being reported on. It’s the ideas, rhetorically speaking, that they represent. The added bonus is that two smaller schools are getting the publicity they deserve for working just as hard as a larger one. Everyone benefits.

If you truly have an issue with ESPN, it would be that though they are bringing attention to smaller schools both from this story and the entire entity called “Bracket Busters,” they are not bringing any extra revenue to go with it. Still, I could hardly call that taking advantage of the Curry Brothers or any of the “Cinderella” schools this season. There is usually some sort of income involved with making the post season to begin with. I doubt the players are going to tell their children about that one day. I will almost guarantee you they will tell them about the time ESPN interviewed them after they clinched an at large bid to the NCAA tournament. Even despite the fact that both brothers school’s lost, there is still a story, still a memory not just being capitalized on, but by captured by ESPN. That is something not even extra revenue from an ESPN story or a run in the post season can buy you. If you think they are over rated, then change the channel, but there is no harm in this story – only heart warming.

“ ‘Hot Girls in Scary Places’ to Change TV As We Know It”
My response:
May I ask you something? Are you a sports blogger? Are we not weeks away from the modern day media phenomena more commonly known as “March Madness?” Do we not have the NFL combines coming up and the subsequent draft? Isn’t there a BCS system that could take the entire off season to rework? And if I’m not mistaken, college baseball is also right around the corner. And you decide that the most interesting thing to post in is three USC Song Girls in an abandoned hospital? Let us just stop for a moment and point out the fact that the show itself has to have the most clever title ever imagined: Hot Girls in Scary Places. I’m in awe. I could easily comment on the obvious objectification of women here that E!, and in a way, that you are promoting, but that is not the injustice I wish to comment on. Accuse me of abandoning my gender if you will, but if you join any cheer or dance team, especially one as famous as USC’s, you have to realize that it comes with the territory. This post brings to mind another issue entirely: Useless tangents.

Now I for one don’t mind an occasional good tangent. I’ve reported on mascots and written on marching bands, but those are two elements that are integral to a school’s traditions and a game’s atmosphere. USC Song Girls, not in uniform, not holding pom poms and not dancing and supporting their highly ranked football team to victory has nothing to do with sports and everything to do with cluttering the sports blogosphere with information that no one is going to care about two hours from now, much less two weeks from now. What benefit is this to the college sports arena? Though blogs do have the element of entertainment to it, let’s ground our tangents in school spirit, history and talent instead of cup sizes and pretty faces. I will credit you for not giving any real creative kudos or round of applause to E! for this creation, however by commenting on it I can’t help but feel you are jumping up and down inside that someone out there was bold enough to make such mindless programming. There are enough comments on this blog to make believe that you are not the only one though.
I will be the first to acknowledge some of the mystique surrounding USC and its famous song girls. Even the college football commentator Beano Cook declared them a “national treasure” that should be shared with the entire country, traveling to different sporting events around the nation. Their classic white sweaters, pleated skirts and over sized poms poms that haven’t changed for decades could make any young man have to reach for a Kleenex to wipe the drool from his mouth, but the USC Songs Girls still have their place in sports society that goes beyond looks. They represent storied tradition. Where there is USC football, there are song girls, there is the marching band, there are thousand of “V’s for victory” being held up in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. They are part of a bigger picture the represent what is right with college sports today. Unfortunately this post represents what I feel is wrong with college sports blogs today. All entertainment; Not even an attempt at substance.

I can understand during “dead spots” when there is little to comment on in the realm collegiate activity that one might be desperate enough to turn to a story like this, but this is an active part of the season. And if you insist on commenting about something that has to do with USC, how about their inconsistent basketball team or their ranked football recruiting class? Better yet, who is going to be their next quarterback: Mustain, Corp or Barkley? For a lesser known story, how do you think Rebecca Soni is going to top off her senior year in swimming after winning an Olympic Gold medal? This is one school’s news. We could get into the conference (What do you feel about Washington State’s upset over UCLA today?), or the NCAA as a whole (With as many rules and regulations as they have there is always a scandal brewing around the corner), but I think you have gotten the point. The next time you choose to post on something that is not directly about the game itself, choose something slightly more substantial.

The Rock Stars of Collegiate Game Day: The Marching Bands

Last week, the Grammy’s had a big surprise. This is not a reference to the "Chris Brown and Rihanna incident" or the fact they put together an entire new act to replace both performers at what literally was the last possible minute. No, as wonderful as all that drama was, the biggest surprise was a group of guest artists that usually belong to a different realm. However, for a moment, they took their supporting role on the gridiron and made it center stage. If you paid attention closely, Gweneth Paltrow’s introduction of the internationally renown band Radiohead included the words “along with the USC Trojan Marching Band” (band pictured right in uniform with the Drum Major). Though this topic may seem rather tangential to a blog that claims its roots to be in college sports, there is a decisive point, a clear argument if you will, that finds me almost “out of bounds.” Allow me this one penalty in order to show a world that separates the collegiate from the professional league.

Not to ignore my loyalties for a moment, I will fully admit to you I was glued to the TV screen that Sunday night. As a member of the Trojan Marching Band whose instrumental specialty was not needed for this occasion, I still considered it an honor to watch my friends, those who have impacted my life, receive the opportunity of a lifetime and finally get the attention that they deserve. The rock stars of the USC game day experience became literal ones, if only for a moment. And that is, ladies and gentleman, the problem. It was only for a moment that the extent of their musicianship was fully displayed for the entire world – music fans, sports enthusiasts, those who were bored and accidentally stumbled upon the Grammy’s, all were able to witness a group of dedicated musicians that are use to playing "second fiddle" to their athletic counterparts finally receiving the glory of being the main attraction.Truth be told, though most marching band members will commit themselves to a life of service for their university and its athletes, most will not get a moment in the sun beyond rallies, beyond half time. Even at Universities such as my own USC or others such as Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame and even Grambling State where the marching band is integral to tradition, most people forget to this thank these musician-athletes.

Why? People take the atmosphere for granted. Football, and even basketball games, are no longer games–they are events. They are media money makers, heart attack inducers, spend-part-of-your-life-savings-to-see-your-alma-mater-in-the-“Big-One” phenomena. Good bye are the days when it was only about the school colors and the score. When the game is over, it will not matter what the score says because either way, there will still be a “my team is better than your team” debriefing between the best friends/bitter rivals and the score may never come up. The players and coaches? They come and go. The tradition? It is the deciding factor. Just ask USC Hall of Famer Rodney Pete . When deciding play for USC all the way back in the 80's he said "My dad told me 'Coaches can be gone next year, at SC, they'd always have that band." When it comes to college sports, forget the score; Hand over the tradition. Especially if you are a Notre Dame football fan.

As much of a low blow as that last statement seemed (Especially considering my roots), there truly is a point to it. Why, despite the utter lack of success the Notre Dame football team has had to endure recently, do people keep coming back for more? The answer is simple: Tradition. Whether it be the media, Irishmen, Trojans, or Rodney Pete's father, they can all tell you the back bone of it all: The Marching Bands. They are the keepers of the fight song. The protectors of the Alma Mater. The cause of the facial tick of an opposing fan. They are, in a sense, the torch bearers of a school's proudest and longest traditions. And after the 2008 season was put into the books and the highlight reel complied, you know what the most talked about part of the game? Half time. That’s right. The bands were more evenly matched than the teams themselves. Afterward, there were never seen so many blogs and articles that appeared that commented more, or argued more, about the half time shows from each school. What saved the entire experience were the marching bands. Suddenly you could not longer take the atmosphere for granted. Literally, the game collapsed, but rhetorically the event did not.

This very reason is why most people have trouble with the professional realm. Though some can claim loyalty to a certain city, and therefore a certain team, its traditions still appear surface level, manufactured almost. The Super Bowl may be “The Great American Holiday” but it can never replace “The Grand Daddy of them All.” Cheerleaders are picked for the sex appeal alone and the half time shows have included everything from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to Justin Timberlake “accidentally” undressing Janet Jackson. It’s all about today’s rating and nothing about tomorrow’s longevity. This is an iTunes culture – we live our lives to soundtracks and have produced a generation where music, however classical or modern, is cherished more than ever, but we have no real musical tradition for the professional leagues.To qualify this statement, I will stop and give credit to the Los Angeles Lakers for trying to bring musical tradition into the NBA. They have a live, small band at every home game. Their director and most of their members hail from another organization just right down the street from the Staples Center. You guessed it: They are from the USC Marching Band.

I urge you, the next time you head over to South Bend, Indiana for a Notre Dame football game or Durham, North Carolina for a Duke basketball game pause for a moment and take in the atmosphere. Traditions not only can be seen, but they can felt and, most importantly, heard. Listen to students sing the fight songs and watch everyone stand as a school song begins. Hop over to Ohio State and watch the “I” in the “Script Ohio” be dotted by the senior tuba player during the "Best Damn Band in the Land's" pre-game show. Go down south to see Grambling State groove to the music they are flawlessly playing at the same time. Find your way back to the West Coast and watch UCLA fans cringe when USC starts up “Tribute to Troy” for the 83rd time in the first quarter. And if you ever see any of these hardworking students who live for their fellow Trojans/Bruins/Buckeyes/Blue Devils/Tigers’ success, thank them and instead of treating them like the rocks stars of game day, just treat them like rock stars (2009 Grammy performance pictured left). After last Sunday, some of them are anyway .

Scout Report: The Best in the Playing Field of the World Wide Web

Every Friday morning you can find me manning the phone lines for the USC Sports Information Department. After a year and a half I can you tell there is one kind of inquiry that I am never allowed to answer - scouting questions. Please don't try. We can't make exceptions. I. Can't. Answer. This is why I am thrilled to finally be answering a scouting question of sorts for the first time. Though I can't tell which high school senior is at the top of Pete Carroll's list, I can tell you who you want on your team when facing an opponent much larger than your cross town rival. After input from outside experts (Such as the Webby Award's Criteria which is used to judge outstanding websites and the IMSA criteria which are used to evaluate the quality of blogs by looking at everything from the blogger him/herself to the timeliness of the posts) and some good old fashioned "foot work" using search engines and Boolean search techniques, I can introduce to you the recruiting class of 2009 for college sports information. From the official to opinion, diversity and depth has proven this to be a stellar team of sites that will help anyone reach the top of charts. Leading the way in my linkroll is some of the athletic world's most renown journalistic sources with the Los Angeles Times Sports Section, "The Quad" which is the New York Times college sports blog, and Sports Illustrated's college football blog (For those of you who find basketball only something to do between the regular season and spring ball). Major television networks have also turned to the web, which is why you'll find Fox Sports Net, ESPN and CSTV at your disposal. From there, we have specific sites dedicated to bringing together the sports bloggers of the world to one place. In the Bleachers and Sportsblogs Nation will bring out the most opinionated writers and let them discuss their innermost thoughts in a central location. Finally, from unofficial word to the official; There is a link for every major conference site and the NCAA. The rest, however, is up to you. Just as a good coach can make the difference for a team, an informed sports fan can make the difference in a heated debate. Compare and contrast the conferences to make inferences about their success (Or lack there of) nationally, take in the opinions of your peers and make your game plan impenetrable to the weak arguments of the ill informed. Now, the ball is in your court.