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!