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!