|
|
USC"s Nickname
USC's nickname, "Trojans," originated in 1912.
Up to that time, teams from USC were called the Methodists or Wesleyans and neither nickname was looked upon with favor by university
officials. Athletic Director Warren Bovard, son of university president Dr. George Bovard, asked Los Angeles Times sports editor Owen
Bird to select an appropriate nickname.
"At this time, the athletes and coaches of the university were under terrific handicaps," Bird recalled. "They were facing
teams that were bigger and better-equipped, yet they had splendid fighting spirit. The name 'Trojans' fitted them.
"I came out with an article prior to a showdown between USC and Stanford in which I called attention to the fighting spirit of USC
athletes and named them 'Trojans' all the time, and it stuck.
"The term 'Trojan' as applied to USC means to me that no matter what the situation, what the odds or what the conditions, the
competition must be carried on to the end and those who strive must give all they have and never be weary in doing so."
Trojan Tour
The trumpeted blast of "Conquest" always sends chills through the spines of USC fans.
It is the regal sound of majesty ... of pride ... of triumph. Perhaps no other single bar of music, save the fight songs of Notre
Dame and Michigan, is as identified and recognized with collegiate football power.
It's been 123 years since the birth of the USC football program. It is a program rich in tradition and teeming with pride. Success.
Certainly. Success is a foundation of any program. Witness:
- An all-time winning percentage of .705
- 11 national championships
- More Rose Bowl appearances and victories than any other school
- Six Heisman Trophy winners
- Fifteen unbeaten seasons
- 156 first-team All-Americans
- 29 players in the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame
Any trip to the USC campus merits a quick walk through the center of campus and past the most famous man of Troy
|
|
|
