Catching Up with Greig Carlson

Walking with History
An Interview with Greig Carlson, 2001-2005
by Mojack

When I was going to write this introduction about Greig Carlson, the former USC wide receiver, who walked on to the USC football field at a very opportune time in USC’s football history, I remembered I had mentioned Greig’s name when I introduced a Herdblog interview with former USC fullback Tim Lavin, who also walked-on at USC (http://theuscherd.blogspot.com/2007/02/catching-up-with-tim-lavin-usc-fullback.html).

In the introduction of that article, I wrote, “Every college football fan has had that fantasy, I should’ve walked on the football team. Yeah, maybe I could’ve somehow, through all my hard work and efforts, saw the field on a kickoff or on special teams. I could’ve made a game-saving tackle or picked up a fumble and ran it into the end zone. I could’ve been a hero, I could’ve been somebody. “Any football coach will tell you that walk-ons represent the backbone of every team," said Steve Berman, an attorney representing players denied scholarships in a lawsuit filed in the state of Washington in 2004. Walk-ons practice just as hard as the scholarship players (if not harder), lift weights, study film, and they’re doing it while paying their way through school. Some of the favorite Trojans of the recent era; Collin Ashton, Greig Carlson and Mario Danelo were walk-ons to USC who earned scholarships.”

And luckily Herdmember Dipwad Ed is friends with the Carlson family and was able to get Greig to agree to do an interview with the Herdblog. After the arrangements had been made, I told TroBob that I was doing an interview with Greig Carlson, and TroBob emailed me back, “I loved Greig's attitude. He was an ultimate team player, who worked hard and did his job on the football field as he was asked to do it. On his punt returns, he always made sure that he caught the ball and did not make mistakes. Greig seemed to save his best returns for the big games as well. He had good returns against Notre Dame and Iowa in very important games.”

Not to belittle any achievements of USC walk-ons in the past or those to come in the future, but not many have had the college football experience that Greig Carlson has had. He came in the USC at the opportune moment, as stated above, in the year of 2001, which was Pete Carroll’s first year and coincidentally the first year of the Herd. In Greig's tenure with the Trojans, he was a member of the traveling squad that lost to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, and his career ended with the devastating loss to Texas on January 4^th, 2007. Between those two losses, Greig was a part of a NCAA football team that almost made NCAA history. (photo left: Greig and Dipwad) He was a member of two national championship football teams, on teams that won three (3) straight BCS games, and he played with three (3) Heisman trophy winners. Not many college football players have that level of accomplishments to list on their resume, and even fewer were walk-ons who earned a scholarship.

We are proud of Greig Carlson and his achievements as fellow Trojans and Trojan fans, and we greatly appreciate that he has given us the time to do this Herdblog interview. Fight On, Greig.

You prepped at the infamous Taft High School. What was your high school experience like? You walked on at USC. Did you have other scholarship offers at other schools and was USC just a dream for you?

My High school experience was good. I played with a lot of talent and learned good football from a good coach. (photo right: Greig and his younger bro Patrick) I played at Taft for three years and then I finished up with my Sr. year at Pacific Palisades. I walked on at SC because my coach at Palisades knew Norm Chow and Chow invited me to walk on. I also wanted to stay in LA. I had no scholarship offers my Sr. year. SC was never a favorite school of mine growing up but it is now.

In the past decade, Taft has sent six players to play for the Trojans including yourself: Gregg Guenther, Brandon Hance, Steve Smith, Jamere Holland and now Malcolm Smith. What is it about Taft that qualifies it as a Division 1 football factory, and what is it about USC that intrigues so many Taft players?

I guess you have to give all the credit to Coach Starr at Taft and the football program he put together. I went to some coaches in the off-season and worked on different skills. Travis Hannah of USC and Steve Clarkson ran workouts I would participate in. SC goes after good players and they just so happened to be from Taft.

I read a past article where you stated, "You get treated differently (when you're a walk-on)," Carlson admits. "And not just by other players. Equipment staff, trainers, and the coaches. You're kind of starting out at some sort of disadvantage." Without calling out anybody in particular, can you expand on those statements? Do people say things to your face? Do you hear things behind your back? And how did that effect you? Did it make you more motivated? Conversely, once you won a scholarship, what was that feeling like?

I think that all the staff, trainers and coaches have a lot of players to work with so they focus on the players that play. More often than not the players with scholarships play before walk-ons do. As a result, walk-ons don’t really get equal treatment until they "earn a few stripes". (photo left: Greig and his mom Sylvia) No big deal, it was actually motivation for me. People say things to your face and treat you differently. When i got my scholarship it was such a relief. I was happier for my mom since she no longer had to pay for school. That was the biggest reward for me.

I also read this quote from you in regards to learning how to catch punts. "I learned a lot from "Flash" (Frank Candela)," Carlson explains. "He used to play outfield in baseball, so he knew where the ball would be every time, and he helped me a lot with that. You have to watch the tail of the ball and figure out where it will fall. If you do that every time, the rest is easy." What other players influenced you during your time at USC? Who were some of your best friends? Do you still keep in touch?

I was influenced by a lot of players at SC in different ways. John Cousins played with a hearing aid. I respected that a lot. Troy, Carson, Malaefo Mckenzie, Keary Colbert all had big impacts on me. I learned a good work ethic from the upper classmen. Those guys in particular were the most inspiring. Keary was always the grandfather figure in terms of football. I thought the way he approached the game mentally was amazing. Always focused and confident. I looked up to him for that. My closest friends on the team were David Kirtman, Leinart, Brandon Hance, and Buchanon, I'd say. I still keep in contact with them. More Kirtman and Hance though.

Following up on that last question, you played with some pretty big "stars" or "icons" or "legends" during your time at USC. Carson and Matt and Reggie won Heismans. Troy Polamalu, Sean Cody, Mike Patterson, Lendale White, all guys that are still big names in the NFL. What was that like being a "peer" of future NFL superstars? What was it like being in the midst of the Heisman campaigns and all that publicity?

It was an amazing experience playing with all the great players that have come through SC. When I first got to SC it was an average PAC-10 team and by the time I left it was the best team in the country and arguably a dynasty. The hype surrounding the team changed drastically from one end of the spectrum to the other. The media was everywhere at all times but it was a blast. I wouldn’t change it. I played with 3 Heisman winners. Not many people can say that.

Again, talking about your past teammates, what was it like to play and practice alongside NFL great receivers such as BMW, Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett? What did they teach you? How did you get along with them? You were a talented receiver in your own right, but there's not much you can do if you have NFL receivers playing in front of you. Even Chris McFoy signed with the Raiders. That's a lot of talent at one position.

I was good friends with all the receivers. It was fun playing with all of them. There's a bond between you guys since you go to "war" with them everyday. I think we all taught each other all the time. (photo right: Greig and SCKid's niece Shelly) When we watched film or saw something on the field we would coach each other up. Steve Smith and I talked all the time about route running and defenses. I thought he matured as a receiver a lot his Sr. year.

We get a little nostalgic when speaking of 2001, not only because it was Pete's first year, but it was also the Herd's rookie season, so we've ridden along with this surge of Trojan success also. What was it like playing for Pete that first year, which was your first year, and what changes did you see taking place as USC came into its own during 2002?

My first year was lost if you will. I was trying to figure things out as a freshman, still finding my way. New to college football and college period. Didn’t know how to work out, didn’t know the game well enough, wasn’t prepared physically. Mostly the changes that took place over the years was that the team was starting to gel and play together, we got better players, and I started to figure things out. I got stronger, smarter, and prepared better so my take on the game was more clear. We grew more confident as a team each game and winning was expected by everyone associated with the team.

What was the bowl experiences like for you? Were you on the traveling squad for the Las Vegas Bowl? What was the difference of going to the Las Vegas Bowl one year to the Orange Bowl the next year. For one, what happened at the Las Vegas Bowl? We've heard that the team was more interested in the Vegas experience than prepping for Utah? On the other hand, the Orange Bowl was a completely different experience. That 2002 team was the start of the current dynasty. What was it like to be a part of that Trojan turnaround? And following up after that, what were the following Bowl experiences like? The Rose Bowl in 2004 when you beat Michigan to claim the AP Championship? The BCS Orange Bowl against Oklahoma?

The first bowl game was fun. I was redshirting that year and wasn’t going to play in the game so I had fun in Vegas. I'm not really sure why we lost that game. Maybe we didn’t prepare well and took them lightly. Couldn't say. The bowl games after that I was playing in so I treated them more like business trips. It was a lot of fun traveling and staying in hotels with all my friends. We got to see Miami, travel first class, it was unbelievable. I couldn’t think of a better place to be during the last 5 years in college football.

Let's talk about your last two games, which was probably a pretty amazing experience for you, and yet they were pretty seminal moments for USC football since if USC had beaten Texas, you would've been a part of NCAA Football history. What was it like having that last home game against UCLA at the Coliseum, where USC destroyed UCLA? And then to follow that up with the let-down game against Texas. What were your emotions? What are your thoughts on that Texas game?

Its always a good day when we beat ucla. That victory was especially great since it confirmed that I would never lose to ucla. The Texas game was surreal. We never thought we could lose that game. We thought it was over down the stretch and we ended up losing. I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock. It would have been amazing to finish on a good note but the experience was top shelf nonetheless.

You've seen the Trojans go on major streaks against their rivals the last few years, the 2006 UCLA game doesn't need to be included in this conversation. What was it like to be a part of the team during those streaks? Especially since you had a special relationship with some UCLA players, your roommates David Koral and Manual White for one. Did that make the UCLA streak more special to you? And what were your feelings about beating Notre Dame so decisively year in and year out? Finally, what was that special Notre Dame game in 2005 like? The Bush push game? (photo right; Greig and D. Koral)

I guess you take all the victories for granted after a while. Every game against ucla and notre dame I felt we would win. The last game (Notre Dame 2005) I was a part of at their place was a game I don’t think I’ll ever forget. The emotions went up and down every play. The finish to that game is one of the best in history and I cant believe I was there to experience it. Living with Dave and Manuel didn’t add to the rivalry. We were friends before football. We shared stories all the time about our teams. No rivalry issues came up just a little smack talking here and there.

We haven't really interviewed a punt returner yet, though Darrell Rideaux did return kickoffs. Can you give us some inside knowledge of that position? What's in your mind as you line up for the punt? What are you thinking about when the balls in the air? When do you make that decision to fair catch it or to run with it? And how soon do you realize if that was a good decision or not?

Punt returning is a special position. Its a great feeling lining up for a return. you count the players on the field to make sure there’s the right amount. I always get a little nervous when the ball is kicked. You have an internal clock that tells you when to fair catch. You see how high the ball is kicked, the trajectory of the ball, and where you are on the field all tell you when to fair catch. You know immediately after the catch if it was the right decision or not. I think I only had one fair catch that I shouldn’t have done.

Following up on that last question, what was it like to share the same position as Reggie Bush? You must've gotten a lot of practice time together with him fielding punts? How did you get along with him? And what were the situations when Pete sent you out to return punts instead of Reggie? Were they scripted situations or spur-of-the-moment decisions? And did Reggie ever get a little miffed if you were sent out for a punt instead of him?

Reggie was fun to play with. We got along just fine. I tried to help him learn flight of the ball and how to catch punts. He's an unbelievable athlete so he learned a lot on his own. Running after the catch was all him, you cant teach that stuff. When Reggie first got there he wasn’t returning punts just yet but as he developed as a player he expanded his role. When a guy like Reggie wants to return punts you let him. I was always anxious to see him run with the ball. He usually did something you didn’t believe. I went in when we were in backed up situations and looking for a secure catch more than anything, and when we were out in the field and had more room Reggie would go in and do his thing. I doubt Reggie ever got upset if i went in. I think there’s much respect between us and besides, he played enough. Im sure he was happy about the breather when I went in.

What did you do after you graduated from USC? What are you doing now? Did you have any thoughts of a career in football? Playing? Coaching?

After I got done with SC I went to work for a small games company and a few months later it was purchased by a bigger games company. So now I work for konami in Manhattan Beach. I would have loved to play pro something after college but I got hurt and the timing was wrong so I got a job instead. I’ve thought about coaching but its a lot of your time so maybe after I’ve worked enough.

Finally, can you sum up your feelings about your time at USC, about being a part of Trojan football history, and of your feelings about the Trojan family?

Finally to sum up the SC experience, I LOVE SC. my college experience was unreal because of the people I got to meet that are huge influences on my life now. Maybe biased but I think football was better at SC than anywhere else in the country. Wouldnt trade it for the world. I cant say enough good things about my time spent at SC. Part of history and a great Trojan family that paved the way for a bright future.

Fight On!

Greig Carlson

A Herd and TCSD Tribute to Ray Weber

Ray Weber is the outgoing President of the Trojan Club of San Diego (TCSD). Four years ago, he was asked to serve the then thirty year old TCSD, for two years. This month he gave his fond farewells as President as he hosted the San Diego version of the Coaches Tour Dinner with Tim Floyd and Pete Carroll. During the night, Ray thanked my Board of Directors for their superb year round service to SD Trojans, and then he highlighted the many, many contributions of his dear friend, Don Clausen, who passed away one month ago. Ray also introduced the Trojan Club of San Diego’s new incoming President, Cornado's Dan Orr (Fourthseed on WeAreSC). Dan is from a great Trojan family. Ray was presented with a plaque for the Marv Goux Award which signifies, “service to the TCSD from a Board member. Usually the President does not receive the award, so Ray was so very honored and felt every appreciated for his years of service to Troy!

Ray stated that he will stay on the Board and continue to help USC Athletics. He reiterated that the Trojan Club of San Diego tries hard here to do great things, and that USC football is in fine hands, and wow, here comes USC basketball especially with The Galen Center. Ray said, “Enjoy the ride and stay involved and lets all do our part to support and protect that USC legacy!” Finally, Ray summed the evening up by closing with, “Good night from San Diego, where we did our volunteer best, everyone, and thanks for listening! Fight On!”

The Herd wanted to thank Ray Weber for his four (4) years of exceptional service to the Trojan Club of San Diego, so we asked a few Herdmembers and TCSD members to give a little shout out to Ray, and acknowledge his efforts.

This is a testimonial from Ray’s Trojan Family:

From incoming TCSD President Dan Orr (Fourthseed):

I've been attending Trojan Club of San Diego events almost since I moved to Coronado from Corona del Mar in 1980. I consider myself an active member and active Trojan fan. But, my passion and participation pales in comparison to Ray Weber's.

It has been my pleasure to serve on the board of the TCSD for a number of years including all of Ray's tenure as president. I cannot speak highly enough of Ray's leadership. He presided during a time of incredible change; the re-ascendancy of Trojan football, the rise of the internet, and a new, and not easy, relationship with the Athletic Department.

He met these challenges with intelligence and grace all the while moving the Club forward while striving to honor the past contributions of the Club and it's members.

Communication with the San Diego Trojan Family has never been better, attendance at our events consistently sets records, and therefore, we have been able to spend tens of thousands of dollars annually to USC in support of our beloved teams. And, NO team visits San Diego without having Ray in the stands cheering them on.

I will be the new president of the TCSD and I am beyond grateful for Ray's continued presence on our board, his participation, and his counsel.

Fight On! Ray!

From Bob Halligan ('72 MBA):

Ray Weber is just a great president and organizational leader. His enthusiasm and dedication are endless. This guy pees cardinal and gold! He'll be tough to replace.

ShortyfromtheHerd wrote:

How deservedly proud you must be Ray. I know the Herd is damn proud of you and your tireless efforts on behalf of all things SC. Ray, you’re always a perfect gentleman, a great ambassador for USC and an all around good guy. Fight On, Ray.

From Rick Barrett:

As the founder of the Trojan Club of San Diego in 1974, and as a past president, I would like to pay tribute to Ray Weber. He is and was the best president this club has ever had. He is a hard charging Trojan and a credit to our fine university. It has been a pleasure serving on his board of directors.

All good wishes, Ray. "Fight On",

Brooks Wilson wrote:

Congratulations to Ray for a great four years as SDTC President. Thanks for the courtesy and recognition you always extended to the Herd at your events. You will be missed as President but you are still on the board and still in the Herd.

Ray is a true-blue Trojan and a true-blue Herder. Like mpron, Ray is always supporting Trojan sports other than football. I have driven to San Diego for his luncheons at least four times and if there are two Herders present, there is a Herd table and it is up front. One time, Grover and I were the only two and we sat at the table with the MC and the speaker. Once, he had us lead a spell out at the end of the luncheon. He always acknowledges us at his meetings. Thanks, Ray!

Bill Elliott wrote:

Ray was my first President in the club,I just joined last year, and he has set the bar high for future Presidents. He was at every event I have been to and I am sure more than that. We are lucky to have such a Trojan fan in our club. He has inspired me to get more active. Way to go Ray.

From Altadena Trojan:

Thanks for your service to SD Trojans. The remarkable tributes to Mr. Clausen truly define what the Trojan Family is about. Fight On Ray Weber!!

Brad M. wrote:

"Ray, You exhibit more Trojan Spirit than Tommy himself!! Great job and many thanks for all your blood, sweat and cheers!"

From Mike Abell, Class of 76':

Ray, thanks so much for your leadership the past four years. Your Presidency and a couple of National Championships have helped grow the TCSD to the heights it is enjoying today. It does not seem that long ago we had 60 people for the coaches dinner at the Hanalei Hotel.

My favorite memory of you was running into you back in Washington DC, as well as the great catch you made when Coach Pete lobbed you a football last year. Take care buddy.

Tom Schiff in San Diego wrote:

I will add this - Being a rook this past year wrt the USC SD Chapter, I can say I attended my first Chapter event at the Del Mar races a year ago in July? - and I could not believe how nice/accepting the whole group was, and how much Ray and Carol made a special effort to make me feel welcome.

Each luncheon, event, etc, thereafter, they all made me feel even more welcome. And Ray was tireless in his letting all of us know about upcoming events, and promptly answering email questions.

I am not a USC grad, but grew up in Oregon in the 50's, and always rooted for the PAC 6 in the Rose Bowl, and most of the time that was USC. While I was an AFA Cadet on summer leave, I had the privilege of meeting Mike Garrett in the summer of 65 (or was it 66?) - at the Balboa Bay Club, and he was very nice.

I always loved John McKay's quips (OJ can carry the ball 25+ times, it's not heavy, or - he's not in a union) and in high school in 62-64, I wore All American Hal Bedsole's number (84 was it?) - at my tight end position.

Nuff of my memory lane - Ray and Carol have been simply - OUTSTANDING. He/they have raised the bar very high for the spirit level of the SD Chapter. They are "THE BOMB" - to quote from A River Runs Through It. (If I remember that right - maybe it's another catchy phrase. Tempus Fuget and all that).

Anyhow, glad The Herd is doing something for a loyal supporter, and I have greatly enjoyed standing among you all at several games.

From Jayne and Hank Slade:

For your inspiration and enthusiasm we cannot thank you enough. For your sincere caring and attention to all who appear at any of the Trojan Club functions we say thanks for making us all feel so at home in your midst. Your spirit is infectious and welcome in all of our lives.

Shelly Palmer wrote:

I just wanted to give a special thanks to Ray Weber for a terrific job as President of the SD Trojan Club. He served for 4 years which is way above and beyond the call. Ray never was too busy to lend a helping hand to those in need or listen to someone's concerns. We had great programs during his tenure and he did much to increase the fame of Troy in San Diego.

He is a great Trojan and I wish him the very best.

P.S. Also a big thanks to The Herd - you energized our fan base on our rise back to glory with Pete. I have read comments on the old Herd board and loved the banter between Shorty, Mojack and others.

And mpron summed it all up:

Ray. congratulations on your being selected for the Marv Goux Award..It is a huge honor and it couldn't have gone to a more dedicated Trojan. Note I said Trojan and not Trojan fan as even though you are not an alum of USC, there could not be anyone out there that does embody the Trojan spirit than you do. It is my honor and pleasure to root for our teams, football, baseball, basketball hell even women's water polo alongside you.

Thank you for your years of service as the president of the San Diego Trojan club. As you had some mighty big shoes to fill having had the likes of Don to follow, Dan will also have some huge shoes to fill himself. I am sure along with your guidance, he will do a fine job.

Fight on to a true Trojan. Fight on Ray!!

Herder of the Week - June 16th, 2007

The Trojan FatherHOTW - TrojanChuck
by Mojack

I can hear the detractors now, “Ohh sure, pay for a few years of education at USC and you could be Herder of the Week also…” and hey since I’m not above bribes, if someone wants to start a USC college fund for my kids, I’ll certainly fast track your HOTW application. (photo right: TrojanChuck and Mojack at 39th and Menlo) But in the case of this week’s HOTW, though it is true that the recipient was the direct connection between my USC tuition bills and the money that needed to be paid, this person has sat with the Herd since the San Jose State game, so he is an Original Herder.

It’s not coincidental that tomorrow is Father’s Day. As the weekend approached, I thought to myself what would be more appropriate than to celebrate the person who got me excited about USC in the first place, and who was instrumental in sending me to USC, and who also endured the USC games with me through the ‘90s…so my father Trojan Chuck was an obvious pick, and someone who needs to be acknowledged for their contribution to the Herd. True, Trojan Chuck doesn’t post on our boards, he is a lurker though, and he has brought his family; wife Judy and second daughter, Laura, and her husband Kirk, and their kids, into the Herd since that first game in 2001.

I remember at 3 years old getting driven to LAX with my mom and dad. I was in my pajamas, and I vividly remember seeing bright lights in the sky and asking, “what’s that?” And my father saying, “That’s the airport.” Instead, I soon found out, it was Dodger Stadium, and my parents were taking me to my first baseball game between the Pirates and the Dodgers. Though my father grew up in California, he was always a Pirates fan, and I became a Pirates fan, and so I was in ecstasy that we were at this baseball game at 3 years old. My point is that I loved sports from an early age, and that I contribute to my father, who I watched baseball and the Lakers and USC football with.

I’ve shared before about watching the Notre Dame and USC game in 1974 with my father. I was 10, and was distraught that Notre Dame was beating USC so badly. And then Anthony Davis’ 2nd half kickoff return jump started the Trojans, and USC never looked back and I didn’t either, staying a USC fan for life. Or course, as I surmised, I was a USC fan far before that memory because why would I have been so distraught by USC losing to Notre Dame if not, but that is my really first vivid memory of being a USC fan, and I shared that with my father. He had always loved USC.

But my Dad was more than my USC mentor, he was an elementary school teacher who became an elementary school principal. He has three other daughters besides me, and 8 grandkids total. He coached my Little League teams, and then my Pony and Colt League teams, and was very successful as a coach. He even was asked to continue to coach after I was through that period in my life, and though he wore those black Paul Hackett glasses, he always had a very good rapport with his players, and they liked and respected him. Plus, he was the kind of father/coach who would go throw me a few hundred batting practice pitches on the weekend whenever I felt the need to work on my game. When I played baseball my freshman year at UCSD, he would drive to games in San Diego and/or Santa Barbara when he were on the road to support me. (photo left: A table of Herders: TrojanChuck, Nathaniel, Bella, Eden, Benjie, Laura and Judy) Those are the kinds of fatherly attributes I hope to exhibit to my son Eden as he grows up. I’ve already tried to share our love to USC with my son, he’s been attending USC games since he was 6 months old, so that is one tradition I am passing on from my father.

When I told Shorty and Brooks that TrojanChuck was going to be HOTW, they said they wanted to write a few things. Brooks wrote, “I asked Chuck how Mojack went so wrong when the rest of the family is normal. He didn't have an answer. He said that most people thought he was adopted but if that were true, they would have returned him after two days. Noticing Chuck's discomfiture at the demeanor of Mojack at one of the tailgates, I thought he might need a little encouragement. I mentioned that Mojack was like another son to me. Then thinking of the age, I said, well more like a nephew or grandson. Chuck looked at me and said, consider him anything you want, just get him out of my family. In spite of his son, for which we can't really hold him responsible, Chuck is one of the good guys. An Original Herder who attends all of the home games.”

 

And Shorty contributed some random Trojan Chuck thoughts:
"I just don't understand the Morris family. How Trojan Chuck puts up with Mojack is beyond me and how Judy puts up with either one is incomprehensible. Many times I've heard Mojack say "Trojan Chuck, he's been like a dad to me."
A few things Trojan Chuck has never said:

"I am proud that you decided to keep the family unibrow."
"Trojan Odyssey sure knows his stuff."
"Hey, kids! Sit down at the table and try my vichyssoise."
"Go ahead and take my Lexus. Here's 80 bucks for gas."
"Let's all sit down so the weenie lady behind me can see."
"I LOVE your tattoo. We should both get new ones."
"Leinart can't throw the long ball."
"Son, I signed us up for the pairs karaoke contest this Friday night."

Trojan Chuck was very supportive of Mojack's baseball career. In fact, once Mojack went to college, Chuck and his buddies would go to games and spellout M-O-J-A-C-K on their bare chests. The rainbow colored wigs were a nice touch also. Seriously, Trojan Chuck has become a good friend and great Herder. I always look forward to seeing his smile and getting a high five. Congratulations Trojan Chuck for your wonderful family.”

Thanks for the words, Brooks and Shorty. Both SCNut and Altadena Trojan have told me how cool it is that I get to experience the Trojan games, the San Gabriel Trojan Club dinners, the Herd walks, etc., with my father, and I do really appreciate it. That’s another reason that for our Father’s Day Herder of the Week, I’m presenting my father, TrojanChuck as this week’s HOTW. Fight On, Dad.

How did you become a USC fan?

It was News Year’s Day, 1946, I turned on the radio and listened to the Rose Bowl Game – USC versus Alabama. Alabama won 34 – 14, but at that point in time I became a SC fan. I don’t remember much about the game or any highlights. I do remember some unforgettable names from that game – Ted Tannehill, Verle Lillywhite and Jim Hardy. I learned later that L.A. Councilman John Ferraro was also on that team at LT. In the following years, I continued to follow USC and whatever was written about any USC team or individual, such as, Paul Cleary (All American) or sprinter Mel Patton.

In January 1953, I had the pleasure to attend the Rose Bowl. What a great experience. The entire atmosphere was electric. I had never been to an event with so many people – over 100.000. The game was a tough fought “football game”. USC won 7 – 0 over Wisconsin. Al “Hoagy” Carmichael against All American Al “The Horse” Ameche. Carmichael caught a 22 yard pass from Rudy Bukich and Sam Tsagalaskis kicked the extra point.

At the Coaches Tour Dinner in Pasadena on June 5, 2007, I was walking to the Herd table when I saw a name tag ---- Sam Tsagalakis. He was directly in front of me. I said, “You are Sam Tsagalaskis the USC kicker in the 1953 RoseBowl.” (photo right: TrojanChuck in tux) He looked at me with a smile. “Yes, I am and how nice of you to remember.” I shook his hand as I told him that I was at the game and that it was a truly a great game. He agreed as I introduced him to Mojack and to Brooks. He looked back at me and said, “I was a kicker not one of these soccer players they call kickers today.”

You were born in Gallup, New Mexico. Then you moved as a young boy and grew up in Rialto, California and went to San Bernardino High School. Tell us what it was like to grow up in Southern California back in those days and have that connection to USC? What was it like to go to the Coliseum back in the 1950's? One of your high school friends went on to play football at Oregon with John Robinson. Can you tell us about all these seeming Trojan connections?

I graduated from San Bernardino High School with Lindsey Hubby who played for SC as an end. I had an acquaintance from Colton High, Wayne Kurlack QB. Our head football coach at SBHS was Paul Taylor a QB at SC. I had a very good friend, Leroy Phelps, who was the starting halfback at Oregan with teammates John Robinson and John Madden. Leroy’s parents did not like to drive in LA so they would ask me to drive and watch Leroy play in the Coliseum. After the game, we would wait at the top of the tunnel until Leroy came up to visit with us.

The tunnel was always this mystery – from watching so many teams over the years rush forth onto the floor of the Coliseum. The Herd has given me the opportunity on several occasions to walk through and enjoy entering the field and being on that playing field. A great experience - for a fan!

Tell us how it feels to grow up loving USC, not being able to attend USC yourself, and yet have one of your children attend USC? Did that make you feel more a part of the Trojan family? Did that make going to the USC games more of a special experience?

I grew up thinking about attending USC, but financially I couldn’t afford the great educational opportunity I would have received. I was supportive when my son asked if he could apply to USC. I was overjoyed upon his acceptance and, of course, tremendously proud on his graduation – Class of ’88. A dream comes true ……. All in Cardinal and Gold.

Today, I encourage my grandchildren to invest themselves in the USC mystique. (photo left: Herd fathers; TrojanChuck, Mojack, Brooks, SCGary and Grover) They may be eleven years and younger, but they attend events – football, basketball, baseball and even hockey games. It is especially special to be on campus during “game day” seeing and listening to the TMB, the song girls, Traveler, the statue of Tommy Trojan, and being with the Herd. They wear their USC gear, have mementos/souvenirs in their rooms and can give the “Fight On “sign whenever an USC event is happening.

Tell us how you used to support USC, watch games, etc., before you discovered the Herd.

 

Growing up outside of Rialto on an orange grove did not lend itself to me personally attending any of the USC games. After graduating from high school I did get the opportunity to attend several games. I seldom missed any USC events on TV. But with my two years of military service, raising a family, coaching baseball for fifteen years, etc., I didn’t have the “open opportunity” to regularly attend games at the Coliseum.

 

When Mojack was attending USC, the family bought season tickets up up up in the nose bleed area. Yet we were there, and we have been there since! 

You have only discovered the internet in the last few years, and I know you lurk on the Herd Forum, but what was your opinion when your son came to you and said that the family needed to change their season tickets to go with this new group, the Thundering Herd?

 

It sounded like a good idea to get near the field and the action, but my wife, daughter, and the grandkids couldn’t see. (photo right: TrojanChuck and Judy in Hawaii) My wife Judy and daughter Laura would watch the teleprompter at the Peristyle end. The grand kids were held or stood near the tunnel rail. A few years ago. I bought two seats in Row 21 in Section 11. My wife and daughter now sit with the younger grandkids and can see the action directly.

I know the San Jose State game was your first Herd game. What were your first impressions of the Herd? And those first impressions don't have to include your opinion of having your son thrown out of the Coliseum in the first Herd game.

The mindset of the police at that game was typically nearsighted. They thought the Herd were a bunch of thugs a.k.a. Raider fans. A dozen or more officers lined the stairway while USC videotaped our actions. The one officer who sent Mojack outside needed to justify his presence because of the number of officers that certainly could be used elsewhere in the city of LA to watch over the unsupervised populace instead of active contained football fans.

There certainly was pre-planning to their presence and actions. Mike Garrett? President Sample? But thanks to the Herd’s unending support and to Pete Carroll, the Herd is called upon to support USC needs requested by coaches, song girls, and equestrian team. The TMB, etc. All thanks to the enthusiastic support by the Herd membership. Oh, by the stairway, just one officer now stands near the Herd.

What has the Trojan experience and the Herd experience meant to you and your family? Your son and his children come to the games. Your daughter Laura, son-in-law Kirk and their kids have been season ticket holders also since the origination of the Herd. What has Trojan football meant to over the last two decades?

Being part of a winning experience like no other that I have personally been involved with and having my family beside me to enjoy the electric football atmosphere. My son and daughter and my grandchildren can stand with pride and say, “We were there.” The Pete Carroll years have been the greatest and can be the heart of many stories our children and grandchildren can share with the future generations at family gatherings. Believe me, our birthday celebrations (11 from August 26^th to December 22^nd) all have to be planned around the USC schedule which sometimes causes some questions about who comes first- the family birthdays or the USC games? You guessed it, the USC games always win out!

You used to tailgate with just the family outside the steps of the Los Angeles County Museum of History. And what has the move to the Herd tailgates, and getting to know lots of Herders, and the extended family of the Herd meant to you?

The family would park across at the Menlo lot (no problems in the Smith and Hackett years) we’d find a shady area, set up our table and indulge ourselves in our tailgate. We could throw the football to one another, listen to various USC groups spell out S-O-U-T-H-E-R-N C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A and have the openness now filled with parked cars.

We joined the Herd at 39^th and Menlo and enjoined the corner atmosphere, the interaction with new friends, great hospitality, and the food was always superb, and there were TV’s broadcasting various key games from across the country that kept you up to date. The Herd made “game day” truly great...

There are a few seminal Herd moments; from "We Believe" to Thomas Williams jumping into the stands. And a few great Herd away games. Are there any special moments that you remember and feel a strong part of?

My oldest daughter lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Mojack and family plus my wife and I flew to Atlanta. My son-in-law drove my son and me to Auburn for the first game of Matt Leinart’s college career. Hot –hot – dark black night with lightning and thunder in the background and we’re at the top of the stadium standing like good Herd members. The Auburn people were hospitable and friendly. “Welcome to Auburn” was the general greeting. After the game, “Great game!’ “You played well!” “We’d like to play you again!”, but no derogatory remarks.

The Hawaii game was hot – full sun seating for the SC fans. The first half was a complete question mark. Where was the SC football team? Were they surfing or sunny in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel? Then in SC fashion - - - WHAM – BAM! A great win. What a wonderful week in Honolulu with Mojack and his family and my wife. A luau, tour of Pearl Harbor, the beach, Diamond Head, and the ghosts of Harry Owens and the Royal Hawaiians with Hilo Hattie coming from the great Pink Lady Hotel. Did I mention the Great Herd tailgate next to Pearl Harbor? And to top off the week, all five of us flew home (for some unknown reason) first class. GO USC!

 

What do you see for the Herd as it moves forward? And what are your final thoughts about your Herd experience

I can only say that I wish Brooks and I were twenty years younger. The true enjoyment of being at the games, experiencing the moment, the unity of spirit, the whole essence of USC. (photo right: Mojack and TrojanChuck at a luau in Hawaii) It can’t get any better than being with family and friends while beating the Bruins and ND and no home game losses. The experience is just that – an on-going Fight-On!

I know this is Father's Day, but do you ever get jealous about what a great and revered Trojan your son is?

Thanks for being the son of sons that continues to make an old man’s heart say, “God Bless every day I can spend with you”.

The Coaches Tour - The Pasadena Hilton

Breaking Down (with expert analysis) the Pete Carroll/Tim Floyd Dinner
by Mojack

Another Trojan event in Pasadena. Over 500 people were present. Before the dinner, Trojan Chuck and Brooks talked to Sam Tsagalaksis, a Trojan kicker who played on the 1953 Rose Bowl Trojans, and then the Herd settled into their seats in anticipation of seeing Pete Carroll and Tim Floyd give their rap about their past season and their upcoming seasons.

The chicken was well done and dry and the scant mushroom sauce couldn’t save the dish let alone make up for the cold saffron rice. We joked at the Herd Table that we hoped they weren’t serving Pete Carroll and Tim Floyd the same food, maybe they had some prime rib stowed away just for the head table. We also commented on how much better the food was at Brookside where Sean Kennelly throws his San Gabriel Trojan Club bashes, but I digress, my name isn’t Yucca and I’m not going to get quoted in the Times for being a faux gourmand and apprising the fitness of the Pasadena Hilton’s wine menu.

The night was about hearing Tim Floyd and Pete Carroll give their pitches, and the Herd definitely got their money’s worth, poor chicken substitute meal notwithstanding. Sean Kennelly introduced memorial videos of Ryan Francis and Mario Danelo, and that drove the point home, that we should appreciate what we have, and the fact that we’re Trojans sitting in a nice Pasadena ballroom waiting in rapt attention to hear our coaches speak is a very beautiful thing, and that bad chicken isn’t the worst thing in the world. Plus, any night you have 3 Chaffey High alums at the same table and nobody gets put in handcuffs, it's a good night.

Tim Floyd started the night off by stating, “I’ve come to terms that I’m a basketball coach at a football school. I have a counselor. He’s helped me a lot. And the Prozac is working well too.” He continued, “when I was hired, I thought the whole Trojan family thing was a bunch of malarkey, but I went along with it, but boy, you all have proven me wrong. It is a wonderful thing. I’m now a Trojan through and through, and since I’m in the Galen Center, I even miss the band practicing outside my office in Heritage Hall, every night, all night long…If my team practiced as hard as the band, we’d have won a national championship.”

Coach Floyd talked about missing 55 points a year from losing Young, Pruitt and Stewart, and that’s the most any PAC-10 team is losing, but they have Gibson, Hackett and Mayo, and the number #1 recruiting class coming in, so they should be okay. They’re also playing the number #1 most difficult schedule, playing like 16 ranked teams out of conference including Memphis and Kansas, and USC is even trying to schedule Florida for next year. But, Floyd said, “we’re USC” and that’s what we do, we play hard schedules. Floyd talked about what a great basketball player Mayo is, but that the media is wrong about him, “he’s a good kid, a yes sir, no sir kind of kid, a good student, and he’s going to represent the University well.”

Floyd shared this story about Mayo, “The Kid came out for a recruiting trip. Instead of going out to the Los Angeles nightlife with Young and Pruitt, he asked me to open the gym for him. The kid shot baskets in the Galen Center from midnight to 3 in the morning. I’ve never had a kid want to do that.”

Floyd says he knows Mayo will only be there one year, but that he’s trying to build a program, and he can’t keep a kid from making $30 million when he has a chance. That’s what he told Young, “You got to go. You’ve got to sign that guaranteed 1^st round contract.” But he thought Pruitt made a big mistake, “he’s going to lose a lot of money.” Coach Floyd seemed like he was caught off guard by both players deciding to turn pro, but that’s why he’s preparing already for Mayo to leave, “I need to start recruiting now for his replacement.” Floyd was very excited about last year, but says they are building a program, and that he’s so happy to be working for Mike Garrett and Heritage Hall who do everything for you as a coach. And what a wonderful friend and co-worker Pete is. Pete helps Tim recruit, and has taught Tim that coaching is fun, “You guys have to be thankful you have Pete Carroll here, he’s the best coach in the country, in all sports.” Coach Floyd said Pete gave a pep talk to the team before the Stanford game, when USC was 9-7 and really needed a win, and the team responded big. But Pete also gave a pep talk before the Oregon game in the PAC-10 tournament, when Oregon blew USC out. Pete joked, “Yeah, you guys stunk in that game, I had to leave before halftime.”

Floyd finished by thanking the crowd for the 7 straight sell outs to end the season, and he thanks USC fans and boosters for their support in building the Galen Center, “the greatest stadium in the country.” He's also predicting full houses all this year, “I know people want to come out and see O.J. Mayo, the kid wants to be the star of his generation. That’s a lofty goal. But it’s going to be fun to watch. ESPN is booking games and tournaments for us just for O.J. Mayo, so I know we’re going to sell a lot of tickets.”

Pete was up next and said, “I love Pasadena! It’s our home, that Rose Bowl is our home, and that’s our goal every year. (photo left: GAB and Brooks fighting over the tip. They didn't leave one.) We can’t control the BCS, but we can control winning our conference and playing in the Rose Bowl every year. How great was that win against Michigan last January?”

He said, “I’m glad to be back here speaking in front of you again, and I am back here. You all know I took a trip to Costa Rica and he didn’t offer me the job (or I didn’t accept the job)…and guess what, I’m here forever! (the crowd went nuts) Even if they get tired of me on the football side of things, Tim said I can be his assistant coach for basketball.”

(Someone on Peristyle thought this story below was inside info, but heck it’s about a pep talk. Sorry if I’m giving away Pete’s secrets, but we know he’s full of adrenaline and likes to pump guys up. Is that news? I guess they can ban me from the next dinner if this is covert stuff)

Pete really didn’t talk about last year except to say, “Everyone talks about our great halftime adjustments. You know what happened at the Rose Bowl? Before the game, I told the guys, “I want everyone to have the best time at that game. We’re going to be dancing on the sideline, having fun.” Well, we all got into the game, and before you know it, it’s halftime and the score is 3-3. We’re going off field, and I thought to myself, “Heck, I forgot, we’re not having fun.” I pulled Sark aside and said, “We want to have a good time in the 2^nd half, I want you to pass every play.” And I think that’s the last time I talked to a coach all halftime. I went in to a quiet locker room, and I grabbed walk-on Jimmy Abbott and said, “Jimmy, I know you’re not going to play, you know you’re not going to play, but I want you to have a great time. I want you yelling for your teammates, jumping up and down the whole game.” Then I went to big Thomas Herring and said the same thing. We ran out for the 2^nd half. Lawrence Jackson got an interception. Cushing got a fumble recovery. We scored both times. That long pass to Dwayne Jarrett. And I look over and our sidelines are going nuts! Everyone’s having a great time. And the Michigan guys, they were hanging their heads, not moving! Now, that’s coaching!”

Pete talked about Kiffin leaving to the Raiders, “Isn’t that great for Lane, the youngest coach in the NFL. I’m excited for him. I’m going to go see him at mini camp this week.” The crowd didn’t respond. Pete shrugged, “Ohh, I guess you guys don’t like the Raiders.” Pete continued, “We hired Johnny Morton. No, not the guy who got knocked out with one punch the other night. He’s still a member of the Trojan family.” Pete said “Morton is one of the best coaches in the NFL. He worked with Sark in Oakland, and he studied our films for a year to see how to use Reggie Bush as he was the passing game coordinator for the Saints last year. He likes the opportunity that USC gives him, and he’s going to help us a lot.”

When talking about the oncoming season Pete said he was excited, “We have the Heisman Trophy frontrunner leading us. That’s exciting. We’re number 1, but the players know that doesn’t mean anything. We have to earn it. Every week. Every play in practice. We have to go hard and earn it. It’s exciting. USC is on the lips of every recruit across the country, it’s exciting. The number one team, the Heisman Trophy frontrunner, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

One of the questions was about the running back situation, “Coach, you have 10 great running backs. How do you make them all happy?” Coach Floyd stepped in, “I’ll answer that one. Joe McKnight is from Louisiana. I’m from Louisiana. I say you give the ball to the kid from Louisiana.” Pete said it’s all about competition.

Somebody asked about Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain. Pete sounded excited about Corp, saying “he’s got a great arm, he’s 6’5” and he can move. And Mustain is also an athlete. He’s going to impress people. They’re going to have a great competition with Mark Sanchez next year. And Mark is going to battle John David this fall too. That’s going to be a great competition.”

With that, Tim Floyd leaned in and said, “How’s your Heisman Trophy frontrunner going to win the Heisman from the bench…?” The crowd broke-up. Pete hemmed and hawed, “Well, we’re all about competition…” And Tim said, “You said he’s the Heisman Trophy frontrunner, how’s he going to win the Heisman from the bench…?” Pete was laughing as he yelled out, “Next question!!”

It was a fun night. Pete and Tim Floyd have a great rapport. The funny part was that out of 10 questions at the end of the night, 7 or so went to Tim Floyd. He did get 3 questions in a row at one time and Tim said, “Thank you, Pasadena, that’s a new record, 3 questions in a row to the basketball coach.”

USC is lucky to have two of the best coaches in the country. We as fans are lucky, and we should enjoy this run as long as we can.