Gordon Forgey

Saturday Washington State University beat the University of Southern California in football. The score was 10-7.

The Cougars had to travel to Los Angeles to play the Trojans in the L.A. Coliseum, a storied sports venue. Reportedly 90,000 fans crowded the venerable stadium. At least, there were that many at the start of the game.

This was an important game for the Cougars. After a long drought, they are on the comeback. Everything is in place. Martin Stadium is improved, alcoholic beverages are available for those able to afford entry into exclusive zones, a new football operations center is under construction and a new staff is guiding the team.

Best of all, Cougar coach Mike Leach applauded his team for its growing composure. The future is bright.

The Trojans, on the other hand, are struggling out of sanctions and punishment. The coach is being booed (and worse) by the fans. O.J. Simpson is still in jail, and Reggie Bush has not gotten his Heisman Trophy back. He has not even gotten Kim Kardashian back. Pete Carroll is in exile and keeping a low profile in Seattle.

The future looks bright for Cougar football. The changes have been positive. The program is on the rebound, and this is just the start.

But, USC still has one thing in its favor. It still has its band. In a scene straight out of Titanic, the band played its heart out right to the end of Saturday’s game.

Who needs a team when you can have music like that?

Gordon Forgey

USC, 1967