University Southern California Trojans
Dual Meet Recollections
May 01, 2001 | Track & Field
Few dual meets have matched the intensity of the USC-UCLA rivalry over the years. For the Trojans, one of the most memorable moments came in 1949 when Mel Patton dashed to a pair of world-record sprint performances as USC prevailed, 90.5-40.5. The following year, Olympian Bob Chambers led his team to the most one-sided victory of the series, 120-11, as the Bruins were shut out on the track-a feat that seems inconceivable today. Among the Trojans who have excelled in the series are sprinters James Sanford, Clancy Edwards and Willie Deckard, quartermiler Quincy Watts, hurdlers Dick Attlesey, Jack Davis and Earl McCullough, pole vaulter Bob Seagren and shot putter Dallas Long.
On the other side of the coin, UCLA has had its share of stirring successes. One of the greatest was provided in 1975 by then little-known freshman Willie Banks, who, inspired by his own hand clapping and cheering partisans in the stands, unleashed a meet record 55-1 triple jump on his last attempt to clinch the meet, 75-70. Another classic encounter came earlier in 1972 when Olympian John Smith's anchor heroics (45.3) gave UCLA the mile relay victory and the meet, 76-69. Smith had a big day, also winning the 440 in 45.3. Some of the Bruin headliners of the past include sprinter Ato Bolden, quartermiler Wayne Collett, hurdler Greg Foster, miler Bob Day, pole vaulters Mike Tully and Scott Slover and weightmen John Brenner and John Godina.
-- By George Ambrose, USC Sports Information Director, 1963-66
In the 1960s and the 1970s, these meets between the two schools' men's teams were not only tightly contested, they were like mini-all-star meets. Quite often, the two teams combined for several U.S. seasonal bests. And, whether they were U.S. bests or not, many of the marks and distances were world class.
The atmosphere was electric, almost like a USC-UCLA football game or basketball game. Drake Stadium, where most of the meets were held (USC competed in the Coliseum into the mid- or late 1960s), was usually overflowing with fans, and hundreds more would line the fence behind the running track. Fans would often chant or clap for support as one of the athletes ran down the runway in the long jump or triple jump. If a runner pulled ahead to win in the stretch, his team's fans would roar as if he had scored a touchdown in football. And, after winning a big race or a field event, athletes would be mobbed by their teammates. Meanwhile, the USC and UCLA bands played to celebrate victories or for additional support. It was a great scene.
-- Jim Perry, USC Sports Information Director, 1974-1984
