New president C.L. Max Nikias introduced new athletic director Pat Haden, who welcomed new head coach Lane Kiffin.
As the program looks forward, Kiffin did take time to acknowledge the past as he welcomed back former USC greats Kennedy Pola, Joe Barry, Keary Colbert, Ed Orgeron and Sammy Knight, who are all part of his new staff.
Of course, Monte Kiffin, the elder statesman of the coaching crew, stole the show by regaling the packed Cromwell Field crowd with story after story. At one point, Lane Kiffin tried to give him the hook, but Monte went undeterred prompting a father/son moment.
"Now you understand what my life has been like for 35 years," Lane Kiffin said once Monte departed the stage. "And he still doesn't listen to me in meetings!"
Of course, Ed Orgeron never fails to make an impression. While he did not play at USC, he is part of Trojan lore.
"There's only one choice -- to bow up and fight!" Coach O exclaimed regarding the sanctions.
Special teams coach John Baxter, the master of metaphor, broke out a few of his choice cuts for the Trojan family. He wanted everyone to know that this staff is committed to this program and these kids.
"What is the difference between involved and committed? It's the ham and eggs breakfast. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed," Baxter said.
He then made it clear that his special teams unit will be the hammer not the nail.
"We're on a mission and I don't know the result, but all that's going to be left is smoke and shoes," Baxter compared his unit to the "tip of the spear."
Kennedy Pola joined the staff right before camp, but his intensity has already paid dividends. After letting out a Samoan shout, he made a proclamation about his running backs.
"They don't know me much. They don't me at all, but I promise you they are finding out."
With the band rocking, the song girls on center stage and fireworks to cap the show, Trojan football is officially ready for 2010.
(Click here for the entire photo album!)
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