2011 marks the 50th anniversary of Traveler as USC's mascot.
Noble and powerful, Traveler has symbolized USC football over the last half century. The snow white steed gallantly gallops around the Coliseum to celebrate every Trojan touchdown with "Conquest" as its eternal soundtrack.
In 1961, Richard Saukko (photo right - click to enlarge) rode the original Traveler at a USC game for the first time after being persuaded by Bob Jani, then USC's director of special events, and Eddie Tannenbaum, then a student at Troy, after spotting him on the white horse at the Rose Parade.
Saukko performed the role as Trojan warrior for the next 27 seasons. Current rider Hector Aguilar is the seventh man to raise his sword atop Traveler.
Of course, the horses have come and gone as well. Traveler VII will lap the Coliseum in 2011 after every Matt Barkley touchdown pass. And, the breeds have ranged from Arabian to Tennessee Walker to Andalusian, but they are always pure white.
USC alumnus Bill Tilley, and his wife, Nadine, ensured the future of the Trojan mascot in 2004 by setting up a permanent endowment to support Traveler.
Click here to read Traveler's entire history.
University Southern California Trojans
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