SCampus Student Guidebook

Student Activities

Sports

Intercollegiate Sports

Intercollegiate athletics have a long, successful tradition at USC. Trojan athletics have won 106 team national championships in a dozen men’s and women’s sports – from baseball to water polo. USC has won more national championships than all but two NCAA member institutions and is one of only three universities in intercollegiate athletics history to win five national champion-ships in one year (1962-63 and 1976-77). In 2004, USC’s football team brought home its second consecutive national championship title after its win at the Orange Bowl. The men’s water polo team also was national champion in the 2005-2006 academic year.

USC has 19 Division I sports, including nine men’s teams and 10 women’s teams. The men’s teams include football, baseball, basketball, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. Women compete in basketball, cross country, golf, rowing, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. Students interested in participating should visit the Athletic Department in Heritage Hall or call (213) 740-3843.

Traditionally, about 4,000 students make the trek to the San Francisco Bay Area the weekend of the away game with either Stanford or Cal. See the Daily Trojan for specific dates and times, for ticket distribution and other information, such as group charter flights and bus plans, pertaining to the Bay Area weekender. Most students stay in San Francisco and attend a rally sponsored by Alumni Relations and Trojan Pride.

Men’s and women’s home basketball games and volleyball matches are played in the new Galen Center, located across the street from campus, at the corner of Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard. Seating for these games is generally assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedules for all men’s and women’s sports are available in Heritage Hall or online at www.usctrojans.com. Football season tickets for students can be purchased online at www.usctrojans.com. See Student Services – Ticket Sales for more information. Quantities may be limited. Entrance to all other men’s and women’s sporting events are free with a USC student identification card.

Trojan Spirit Code

The university has established a new policy to honor its championship football team by upholding the Trojan tradition of good sportsmanship. Alcohol is no longer permitted in sports stadiums. For more information, see the Trojan Spirit Code Policy.

Recreational Sports

Director: Don Ludwig
(213) 740-5127
Lyon University Center
Email: recsports@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/recsports

Recreational Sports welcomes all members of the university community to participate in its extensive services and sports programs. The mission of Recreational Sports is to provide quality recreational programs and services that enhance student, faculty and staff knowledge and opportunities for participation in activities that promote healthy lifestyles, positive human relations and leadership skills.

To meet the diverse needs and interests of the university community, Rec Sports has developed a comprehensive sports package, including intramural sports, club sports, fitness and leisure classes and recreational facilities.

Intramural Sports

The Intramural Program is one of the most popular undergraduate and graduate student activities at USC with more than 9,700 participants.

Intramural leagues and tournaments include: All-University Sports Program (All-U); Women’s Intramural Sports Program (WISP); Coed Sports Program (COED); Inter-Fraternity Sports Program (IFSP); Inter-Sorority Sports Program (ISSP); and Housing Intramural Challenge Cup (HICcup). Flag football, softball, basketball, volleyball and soccer are some of the most popular sports leagues. In each, individuals and teams are categorized to provide equal competition whenever possible.

Club Sports

Teams are designed for the amateur athlete who enjoys fun, excitement and intercollegiate competition while improving skills in sports not administered by the Athletic Department. Over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students participate in student-run USC club sports. Club sport teams provide leadership opportunities for students and are designed to encourage active participation from all members.

USC hosts over 50 club sports, including archery, dance, cricket, equestrian, fencing, ice hockey, golf, lacrosse, men’s rowing (crew), polo (horse), rugby, triathlon, ski and snowboard, soccer, surfing, tennis, volleyball and women’s softball.

Leisure and Fitness Classes

Classes are offered in a non-academic environment to provide social interaction and support for the concepts of wellness, fitness and overall general health.

Available group exercise classes include: aerobics (low to high impact), hip-hop aerobics, muscle conditioning, cardioboxing, step aerobics, SCycling (USC’s style of spinning), yoga, mat pilates, water aerobics, African dance, Latin cardio jam and water jogging.

Recreational Sports also collaborates with the Student Health Center, Physical Education and TrojanHospitality to develop classes and seminars on topics such as fitness, wellness, nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle.

Additional fitness and wellness classes and services are offered, including personal trainers, nutrition seminars, massage therapy, summer sports classes, Spring Break special events and others.

Martial Arts

Recreational Sports presents a variety of martial arts classes designed to introduce the USC community to a culturally diverse form of exercise, skill development and fitness. Forms offered may include Aikido, Karate, Kung Fu, Shinkendo, Tae Kwon Do, Wu Shu Nation and Dux Ninjitsu.

Locker Rental and Equipment Checkout

A list of rental equipment and fees is available in the Lyon Center equipment room. Some sports equipment and apparel are also available for purchase. Locker facilities are available for semester and year rental. For additional information, call (213) 740-8977.

Facility Scheduling

A number of facilities may be reserved for department or student organization competitions and picnics, including: Cromwell Field, Lyon University Center, Intramural Field, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, PHED north and south gymnasia, tennis, racquetball and squash courts. For reservations, contact Recreational Sports at (213) 740-8977.

Employment Opportunities

Recreational Sports provides students with a variety of opportunities to work on campus and develop leadership skills in sports-related fields. College Work Study Program applicants are preferred. Jobs include building managers, officials, marketing and promotions, aerobic (group exercise) instructors, guest services, office assistants, weight room attendants and more. Applications are available online at www.usc.edu/recsports or at the Lyon Center.

Special Programs

Recreational Sports offers a variety of special programs, including:

• National Youth Sports Program (NYSP)
• Recreational Club Council (RCC)
• Aerobic instructor clinics
• Master’s Swimming Program
• Sports officials/referees clinics
• CPR and lifeguard certification
• Wellness programs
• Spirit squads (Song Leaders, Spirit Leaders, Traveler and USC Mascot)
• Recreational services (golf tournaments, tennis competitions, etc.)

General William Lyon University Center

The 66,000-square-foot Lyon University Center provides the space needed to accommodate extracurricular recreational activities. This facility significantly affects the quality of campus life for the entire university community.

The Lyon University Center houses the Recreational Sports Office as well as racquetball and squash courts, a climbing wall, locker rooms, sauna and whirlpool, weight room equipped with a full-line of weight lifting equipment including free weights, a cardiovascular exercise room, group exercise fitness studio, Robinson Fitness Room (SCycling room), two multipurpose rooms, a club meeting room and two gymnasia for intramural sports, open “drop in” recreation and special events.

Locker and changing room facilities serve the center and the adjacent McDonalds Swim Stadium, which features a 25-yard by 25-yard diving pool and a 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool.