Surprise! Some USC Fans Are True Sportsmen

On Dec. 11, I attended my first event at the Sports Arena, a basketball game between USC and my alma mater, Niagara University. After the many recent articles I have read in local papers about the conduct and attitude of USC students, I was surprised to find that the few Trojan fans that were present were enthusiastic and vocal without being unsportsmanlike.

George Raveling has his team playing a tough, aggressive defense and you can’t help but believe that in a few years he will have USC in the upper echelon of the Pac-10. You can only hope that he will also attract a following to the Sports Arena, an absolutely immaculate basketball facility with a friendly and courteous staff. We were even given a coupon for a free hot dog as we entered the building!

The only thing that marred a wonderful evening (besides the final score) was the location of the block of seats set aside for Niagara fans. Many of us had waited years for the Purple Eagles to make a trip to the West Coast and would have enjoyed sitting at least within hailing distance of the Niagara bench. Instead, we were placed at the opposite end of the court, near the USC band.

Once Mr. Raveling has the building packed, I wouldn’t blame Mike McGee if he had the visiting fans buried in its upper rafters. But while the Sports Arena remains one-fifth full, I would hope he would give visitors an opportunity to be at least within earshot of their coach and their team.

WILLIAM P. SHANNON

Pomona