Hill Was Key Part of the Trojan Family

Throughout his career, Jess Hill was an inspiration and role model for many young athletes. As a non-athlete, to me he was a friend and mentor in a different way.

As his assistant during the majority of his athletic directorship at USC, I was guided by his honesty, integrity and character, but most of all by his ability to keep a premium athletic program financially solvent. Through three successive athletic directors, his legacy of principles and management style remained with me until my retirement as associate director in 1987.

Many great Trojans have come and gone and others will follow. To me, Jess Hill is the noblest of them all.

VIRGIL LUBBERDEN

Palm Springs