Tragedy Is Reminder to Kocher

To cheer for your hero is easy to do. To support him in a time of mourning, as Ken Kocher does, is in some ways uneasy.

Kocher, a junior defensive tackle, grew up in San Diego rooting for John Parrella, the Chargers’ veteran defensive tackle. Parrella’s father, Joe, was recently found shot to death outside the family’s Nebraska home. The elder Parrella was 63.

Kocher wants to extend his sympathy to John Parrella. Every so often, uncomfortable events remind him and his teammates that life extends beyond the UCLA campus and the Rose Bowl.

“It’s crazy,” Kocher said. “Sometimes you don’t think things like that can happen. There’s a lot more than football out there.”

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The Bruins worked on formations in practice that would allow freshman Tab Perry to join Freddie Mitchell and Brian Poli-Dixon as a third receiver.

Perry is the only true freshman to play on offense.

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Students stood in long lines this week to buy tickets for the USC game. Students pay $25, half the face value. The game is six weeks away, but the anticipation already is building.

“Especially since we lost last year,” said sophomore Mary Walker of San Pedro. “I won’t allow that this year.”

Last year the Trojans ended an eight-game losing streak against UCLA.