Traveler Dispute Appears Settled

USC announced Friday that a new equestrian manager has been hired to provide, train and stable the school’s famed mascot, Traveler, apparently ending the so-called “Travelergate.”

Equestrian manager Joanne Asman succeeds Pat Saukko DeBernardi, whose late husband, Richard Saukko, began one of USC’s most recognizable traditions 42 years ago by charging across the field at football games on a white horse.

In July, DeBernardi told The Times the family would no longer supply horse and rider because of “a personality conflict.” The split followed several years of disagreements and a legal dispute between DeBernardi and administrators.

-- Gary Klein