Fertig remembered by USC

By David Wharton

Oct. 5, 2008 12 AM PT

There was a moment of silence for Craig Fertig at the Coliseum before the USC-Oregon game Saturday evening.

Fertig, who died earlier in the day of kidney failure at age 66, was linked to USC for five decades as a quarterback, assistant coach, athletic department administrator and television commentator.

“Craig meant so much to USC,” said Athletic Director Mike Garrett, his teammate in the early 1960s.

“He embodied what it meant to be a Trojan.”

Fertig was best remembered for throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to defeat top-ranked Notre Dame at the Coliseum in 1964.

For obituary, see Section B.

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Fertig remembered by USC

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