Few things on the west coast sporting scene can top the rivalry between UCLA and USC. Even sports like swimming, rowing, and tennis can bring out the shouting matches between boosters.
Even though I attended neither school, I am a Bruin fan. That is due to 2 factors: I had a professional association with UCLA when I worked at KMPC, the Bruins’ longtime flagship station. I worked many UCLA football & basketball games, and dealing with the UCLA Athletic Dept. was a pleasure. Classy people there. I got to talk to John Wooden once, and that was an awesome moment for me.
The second reason is that in 1971, while attending a junior college in San Diego, I had an assignment that required research that wasn’t readily available in San Diego. The Research Library at UCLA was immeasurably helpful to me, and I’ve always been grateful to them. There are seven different libraries on the UCLA campus, and they’re all great. I highly recommend them. The public is welcome to use them.
With all that said, I’d like to pass along some rivalry humor. Don’t worry. The names are interchangeable, and can be used on any two colleges you can think of.
Two boosters, one from UCLA, and one from USC are arguing vehemently. It’s reached the shouting stage, and it looks like a fight will break out at any second. Suddenly, a good fairy appears right between them. She’s holding a magic wand. She says “If you two will stop arguing, I will grant both of you one wish apiece.” They agree.
The fairy turns first to the USC booster and asks him what he wishes for. He says “I want a huge wall built around the USC campus. At least 150 feet high. No doors or openings of any kind. No one can get in or out. Keep out those mangy Bruin fans.” The fairy waves her magic wand, and says “Your wish is granted.” The Trojan fan smiles smugly.
The fairy then asks the Bruin fan what he wishes for. He looks at the grinning Trojan booster, then looks at the fairy, and says “Fill it with water.”
