Trojans go bowling Sunday to give the players a break from Fall Camp
By Ben Malcolmson
USCRipsIt
PeteCarroll.com
TORRANCE — Nothing like turning to strikes and spares to take your mind off of football.
The Trojans took an afternoon off from training camp to spend time at Lucky Strikes Lanes in Torrance on Sunday, providing a welcomed and comical diversion from the long days of meetings and practices that become the daily norm during USC’s Fall Camp.
Defensive end Everson Griffen pulled away with a team-best 173 score, dominating his teammates with some remarkably precise and powerful rolls.
“I used to do this for a living,” a sweat-drenched Griffen joked after saving a spare in the 10th frame. “I’m just getting warmed up.”
Wideout Preston Cavignac (162), offensive lineman Jeff Byers (157) and defensive end Gerald Washington (148) posted the team’s other top games, but in the end, it was a much appreciated change in the schedule for all players, regardless of their scores.
“It was just a fun idea for us to get away for a little and give these guys a break from ’ball,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “The guys had a blast, and the coaches sure had fun watching them bowl.”
Sunday’s ten-pin outing, which was masterfully organized by director of football operations Dennis Slutak, featured two games of bowling, billiards and plenty of food for the players.
Some of the players weren’t as adept at the game as Griffen and the other leading scorers, providing some hilarious comedy for their teammates to laugh at. Whether because their fingers were too big or the bowling balls were too small, many players simply palmed the balls, refusing to use the finger holes and instead choosing to throw them down the lanes.
It was pure slapstick humor.
The Trojans typically embark on a few off-campus excursions during the occasionally monotonous Fall Camp each August, offering the players and coaches a chance to get refreshed and have some fun. In the past, the team has attended the AVP Manhattan Beach Open, movies and comedian skits, among other diversions.
Check out some photos from Sunday’s event:
Tailback Allen Bradford watches a ball go down the lane.
Offensive lineman Jeff Byers shows off some impeccable form.
Cornerback Cary Harris has some intense focus on the lanes.
Linebacker Brian Cushing powers the bowling ball down the lane.
Nose guard Averell Spicer lets a ball loose.
Coach Carroll watches on as his players have some fun at the bowling alley.
Offensive lineman Zack Heberer goes with the unconventional between-the-legs toss on one frame.
Offensive lineman Charles Brown plays some billiards between games.
Quarterback Aaron Corp displays some impressive form.
Center Abe Markowitz watches a ball down the lane.
Defensive end Everson Griffen does his best Michael Jordan impression en route to a team-best 173.
Everson Griffen celebrates a spare on his way to a 173.
• Ben Malcolmson is the Director of Online Media for USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com. You can contact him at Ben@PeteCarroll.com.
