The journey of the USC Trojans men’s track and field team in recent years has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—moments of glory intertwined with the sting of near misses. Just last season, they found themselves in a respectable but unfulfilling seventh-place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships. To make things even more bittersweet, it wasn’t a solo seventh—it was a tie, a position that neither fully satisfied nor completely disappointed. There are many chapters in this story, though!

Three years ago, however, one Trojan stood atop the podium. That man was Davonte Burnett. In 2022, the Jamaican sprinter electrified the track, capturing the men’s 60m dash title and ensuring USC had something to celebrate. Yet, for a program with USC’s pedigree, the hunger was always for more. The ultimate collective success had remained elusive for half a century. The Trojans men’s program had clinched NCAA Indoor Championships in 1967 and 1972 but after that? Decades of waiting, of trying, of falling just short. Do the math—that’s a 52-year drought. But then came February 11, 2024!

On that day, the USTFCCCA released its updated indoor rankings, and USC stood at No. 1. Finally, the Trojans had taken over the top spot, a position that whispered promises of what could be. When nine Trojan athletes stepped into the Virginia Beach Sports Center on March 14, they weren’t just competing. They were carrying history, expectations, and the weight of every Trojan who had come before them. The question loomed large—could they end the drought? Could they turn hope into hardware?

Well, never ever delete the Trojans. Why? Well, they’re the champions now. The last time the Trojans stood atop the NCAA men’s indoor, Richard Nixon was president, and the gas was 36 cents a gallon, and the thought of waiting 52 years for another title would have seemed unthinkable. But now, everything looks so seamless for them. And why shouldn’t it be? They are the champions in the race now, toppling some of the best! 

In the final list, USC has 39 points, six more than the nearest chaser, Georgia. Well, Auburn comes third with 32 points, and Arkansas settles for the fourth position with 30 points. But do the Razorbacks really settle for the fourth position after what happened in the men’s 4x400m relay finals? They didn’t feel their 11th-place finish was justified as the athlete from Texas A&M spoiled their party at the event. The Razorbacks finished the event with meager points. And what about USC? 

The USC Trojans were fourth in the men’s 4x400m relay event, and the points found an entry to their bag. What could have happened if the Razorbacks were granted? Let the fans have that discussion. Today it is all about Jacob Andrews, Johnnie Blockburger, Garrett Kaalund, Johnny Brackins Jr, and other Trojans who remained instrumental in the success. And on such a day, let’s not forget the USC Trojans women’s track and field squad. 

The USC Trojans women shine similar 

The expectations were high. The stage was set. And the USC Trojans women’s track and field program arrived at the NCAA Indoor Championships knowing they had nine chances to make their mark. Unlike their male counterparts, they had already seen recent success—just last year, Jasmine Jones had blazed to glory in the 60m hurdles, capturing the national title. But this time, there was a plot twist. USC had no finalist in the women’s 60m hurdles event. A gut punch. A missed opportunity. A moment where doubt could have crept in. But this is USC. And you never delete the USC Trojans.

With their backs against the wall, the Trojans didn’t just show up—they showed out. On March 15, when the dust settled inside the Virginia Beach Sports Center, USC’s women stood tall with a third-place finish, racking up 35 points—a testament to their consistency, their depth, and their fight. The Oregon Ducks may have soared to the top with 55 points, but the USC Trojans never backed down, never faded, never folded. Key names emerged when it mattered most. Dajaz Defrand (women’s 60m champion) and Madison Whyte weren’t just running—they were leading and scored together 9 points for USC in the teams’ event. Thus they carried the Trojan torch with fire, ensuring their team remained a force in the competition.

And that’s what makes USC different. Even when an expected victory slips away, even when a hurdle—literally and figuratively—doesn’t go their way, they find a way to rise. The message remains the same: Never. Delete. The. Trojans.