IMHO Sunday: A USC son remembers his UCLA Dad on Father’s Day

In my humble opinion, cardinal and gold thoughts on what I see, what I hear, and what I think from Los Angeles:

Remembering Dad: It’s Father’s Day, a day to celebrate and give thanks to my dad for whom without his assistance, I wouldn’t be here today. Eleven years ago, “Howard” left us at the age of 86, his physical body finally giving out after surviving a quadruple bypass and an above-moderate stroke in that order. Man, he was one tough dude who could have driven spikes into railroad tracks with his bare fists. He was a soft-spoken man but as honest as they come. His only flaw, in my eyes, was that he was a staunch and devoted UCLA Bruins fan.   

Remembering Dad – Part 2: Yes, Howard Katz was blue and gold to his core. He was so UCLA that when he was buried, he was covered with a Bruins logo blanket. The only thing missing was an “eight-clap” and the Bruins marching band at his funeral. I remember for years during my first days of loving sports right through my high school years, he was a devout UCLA season ticket holder for both football and basketball. In fact, I remember going with him back in 1965 when Pauley Pavilion opened with the great Lou Alcindor at center and later with Bill Walton. 

Dad’s favorite UCLA mini-helmet that was always close by his computer. I had my own USC mini-helmet.
(Photo above courtesy of Lisa Katz-Weld)

Remembering Dad – Part 3: To offset my Dad’s UCLA addiction, which was probably caused by the fact that his oldest brother went and graduated from Westwood University, was my mom’s brother, “Uncle Eddie”, who graduated from USC. Uncle Eddie was scheduled to take me, a 12-year-old at the time, to my first USC game in 1962, which was against Duke. Unfortunately, my uncle couldn’t make it, and he gave the tickets to my dad. Unbeknownst to Dad, he actually initiated my 62 years of USC football passion. BTW, the Trojans beat Duke 14-7 before 26,400 USC faithful and went on to hand Coach John McKay his first national championship.     

Remembering Dad – Part 4: Also unbeknownst to Dad, when he took me at a young age to UCLA games, it allowed me to compare the game atmosphere between a UCLA and USC football game when both played their home games in the Coliseum. To be totally honest, Dad wasn’t a yeller or screamer at UCLA games. Watching UCLA in the Coli was like being in a library. The only entertaining thing was the head yell leader, a guy named “Engineer Jeff” who wore a train engineer’s outfit complete with a hat, and I must admit he was quite funny. The one thing I remember was when UCLA was hosting the University of Tennessee in 1967, and the Vols were an all-white team, and they had some real Southern names like dual-threat quarterback Dewey “The Swamp Rat” Warren and wide receiver sprinter Richmond Flowers. UCLA was led by QB Gary “The Great One” Beban. A night game before 66,000, UCLA prevailed 20-16, and I remember how happy Dad was.      

Dad would wear this UCLA sweatshirt while I walked around the house in a USC sweatshirt.
(Photo above courtesy of Lisa Katz-Weld)

Remembering Dad – Part 5: Also in 1967, Dad, my uncle Eddie, and I went together to the Coliseum to watch the greatest USC/UCLA game ever played given that a national title, a conference title, and the Rose Bowl were all on the line. I remember when the players were being introduced on ABC TV by sideline reporter Bill Fleming, and my dad remarking, “That O.J. Simpson scares me just the way he is trotting back to the sideline. After Simpson’s legendary run, which came right at us, Dad looked like a statue as the Men of Troy went on to victory.    

Remembering Dad – Part 6: In my 1968 senior year in high school, Dad had a hand in recruiting a physical fullback/linebacker at my high school named Tim Caropino. I had known Tim since our days at Fremont Grammar School. UCLA was playing Syracuse at the time, and after the game, we all went into the Bruins’ Coliseum locker room. UCLA was so small and un-physical looking compared to USC. Caropino didn’t end up at UCLA but at East Los Angeles City College where he was a starting fullback for some tailback named Clarence Davis, who would go on to greatness as a USC All-America tailback.

Remembering when Dad took Tim Caropino and me on a UCLA recruiting visit to a Bruins’ game.
(Photo above courtesy of Greg Katz)

Remembering Dad – Part 7: As the years rolled on and Dad got up there in years, he remained a UCLA fan, and every season the Bruins played USC, he would get into a not-so-friendly-argument at times with my mom, a true USC fan. It was pretty entertaining watching them go at it. The irony was that my dad’s best friend through high school – Alhambra High like me – was my mom’s brother Eddie. But that wasn’t the end of it.

Remembering Dad – Part 8: My Dad’s fraternal twin brother, Bob, was a major USC fan and did they go at it no matter whether USC was playing UCLA or not. In fact, some of their best verbal fisticuffs were whether each other’s team won or lost. If UCLA lost to Oregon, my dad was all over him. If USC lost a game, my Uncle Bob would drill him a new one. 

My dad’s twin brother, my Uncle Bob (above), was a diehard USC football fan.

Remembering Dad – Part 9: My dad, the son of Eastern European immigrants, could be very stubborn. I remember when he told me if I was accepted to USC, he would pay for it. I don’t think he thought I would be accepted, to be honest. Well, one day it came in the mail, I was accepted into USC as a transfer student in telecommunications from Pasadena City College.

I remember running up to him with my USC acceptance letter, he read it and promptly said we couldn’t afford it. I couldn’t believe it, so much for almost all “A’s.” This was during the Vietnam War period and immediately had to reroute to Cal State Northridge because of my major. I always wondered if Dad’s UCLA blood got in the way. I never asked him later in life. Don’t get me wrong, he was a good and devoted Dad, but I often wondered. I don’t think I really wanted to know the answer. I do know my mom was disappointed by my dad’s decision. Whatever.   

Remembering Dad – Part 10: My dad was very sick in his later years. I remember having to get his car handicapped and adjusted so he could drive after his stroke. He could barely move on his left side, but his coordination allowed him to pass his driver’s test. As the final years rolled by, his biggest happiness came with the arrival of his first grandchild, my son Greg Jr. Like a shot of adrenaline, when my son applied for college, he was not accepted to USC as he thought he would but was accepted into UCLA. My Dad couldn’t contain himself. He had to call his brother, Jack – the UCLA grad – back in Washington DC to deliver the news. I don’t think I have ever seen him so happy. He was all smiles from ear to ear.

When Dad’s first grandson was born, he was already thinking my son (photo of us above) might someday attend UCLA. I hoped for USC.

Remembering Dad – Part 11: When I think of Father’s Day, I remember the day my son, still dressed in his UCLA Marching Band uniform – he played the tuba – came home after the Bruins had played San Diego State in the Rose Bowl and went to my parents’ house and surprised Dad. There he was, his grandson in his UCLA Marching Band uniform. Every UCLA televised game, my dad couldn’t wait to see his grandson on national television. I was happy for Dad because it brought him such joy and happiness.

To be honest, I must admit when USC hosted UCLA in the Coliseum, I couldn’t believe watching him march in from the famous players’ tunnel and perform in the Coliseum. As a dad, although I wish it was in the Spirit of Troy, it still brought a tear to my eye. I used to tell my friends that my son plays for UCLA. They’d ask me what position and would answer “Left tuba.”   

Nothing made Dad more proud than to see his grandson, Greg Jr., attend UCLA and march in the Bruins’ band.
(Photo above courtesy of Greg Katz)

Remembering Dad – Part 12: Unfortunately, Dad passed before he could see his UCLA grandson, who received his Bruins’ degree in philosophy, take his extensive music background and become a very successful Rock and Roll performer and also run his own respected music management company. Oh how proud Dad would have been to see Greg Jr.’s picture displayed in New York City’s Time Square as the lead singer in his successful “Indie” group called “Cheekface.”

Grandpa Howie’s grandson, Greg Jr. the lead singer for “Cheekface”, appearing on an electronic Times Square billboard.

Remembering Dad – Part 13: And to top it all off, one of Dad’s final memories before he passed was when I reacquainted with my former high school girlfriend, and he learned she was a huge UCLA fan whose son also attended UCLA. Dad loved wearing his Bruins stuff when my girlfriend, Sharon, would come with me to visit him and my mom.     

Summation: So, Dad, here’s an “eight clap” for you from your USC through-and-through, cardinal and gold oldest child. I still love you despite your misguided UCLA affections. Of course, Dad, you still have your daughter, my sister Lisa, who you shamelessly indoctrinated into your UCLA cult. Dad (AKA Grandpa Howie), Happy Father’s Day!!!

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The Walter Matthews quotebook…

Photo by Chad Simmons/On3

On why class of 2024 tight end Walter Matthews (Hiram, Georgia/ Hiram HS) selected the Trojans over the Florida Gators, Matthews said:

“His play style he (Lincoln Riley) uses with his players and his background and his ability to produce with tight ends. A big one I pay attention to is with Mark Andrews and how he was able to make him the player he is now. Also, with coach Riley, you know you’re going to have top quarterbacks no matter when you’re at a school.”

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From the press box…

(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Nobody asked me…but: Don’t look now, but the Trojans are making a strong push for class of 2025 5-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. (Charlotte, NC/Providence Day School), who some consider the No. 1 national prospect for his class. Recently, Sanders spent time on campus with Lincoln Riley and offensive line coach Josh Henson. The last great offensive lineman USC recruited from North Carolina was two-time All-American Marvin Powell from Fayetteville.

Class of 2025 5-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. with USC offensive line coach Josh Henson.
(Photo above by David Sanders Jr. Twitter)

Nobody asked me…but: Lincoln Riley was ecstatic regarding the announcement of a new football complex, which he called “an absolute game changer.”

Nobody asked me…but: The new football facility will include several bells and whistles including another full-length practice field, new locker room, weight room, team auditorium, meeting rooms, and training room to name a few. Players will access directly from the performance center.

The future USC football performance center and practice fields.

Nobody asked me…but: A couple of unanswered questions on the new football facility such as when is it supposed to be open, what happens to the football-related rooms and football-related items, and what will the name of the new facility be? Just asking. 

Nobody asked me…but: What’s your call on who is going to commit after this week’s monster USC recruiting weekend, which will bring even more clarity to the class of 2024.

Nobody asked me…but: For my money, the hope here is that one of the first commitments from this weekend’s recruiting extravaganza will be an offensive and defensive lineman.

Attending this weekend’s big recruiting gathering, the Trojans are hoping to get OL Jason Zandamela from Clearwater, Florida.
(Photo above by Chad Simmons/On3)

Nobody asked me…but: It’s a sign of the recruiting times when I am not only obviously following USC recruiting, but the recruiting of future Big Ten opponents even if USC is not involved in the recruiting. For example, offensive lineman Liam Andrews (Brookline, MA), who figures to be a Penn State/Wisconsin battle.  

Nobody asked me…but: There’s no question that the Trojans 2024 schedule starting off with LSU and ending with Notre Dame – not to mention Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Iowa is one of the most difficult USC schedules in some time. However, Alabama’s 2024 will challenge USC for the most difficult schedule. The Tide plays road games against Wisconsin, LSU, Oklahoma, and Tennessee and a home game with Georgia.   

Nobody asked me…but: If the Trojans don’t sign the St. John Bosco duo of linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and safety Peyton Woodyard, it won’t be because of their recruiting effort.  

The Trojans are hoping that Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco safety Peyton Woodyard will switch his Georgia commitment to USC.
(Photo above by Chad Simmons/On3)

Nobody asked me…but: The departure of defensive back Latrell McCutchin to the transfer portal would not be necessarily unusual except for the fact that McCutchin came with Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma and as did defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

Nobody asked me…but: It’s been awfully quiet on the new athletic director search. You can bet that USC president Dr. Carol Folt is highly sensitive to making sure each potential candidate is thoroughly vetted, so help me Mike Bohn.

Nobody asked me…but: Quarterback Julian Sayin of Carlsbad (Calif.) High, who is committed to Alabama, won the Elite 11 Finals MVP award on Friday over such notables as Georgia commit Dylan Raiola and Ohio State commit Air Noland. I know what you’re thinking. Did the Trojans recruit this kid, and if not, why not?

Alabama QB commit and Elite 11 Finals MVP Julian Sayin from Carlsbad, Calif.
(Photo above by Joseph Hastings/BamaOnLine)

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The post-game show…

(Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

Good move: Former Trojans standout Su’a Cravens has been named as a Trojans’ Athletic Ambassador.

Former Trojan linebacker/safety Su’a Cravens has been appointed a Trojans’ Athletic Ambassador.

Being elite: The nation’s most respectable quarterback camp for high school gunslingers is the Elite 11 camp. For the “campers”, it’s the camp counselors that help create the street cred. Wouldn’t you be impressed if one of your counselors was Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

The eyes of Texas: Yep, the eyes of Texas prep running backs room may have to have a nickname like the Lone Star State. If the class of 2024 running back recruiting goes according to plan, five of coach Kiel McDonald’s room will be Texas natives, namely redshirt senior Darwin Barlow (Newton), true freshmen A’Marion Peterson (Wichita Falls) and Quinten Joyner (Paige), commit Bryan Jackson (McKinney), and anticipated future commit Taylor Tatum (Longview).

If he commits, Longview, Texas, running back Taylor Tatum, the No. 1 back in the country, would make five Texas RBs at USC.
(Photo above by Tim Verghese/On3)

 Man of Steele: Phil Steele’s respected College Football Preview is now available in digital form. The printed version will come out shortly, but the 2023 cover will remain the same with a familiar face. Trojans’ QB Caleb Williams is joined by Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Michigan RB Blake Corum, Georgia OC Sedrick Van Pran, and Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry.  

Media Day: The Trojans held their own “media day” on campus to get ready for the 2023 season. Players performed a number of actions that will be shown on the Coliseum video board and print/digital during the season.

Trojans’ RB Austin Jones with assistance from the “green screen” in the background does a routine for the Coliseum video board.

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The Call-in Show…

Caller No. 1: Gregory, do you think that rabid Big Ten fans will buy 2024 USC season tickets just to get a great seat when their team arrives in the Coliseum to play our Trojans?

Caller No. 1, absolutely. I know USC fans have done the same thing for a game at Ohio State or Notre Dame. I would expect that arguably 20,000 fans from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa to bring huge numbers to the Coli. In terms of buying up USC season tickets, it will be interesting how the SC ticket department reacts when they see billing addresses.  

Caller No. 2: Katzer, in your opinion, who is the greatest recruit the Trojans have ever signed from Ohio?

Caller No. 2, former All-America defensive tackle Gary Jeter. He arrived from Cleveland and was considered the No. 1 player in Ohio in 1972 when John McKay sent Ohio St. coach Woody Hayes into a Midwest conniption upon the Trojans’ signing of Jeter from Cathedral Latin High, which is no longer in existence. 

USC All-America defensive tackle Gary Jeter is the greatest player signed out of Ohio.
(Photo above by Getty Images)

Caller No. 3, G-man, are you concerned that thus far none of the class of 2024 commitments are 5-star prospects?  

Caller No. 3, no, not at all because once the post-season all-star games are played, the players are generally reranked, and I expect to see at least one commit be elevated to 5-star status.  

Caller No. 4: Grego, give me a good reason to go watch USC play at Rutgers in 2025.  

Caller No. 4, it’s close to downtown New York City and about 36 miles by car from the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. My suggestion, stay in the Big Apple, and then drive or take the Amtrak down to New Brunswick.

The Trojans will play a Big Ten Conference game in Rutgers SHI Stadium in 2025.

Caller No. 5: GK, hard or soft-serve ice cream?

Caller No. 5, no argument here, it’s soft-serve – chocolate or vanilla or a “swirl” all the way.  

There’s nothing like a “swirl” of soft-serve chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
(Photo above by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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The last word…

In Tuesday’s edition of Inside the Trojans’ Huddle, panelists Mark Kulkin, Erik McKinney, Chris Arledge, and Greg Katz gave their thoughts and analysis on the recently released 2024/ 2025 Big Ten schedule and how it affects USC; Big Ten Trojans/Bruins schedule comparison; USC non-conference scheduling; upcoming recruiting weekend; new Prep Super League; viewers’ questions and panel answers; and much more. 

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