Pasadena Quarterbacks Club Blitzed by USC Fans

Steps from the Rose Bowl, droves of USC Trojan fans “stormed” the Pasadena Quarterback Club on Friday afternoon to see USC Assistant Athletic Director and legendary wide receiver, “J.K.” McKay. His speech touched on the rich tradition of ‘SC football; humorous anecdotes about playing for his father, John McKay and the future of the program.

“People always ask me what’s it like playing for your dad? It’s great, so long as you never lose,” McKay quipped.

After starring at Bishop Amat High in La Puente, Calif. where he paired with lifelong friend and future Trojan teammate Pat Haden (now USC’s athletic director), McKay lettered 3 years (1972-74) at wide receiver at USC while playing for his father, head coach John McKay.

The younger McKay was a member of USC’s 1972 and 1974 national championship teams and played in 3 Rose Bowls. He led USC in receiving as a senior in 1974 (34 catches for 550 yards and 8 TDs). He was Co-MVP of the 1975 Rose Bowl (with Haden) when he caught a 38-yard TD pass (from Haden) late in the game to help the Trojans to a comeback 18-17 win over Ohio State. He was selected to play in the 1975 Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl. He still ranks 23rd on USC’s career receiving list with 88 catches for 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2010, the USC football program was sent into a tailspin by the Reggie Bush investigation. The NCAA was merciless; stripping the Trojans of their 2004 National title and levying extremely harsh penalties on the University. Some of these included drastic reduction in scholarships, zero chance of playing in any bowl game for three years, and what many viewed as too tough penalties considering what other colleges had received as far as sanctions and penalties.

Just like the ’75 Rose Bowl, Pat Haden called his old friend from vacation at the Grand Canyon, and asked him to be his Assistant Athletic Director. McKay responded yes without hesitation.

“In spite of the sanctions we averaged nine wins a year, trailing only Oregon and Stanford during that span,” McKay said told the Pasadena Quarterbacks.

Pasadena Polytechnic School Head Coach Chris Schmoke hails from northern Michigan, and has been coaching the Panthers the last nine seasons.

“I was tired of the single sport obsession I encountered at previous schools I had worked for, whereas Poly teaches the players to become the great men,” Schmoke said.

The Poly team unfortunately suffered their first loss of the season 38-14 to the Linfield Christian football squad located in Temecula last night.

Last year, however, was a very successful season for Coach Schmoke, going 12-1 and leading the club to the CIF semi-final round.

The Pasadena Quarterbacks are local sports enthusiasts who meet weekly during the football season (September through November) to hear prominent speakers from the sports world, as well as area community college and high school coaches.

The Club’s lunch meetings and speaker events are held on Fridays at Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Avenue, Pasadena, adjacent to the Rose Bowl stadium. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. and lunch is served at 12:15 p.m.

For more information about the club, visit http://pasadenaquarterbacks.org/