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Thought I'd post an excellent essay on what exactly the Trojan Knights are, for those of you who simply know us as, "the guys with really good seats at the football games."

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Daniel Kacinski
March 9, 2005

The Defenders of Troy:
The Trojan Knights and the University of Southern California

The traditions of the University of Southern California are held close to heart of every Trojan. From proudly displaying the "Fight On!" sign to regularly attending every football game, each Trojan finds their own way of showing pride in their school. But one organization has sworn to protect these important parts of university life. The Trojan Knights, one of the foremost spirit and service organizations at the University of Southern California, has dedicated itself to ensuring that our most deeply treasured Trojan traditions survive on for generations of Trojans to come.

The foundation of the Trojan Knights intended to protect the traditions of the University most dear to the institution. Forty-one years after the foundation of the University of Southern California, the Trojan Knights laid down roots at the university. Three students, Harry Pryor, Harry Kennedy and Lindley Bothwell, founded the group in 1921 in order to create an organization dedicated to both pass on the University traditions and to strengthening both the University and local community.[1] The original class of fourteen strove to create a group in which the Spirit of Troy would be protected within a unique brotherhood that would serve the University for years to come.

The Knights' service to the University spans through to the present day. In their earlier years, the Knights pioneered a number of stunts and other spirit events at football games. "Fight On," the University fight song, was composed for a Trojan Knights sponsored contest.[2] The group also moved the organization towards events benefiting the community. Knights have gone to serve in positions in the University and beyond. One of the founding fathers, Lindley Bothwell, went on to be the first coach of the University Yell Leaders[3], taking the traditions of the Knights to a university-wide level.

Today, the Knights continue the traditions they have striven to protect. The group has emphasized its charitable role in the community, founding a number of events directly linked to supporting society. "Swim with Mike," an annual swim-a-thon, raises money for the USC Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund. The event honors Mike Nyeholt, an Olympic swimmer paralyzed in 1981, and has raised over three and a half million dollars since its inception. Knight Bowl helps to raise money for Troy Camp, which helps to give underprivileged children from the community an unforgettable summer camp experience.[4] The commitment to community even to today has kept the Knights as one of the foremost organizations on campus.

This dedication to spirit and community makes the Trojan Knights the continued protectors of the University of Southern California. These warriors of Troy guarantee that Trojans for years to come will be able to yell "Fight On" with pride, dedication and honor.
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[1] No Author. "History." Trojan Knights 2005. URL:http://www.trojanknights.org/history.html,
Accessed March 9, 2005.

[2] No Author. "History-The Von KleinSmid Era" About USC. URL:
http://www.usc.edu/about/factbook/history/vonkleinsmid_era.html,
Accessed March 9, 2005.

[3] No Author. "About the USC Yell Leaders." USC Yell Leaders. URL:http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/IMREC/spirit/yell/about/about.html,
Accessed March 9, 2005.

[4] "History," Trojan Knights 2005