 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
We're gonna live in Century City...
When UCLA hit 100 NCAA Titles (via the Women's Water Polo 3-peat) on Sunday, we thought that we might have to re-name Westwood "Century City." But that name's taken, which is fine, because after seeing a part of the new incarnation of the UCLA Spirit Squad, we can just call it "Century Pretty."
Lord Have Mercy. On the same day that Jerry Falwell (the Teletubby-attacking man of the cloth who blamed 9/11 on Gays and Liberals) went to meet his Maker in the Spirit World, the UCLA Spirit Squad -- God's gift to us and many others -- was resurrected on Spaulding Field. Of course if it were up to the God Squad, the Cheer Squad would never even take off their warm-ups. God works in mysterious ways.
The G.L.O.W. squad (that's "Gorgeous Ladies of We've-got-spirit") appeared because UCLA had a Dual Celebration going on: First, they Officially received the Lexus Gauntlet (for dominating the trojans during the past year), and then they paid tribute to the Water Polo Team that brought home the Golden Ticket, i.e. #100.
Some of the UCLA Band was there to provide the soundtrack to the event, which featured several UCLA dignitaries including Chancellor Abrams.
UCLA Basketball player turned Broadcaster Sean Farnham started off the festivities, leading to Lexus presenting the Glove-shaped Gauntlet trophy to A.D. Dan Guerrero. NO ONE MADE A JOKE ABOUT HOW IF THE GLOVE DOESN'T FIT, YOU MUST ACQUIT... because that Gloved statue fits PERFECTLY, right here in Century Pretty.
Guerrero gave back to the Lexus Rep a framed lithograph featuring photos from the 13-9 UCLA Football triumph over Figueroa Tech that was part of the unprecedented sweep: In the 6 years of this Award, this year's margin was the largest, thanks to the Sweep in Football, Basketball, and Baseball.
After the Gauntlet was presented, and after an all-too-brief Band and Spirit Squad interlude, the focus was on the 100 Titles. Title-winning Coaches Al Scates and Sue Enquist made rousing speeches, and Chancellor Abrams had some encouraging words as well. Enquist lauded Adam Krikorian, who coaches both Men's and Women's Water Polo. Adam ultimately came up and ceremoniously received the 100th Championship plaque from Abrams.
Ben Howland was in attendance, however Coach Wooden, who was directly responsible for 10 of those Banners and indirectly responsible for several more, was not. Neither was Karl Dorrell, who hasn't won any Titles, but DID contribute to the Lexus Victory. [BCS Titles are mythical, and don't count anyway, on this day] In Karl's place, the energizer bunny of Assistant Coaches, Coach K (Ed Kezerian) said a few words and shared a few celebratory hugs. And no, he did not have a towel with him. The other shock of the day, was that Alumni Cheerleader Geof Strand was NOT on hand. It must have been killing him to miss it. "Every Man, Woman, and Child... minus ONE."
Below are 18 photos from the double-gala, so you and Geof can see what you missed. And let us say in no uncertain terms: You missed a lot! UCLA still has the most amazing Spirit Squad in the Universe. Almost every photo we took came out stunningly beautiful. We could be posting pics from this event for weeks, if not months, to come.
|
|
|
|
|
|
