USC Dominates Local Sports Awards

Past, present, and future Trojans made their presence felt at last week's 710 ESPN Southern California Sports Awards. Over 18,000 online votes were cast in a dozen categories. USC and its athletes (and athletes-to-be) walked away with five of the trophies.

Sedrick Ellis was named College Male Athlete of the Year. His performance on the defensive line helped USC's football team to win honors in the College Male Team category.

USC women's soccer got the nod as the College Female Team of the Year after their Cinderella season resulted in a national championship. Goalkeeper Kristen Olsen earned recognition as top College Female Athlete for her leadership and 12 shutouts on the season.

Matt Barkley (pictured, l) of Mater Dei, a Trojan commit, was named the best High School Male Athlete. Only a junior, he became the youngest football player to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Locally, though, he just squeaked by. His 3-vote victory was the smallest margin in any category.

The Laker's Derek Fisher was named Inspirational Athlete of the Year. In of those rare cases where everybody is a winner, the Trojans had another reason to smile. Ricky Rosas, special assistant to Pete Carroll and renowned "Gatorade bartender," earned a nomination and was invited on stage along with Corona Centennial football coach Matt Logan.

This was the second annual awards show, co-hosted by San Diego Charger LaDainian Tomlinson (pictured, r) and 710 ESPN radio host Colin Cowherd. Former Trojan wide receiver Curtis Conway was a presenter. For a complete list of winners, pictures, and a full podcast of the show, click here.

Image courtesy 710 ESPN.