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A USC-UCLA Hall of Fame by any name

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The preferred name probably depends on your point of view. Or alma mater.

It could be the USC-UCLA Dual Meet Hall of Fame. Or the UCLA-USC Dual Meet Hall of Fame.

Regardless, the nine athletes inducted Tuesday as the inaugural class represent some of the best athletes who have competed in one of the most heated rivalries in college sports. They were honored at a news conference at USC’s Heritage Hall that also served as a kickoff for Saturday’s dual meet at USC’s Cromwell Field.

From UCLA: Willie Banks (triple-jump), John Brenner (shot put), WayneCollett (sprints) and Seilala Sua (shot put and discus).

From USC: Willie Deckard (sprints), Natasha Danvers (hurdles), Virginia Powell (sprints), James Sanford (sprints)and Bob Seagren (pole vault).

Longtime track promoter Don Franken said he started the hall of fame to recognize those who made their mark in the annual dual meet.

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‘This event has more tradition than any event like it in the country,’ Franken said. ‘So many of the people that went on to great careers were unknown until they made their mark in this meet.’

-- Gary Klein

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