USC’s Sample Is Satisfied With Garrett’s Stewardship

With the football team at his university struggling for a second consecutive season--and the program under fire from fans and the media--USC President Steven B. Sample voiced support Wednesday for Athletic Director Mike Garrett.

A three-game losing streak has made Garrett and Coach Paul Hackett the focus of criticism in recent weeks. The Trojans, ranked as high as No. 8 earlier this season, have slipped to last place in the Pacific 10 Conference.

While acknowledging that “football is definitely our flagship sport,” Sample echoed a sentiment that Garrett has often voiced: The athletic director should not be judged solely on the win-loss record of one team.

As for Hackett’s future, Sample said only, “I tend to leave the management of intercollegiate athletics to the athletic director. I try to stay out of it.”

However, any major changes within the department--such as a coaching change--would be brought to his attention, he said.

Since arriving at USC in March 1991, Sample has made his athletic priorities clear.

In a talk given to coaches and athletes each year, he has said he wants USC athletes to compete within NCAA rules and to graduate. He wants the athletic department to operate within its budget. Lastly, he wants USC teams to compete for conference and national championships.

Sample said he is pleased with the way Garrett has pursued these goals. He also dismissed the perception that his passion for academics is such that he does not regard athletics as important.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said that and it certainly isn’t what I feel,” he said. “I feel an intercollegiate athletic program can be a great asset.”