Trojans 1962: John McKay's First National Championship

About the Book

In 1962, following two losing seasons, Coach John McKay was fighting for his job. The 1962 team was undersized but smart quick and tough. Although underdogs in four games, including the Rose Bowl, the Trojans finished with an 11-0 record and defeated Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl and become national champions. Although the 1962 Trojans were the least talented of Coach McKay’s four national championship teams, their success enabled USC to once again become a football power. You’ll meet the players from this team and learn about their joys and sorrows as well their successes and failures.

The team included tempestuous end “Prince” Hal Bedsole, who still holds USC’s season and career records for most yards per reception. Fleet Willie Brown, whose clutch plays on offense and defense preserved an undefeated season. Fiery Trojan captain Marv Marinovich, whose athletic techniques have become legendary, and Fred Hill, whose daughter, Kim, became the inspiration for the Ronald McDonald House.

About the Author

BILL BLOCK graduated from USC with an MBA in finance and a bachelor’s degree in business. He managed the USC track team for three years and was part of the team that won the NCAA track and field championship. Bill has been an avid Trojan football fan for more than fifty-five years. He has not missed a home football game when he has been in California. Bill has spent more than forty-five years on Wall Street as an investment analyst. In 1997, Bill formed W.A.B. Capital, which provides in-depth research of micro cap stocks.

Trojans 1962: John McKay’s First National Championship is Bill’s second book about a USC football team. In 2009, Bill published Trojans 1972: An Immortal Team of Mortal Men.