USC's Treasured 'Mr. Trojan' Nick Pappas Dies At 99

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Nick Pappas, affectionately known as "Mr. Trojan" throughout his 59 years of service to the University of Southern California, died of natural causes Friday at the age of 99.

Pappas began his relationship with USC as a tailback on the football team from 1935 to 1937, leading the Trojans, under Howard Jones, in 1935. Pappas then played professionally for a couple years for the Hollywood Bears in 1938 and 1939.

In 1939, Pappas returned to USC to coach the freshman football teams.

He became the stunt double for Pat O'Brien, who played Knute Rockne in 1940's "Knute Rockne: All American". He joined the Navy during World War II, and earned both a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.

After the war, Pappas became a scout for pro teams, covering six seasons, and for USC for two years. He was named an assistant varsity coach between 1953 and 1956, with the 1954 team playing in the Rose Bowl.

In the late 1950s, Pappas built the Trojan Club donor group into the single most successful organization of its type in the United States.

Continuing to rise through the ranks, Pappas became associate athletic director, in charge of athletic development.

USC spokesman Tim Tessalone says that, though Pappas retired from his full-time position in 1981, he remained active in the athletic department until 2004, working on the endowment fund through wills and estates.

Pappas was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997, and received USC's Alumni Service Award.

Pappas is survived by his daughters, Lisa Widman and Mona Pappas, along with five grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. His wife of 66 years, Deede, and a daughter, Rene Arrobio, have already passed.

The family suggested donations be made to the USC Nick Pappas Football Scholarship.

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