May 6, 2008

For the fourth time in seven years, USC has won the Lexus Gauntlet trophy in the head-to-head all-sports challenge with crosstown rival UCLA.

The Trojans won the 2007-08 version of the rivalry's crown jewel by a score of 67.5 to 42.5. Troy clinched the trophy following last week's wins over the Bruins in women's track and field, women's rowing and men's golf.

The Southern California Lexus Dealers Association will present the trophy to USC athletic director Mike Garrett, joined by Trojan coaches and staff, at an upcoming public ceremony on the USC campus, at a date and time to be announced.

In the seven years of the Gauntlet competition, the schools have alternated winning the trophy. USC won the inaugural competition in 2002, then again in 2004 and 2006 and now in 2008. UCLA captured the trophy in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

The Southern California Lexus Dealers Association is the exclusive title sponsor of every USC-UCLA athletic competition. This is the first time the two universities have partnered with a corporate entity for complete rivalry sponsorship. In 2001, the schools signed a contract with Lexus, America's best-selling luxury automotive manufacturer.

For almost 90 years, these rivals have competed for the ultimate citywide title. Now, based on the practice of knights who challenged each other to duel by throwing their armored gauntlets to the ground, Lexus has issued the absolute challenge: the Lexus Gauntlet competition.