R.I.P. Mario Danelo

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Multiple sources including ESPN News and the Los Angeles Times report USC junior placekicker Mario Danelo was found dead in San Pedro, Calif.

Mario walked on and backed up Ryan Killeen during USC’s 2003 and 2004 title runs. He was named the starting kicker in ‘05 and I’m pretty sure he set an NCAA record for PATs attempted that season, earning a scholarship along the way. He never had a strong leg, but he was consistent.

That’s not really what I’ll remember him for, though. I met him twice, both times in 2005: the first during the Salute to Troy, an annual event in which players meet fans and vice versa, and the second during a scrimmage. Both times he was kinda off by himself, doing his thing, being a kicker. We spoke only once, at the Salute to Troy, and he was humble and well spoken and entirely shocked at people recognizing who he was.

Well, it was pretty easy. You could spot his smile a football field away.

He kicked two field goals against the Michigan Wolverines on January 1.

My condolences to the Danelo family.

Mario, the night I spoke to him. (Thanks to Joe Andras of WeAreSC.com for the picture.)

[EDIT: Here's some info on the funeral courtesy of Garry Paskewitz of WeAreSC.com...

Friday, Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m.

Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church
870 West 8th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731

Reception following at Doubletree Hotel San Pedro
2800 Via Cabrillo Marina
San Pedro, CA 90731

There is no official fund set up by the USC athletic department yet, but there is one with the Thundering Herd. They're the fans who sit in sections 11 and 13 on either side of the tunnel. If you have information on either feel free to email me or just comment with the relevant details.]

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