Trojans players take time to help make fan’s dream come true

Shortly after their arrival in Salt Lake City for Saturday’s game against Utah, several USC players took time to meet with Trojans fan Stacy Leininger.

Leininger, 42, said she has been battling terminal cancer for five years. The Elko, Nev., resident said one of the items on her “bucket list” was to meet the Trojans.

USC alums Ed O’Donnell and Bob Wilson helped arrange with USC officials for her to meet the players.

On Friday, she met and took photos with quarterback Cody Kessler, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, receiver Nelson Agholor and tailback Javorius Allen in the lobby at the team hotel.

“This is incredible,” she said, tearing up. “I mean these guys….”

Leininger said she attended USC’s game against Utah two years ago but could stay for only 10 minutes because she was too ill.

Meeting the players was a good start to the weekend.

“Oh my gosh,” she said. “I’m just like, wow.”