San Diego's national stars at USC

A couple of Hall of Champions Stars of the Month long ago went national as star athletes at USC.

USC All-American picks Reggie Bush and Moriah Van Norman received their Star of the Month plaques from Tom Shanahan of the Hall of Champions on Tuesday after USC's football practice in preparation for Saturday's game against UCLA.

Bush, a junior All-American running back from Helix High, was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2004 and is a favorite for the 2005 award that will be announced on Dec. 10.

The Trojans are seeking a third straight national championship.

Van Norman, a senior All-American women's water polo player from University High, was her sport's National Player of the Year in 2004 as a sophomore when she led the Trojans to the NCAA title.

As a junior USC returned to the Final Four before the Trojans were beaten in the semifinals.

Bush and Van Norman were both named Stars of the Year by the Hall of Champions at last year's Salute to Champions. The 60th annual Salute to Champions is Feb. 28, 2006 at the Town and Country Resort.