For The Glory...

Joe Paterno passed away this morning at the age of 85. I’m not really good with words (especially in serious situations) and I don’t think I can explain to outsiders how badly this hurts, but lots of friends have been asking about it so I guess I’ll try. Unless you’re a part of the family, you just can’t imagine what’s it’s been like these past few months. Penn State is my second family; State College will always be my second home. This morning, my Penn State dad died and, as I know from losing my own father five years ago, our family will never be the same.

Someone else said to me that in many ways, Joe Paterno didn’t die from cancer- he died from a broken heart. His heart was broken for the victims of this scandal- the health and well fair of children were always a priority for Joe and his wife Sue. His heart was broken over the tarnished image of our school- nobody valued education more than this man (any doubters, take a look at the library before and after the Paterno expansion or the $100k donation he made AFTER being fired). It was always about more than football, anyone that could find State College on a map prior to November 2011 knows that all of Joe’s biggest lessons in life took place off the field.

As much as anyone can “deserve” anything in life, Joe Paterno didn’t deserve to have things end this way. He didn’t deserve to be treated by the Board of Trustees that way. (A phone call and ten words after 60+ years of service? You’ve got to be kidding me) He certainly didn’t deserve to be hounded by the media the way he was, used as a poster child for the horrific actions of a former co-worker (who he always hated incidentally), a name to use in getting a bigger headline (screw you ESPN. Seriously- GFY).  And a family should never have to respond to false reports on their loved one’s passing the way the Paterno family had to deal with these past 24 hours. I can’t imagine dealing with a public relations mess while my father slowly passes in a hospital bed.

There are probably lots of people reading this (well, I wouldn’t say “lots” of people- it’s just our stupid blog, but you know what I mean) who disagree with me. People who don’t get why or how someone can be sad over this. For those of you who don’t understand, for those who only started paying attention to Joe when the Sandusky scandal broke, you won’t get it. You will judge all of us who are mourning Joe. You won’t understand how we could be so upset over this loss, how we could care about a football coach we didn’t know personally, how we could “forget about the victims”. Well, that’s ok- it’s your opinion based on your own perspective. I’d ask that you try to remember that this was an old man; a loving husband, father and grandfather- you are allowed your thoughts and anger over what you believed he should have done in life, but please speak compassionately out of respect for his loved ones. For me, I don’t understand how you could condemn a man for another’s actions. I don’t understand how people can discredit a hero without knowing all the facts. I don’t understand how media pressure could make the board terminate a legacy with a 30 second phone call. I don’t understand NOT mourning a man who gave so much more to others than he ever took. I’m well aware that Joe Pa was far from perfect, I agreed when he rightfully stepped down as the scandal broke, but he was truly one of a kind and I’m honored that I got to be a part of his family.

I never forget about the victims of the Sandusky scandal. I can’t imagine what their lives have been like and how terrible the years to come will be as this all plays out. But today isn’t about football and it certainly isn’t about Jerry Sandusky. Today we lost a leader, we lost a hero, and the world is a sadder place without Joe Paterno. May he rest in peace now that he is out of his pain and suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with the Paterno & Penn State family.

If you feel so inclined, please consider making a donation to THON as the Paterno family has asked. This is what Penn State and Joe Paterno are all about- For The Kids!!!

May No Act Of Ours Bring Shame...

As a Penn State grad, a season ticket holder for football, a THON alum and a life-long fan of Joe Paterno, this has been a mind blowing couple of days. Based on the information the public has been given thus far, my disappointment in the actions of several key officials at my University is endless. It sickens me to think they tried to sweep these horrific violations of children under the rug. Despite the amount of knowledge each of them had, it was still a piece to that Sandusky puzzle and I believe they ALL could have done more. We don’t have all the answers yet and we may never get them, but those are my feelings right now: anger, disappointment, frustration and still a tiny bit of denial. To me, Penn State has always been perfect. State College is a perfect college town (especially since replacing the “Hooters” restaurant with that silly Irish pub); the football program (despite little hiccups and some poorly played seasons) has always been perfect; the over crowded, teeny tiny dorms that ALWAYS smelled like urine or pine sol have always been perfect; the ridiculously long walk on freezing cold February mornings at 8am to a class on the opposite side of campus that is a requirement even though you will NEVER use it in your career has always been perfect; even the terrible leg room in the lecture halls at the Forum Building have always been perfect. Today, even with my “PSU Pride” blinders on, I have to admit that Joe Paterno is not perfect, and that kills a little bit.

Last year I was in Beaver Stadium to watch Joe win his 400th game. My sister and I were sitting next to one another, bawling our eyes out during Joe’s post-game speech. I will never forget Deb turning to me and saying, “He’s everyone’s dad!” We laughed really hard at that, but truly it was how everyone in that stadium felt. “Our” dad, our pride & joy, had accomplished an amazing thing. I will admit that earlier this year, I was questioning whether or not Joe should still be our coach. I was questioning his health (he’s 84 for god’s sake!) and I was questioning his (and his son’s) indecision about our quarterbacks. At the time, these seemed like REALLY important things; little did I know that in just a few weeks I would be questioning the morals of Joe Paterno. Even typing that right now seems surreal.
It has just been announced that Joe Paterno plans to retire at the end of this season. Well needless to say, this is not what I pictured the day of his retirement announcement to be like. I always imagined Joe’s last game would be horribly sad for the school, losing our leader, but we’d be so filled of pride too. Now, it will be sad for a different reason and I’m not sure how much pride I’ll be able to muster up by this Saturday. I still love him (and his coke bottle glasses) and am proud of all the wonderful things he & his wife have done for our school over the years, but he’s failed us here. Our leader has let us down, and it’s not something that is easily (or ever) replaced.



When I was 6 years old and my brother was a freshman at Penn State, I learned all the words to the alma mater. For 20 some years I’ve joined in singing that song before every home game. “May no act of ours bring shame” Anyone who violates that does not deserve to be a part of our Penn State family. And somehow, I think Joe Paterno has gotten himself into that category.

We’ll miss you Joe, but it’s time for us to hold you to the same standard you always held us to. This doesn’t erase all the wonderful things you’ve done, but it still is apart of your history now at Penn State and we can’t ignore that. God bless you and your family in your retirement and god bless all the children & families affected by this tragedy. Jerry Sandusky- I have nothing to say except I hope they’re getting your place ready in hell.
Go State, Beat Nebraska!
~M