Joe, at nearly 80 years of age, brought in that great 2005 class and followed it with another outstanding class for 2006,. Both classes became the core of the 2008 B1G Champs. People said that no one could close the deal on a recruit like Joe could.
Mike Robinson, c. 2001 was one of the top recruits east of the Mississippi. Joe was about age 75. Mike related so well to Joe that not only did he come to PSU over any school of his choosing, he spoke eloquently at Joe's memorial service and stated that Joe never lied to him - something highly ethical people of any age can relate to.
Joe didn't land all his top targets in his last 10 years or so (no one does!), but 85%+ of the schools in the country would have loved to have had his haul on signing days during that time.
Joe earned the right to retire on his terms. I wish he had retired sooner, too, but I was willing to be ok with ok seasons and decent bowls to allow the man to go out as he wanted.
PSU winning was never the most important thing. Came to understand that better as I got older; got that idea from JVP.
65? Too young anymore in many cases. Joe was physically ok, and still very mentally sharp at 75+. Past his peak, but better than most. It is reasonable to think that many people in good physical and mental health can lead and get things done at a high level into their mid-70s and even a little later.
