Penn State Civility and Respect

[IndianaNittanyLion]

I am greatly impressed by the maturity and the propriety exhibited by our wrestlers. After winning their matches, they generally do not dance around, pump their fists and try to jack up the crowd (perhaps because our crowd is already jacked up). They don’t point fingers, taunt opponents and act arrogantly. They simply shake hands and run off the mat. Even in defeat our wrestlers act like men with dignity. Likewise in football, after touchdowns Joe Pa taught the players to simply hand the ball to the official and return to the bench. That’s the Penn State way.

As Penn State fans, it is good to remind ourselves that we can still learn from these kids. We may not agree with everyone on this message board, but everyone (even fans from tOSU, Minn, Iowa and OkSt) deserves our respect. I think it’s great that others join our discussions – we need that balance. I realize that a lot of our posts are friendly pokes at others, but sometimes the comments go over the top. Always remember . . . We are Penn State. That means something.

Years ago, when trash was being thrown out onto the football field coach Sam Wyche reminded the crowd: “You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati.” Translated, that means you don’t have to stoop to the lowest level of behavior - show some class.

[I might mention, I actually like Cleveland – it’s not that bad.]

 

[clucas]

I am greatly impressed by the maturity and the propriety exhibited by our wrestlers. After winning their matches, they generally do not dance around, pump their fists and try to jack up the crowd (perhaps because our crowd is already jacked up). They don’t point fingers, taunt opponents and act arrogantly. They simply shake hands and run off the mat. Even in defeat our wrestlers act like men with dignity. Likewise in football, after touchdowns Joe Pa taught the players to simply hand the ball to the official and return to the bench. That’s the Penn State way.

As Penn State fans, it is good to remind ourselves that we can still learn from these kids. We may not agree with everyone on this message board, but everyone (even fans from tOSU, Minn, Iowa and OkSt) deserves our respect. I think it’s great that others join our discussions – we need that balance. I realize that a lot of our posts are friendly pokes at others, but sometimes the comments go over the top. Always remember . . . We are Penn State. That means something.

Years ago, when trash was being thrown out onto the football field coach Sam Wyche reminded the crowd: “You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati.” Translated, that means you don’t have to stoop to the lowest level of behavior - show some class.

[I might mention, I actually like Cleveland – it’s not that bad.]

But isn't the Sam Wyche quote in and of itself a disrespectful rip on Cleveland? Your example doesn't espouse the behavior your are encouraging.

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

I am greatly impressed by the maturity and the propriety exhibited by our wrestlers. After winning their matches, they generally do not dance around, pump their fists and try to jack up the crowd (perhaps because our crowd is already jacked up). They don’t point fingers, taunt opponents and act arrogantly. They simply shake hands and run off the mat. Even in defeat our wrestlers act like men with dignity. Likewise in football, after touchdowns Joe Pa taught the players to simply hand the ball to the official and return to the bench. That’s the Penn State way.

As Penn State fans, it is good to remind ourselves that we can still learn from these kids. We may not agree with everyone on this message board, but everyone (even fans from tOSU, Minn, Iowa and OkSt) deserves our respect. I think it’s great that others join our discussions – we need that balance. I realize that a lot of our posts are friendly pokes at others, but sometimes the comments go over the top. Always remember . . . We are Penn State. That means something.

Years ago, when trash was being thrown out onto the football field coach Sam Wyche reminded the crowd: “You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati.” Translated, that means you don’t have to stoop to the lowest level of behavior - show some class.

[I might mention, I actually like Cleveland – it’s not that bad.]

Our wrestlers (and coaches) have shown tremendous emotion on big victories, upsets, etc... I completely disagree with you, there is nothing wrong with showing emotion after a big win as long as it is not directed at your opponent and you put your hand out to shake at center mat win or lose (also don't agree that there is anything whatsoever wrong with acknowledging the home crowd as the wrestlers run off the mat and down the tunnel on their way out....and I've seen our wrestlers do this as well.).

 

[dunkej01]

DT had several post match hand waiving to the crowd. Which I'm ok with.

Zain has gotten rough with a few guys this year. Which I'm ok with.

Nolf just tried to tree top murphy. Which I'm ok with.

Nico routinely tries to rip a guys shoulder out of socket. Which I'm ok with.

We have guys that go to church but I wouldn't call them choir boys by any stretch.

 

[IndianaNittanyLion]

I'm not saying the players shouldn't get excited about winning nor that they can't acknowledge the crowd or wave. I'm also not saying that they shouldn't wrestle rough - that's the sport and there's nothing wrong with that. What I AM saying is that the grandstanding, arrogant narcissistic behavior is something that we don't see with our PSU wrestlers. I like that - they have a measure of humility, which is often lacking in sport stars. Likewise, our coaches and players don't make condescending statements about our opponents. As adults, we should likewise act as such.

 

[CropDuster507]

This is all great and stuff... until we wrestle Iowa (obviously in future seasons). Then, I could care less if there is grandstanding, face-mushing, or wrestling after the whistle.

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

I'm not saying the players shouldn't get excited about winning nor that they can't acknowledge the crowd or wave. I'm also not saying that they shouldn't wrestle rough - that's the sport and there's nothing wrong with that. What I AM saying is that the grandstanding, arrogant narcissistic behavior is something that we don't see with our PSU wrestlers. I like that - they have a measure of humility, which is often lacking in sport stars. Likewise, our coaches and players don't make condescending statements about our opponents. As adults, we should likewise act as such.

I guess.... Not sure what all the proclamations are all about. You sure do like to lecture - not sure what that's all about or why you feel you feel the need to repeatedly chastise the board.

 

[purescurve]

I told my wife women shouldn't be allowed to vote...

 

[El-Jefe]

I told my wife women shouldn't be allowed to vote...

Don't worry, when she beats your ass for that, Foley will tell her to not face-mush you afterward.

 

[androcles]

I think INL was merely voicing his approval of our team's respectful behavior ... and I think that was very sincere... and I would much rather have our young men represent Penn State in that manner than with some of the boorish behavior I have witnessed by some wrestlers in the past ... and I did not sense any "lecturing" aspect to his comments...
... but thas jes my opinion and you are certainly entitled to your own...
... Joe's instruction to his players to hand the ball to the ref and return directly to the bench was accompanied with the strong admonition,"Act like you've been there before!"... .

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

I think INL was merely voicing his approval of our team's respectful behavior ... and I think that was very sincere... and I would much rather have our young men represent Penn State in that manner than with some of the boorish behavior I have witnessed by some wrestlers in the past ... and I did not sense any "lecturing" aspect to his comments...
... but thas jes my opinion and you are certainly entitled to your own...
... Joe's instruction to his players to hand the ball to the ref and return directly to the bench was accompanied with the strong admonition,"Act like you've been there before!"... .

Hey look, I'm as proud of our kids and coaches as anyone - I think they're great representatives of Penn State. I think the show PSU puts on in both Rec Hall or the JBC is incredibly good for NCAA wrestling and wrestling in general. I guess what I don't get is the chastising of the board and our fans as to our behavior - "As adults, we should likewise act as such.". Sounds like lecturing to me, but whatever......it's all good.

 

[CropDuster507]

"Act like you've been there before... And politely remind them that you'll be there to do it again, should they challenge you to do so." -CropDuster

 

[James P. Whitters III]

Jason Nolf to me personifies this more than any other. I mentioned before that he reminds me of Cael, and this is probably the thing more than the skill set itself. Nolf wrestles detatched? (not sure that is the correct word for it). He just goes about his business like I would go about mowing the lawn. He looks effortless and smooth at all times. I can't imagine it is actually easy for him, but he sure makes it look that way. I remember watching Cael during his early years at ISU and it was the same way. He simply moved a step or two ahead of his opponents and usually looked like a guy out for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. I can't predict if he will beat I-Mar the next time they meet, or if he can stay ahead of Jo Jo the next few years, but I can say he is my favorite college wrestler to watch. It is difficult to explain what I perceive as obvious, but a couple of my other old wrestling pals feel the same way. Deja vu all over again as Yogi would say. This young man is like a Cael clone.

Zain imo is much more the fire to Nolf's ice. He wrestles with intense urgency and pressure (like Metcalf) and seems to relish breaking his opponents with physical strength and will. He is fun to watch as well, but it is more like watching a massacre than Nolf. I would much rather wrestle with Nolf where I feel like I would lose by 200 points but live to walk away. Zain....no thanks.

 

[tikk10]

Jason Nolf to me personifies this more than any other. I mentioned before that he reminds me of Cael, and this is probably the thing more than the skill set itself. Nolf wrestles detatched? (not sure that is the correct word for it). He just goes about his business like I would go about mowing the lawn. He looks effortless and smooth at all times. I can't imagine it is actually easy for him, but he sure makes it look that way. I remember watching Cael during his early years at ISU and it was the same way. He simply moved a step or two ahead of his opponents and usually looked like a guy out for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. I can't predict if he will beat I-Mar the next time they meet, or if he can stay ahead of Jo Jo the next few years, but I can say he is my favorite college wrestler to watch. It is difficult to explain what I perceive as obvious, but a couple of my other old wrestling pals feel the same way. Deja vu all over again as Yogi would say. This young man is like a Cael clone.

Zain imo is much more the fire to Nolf's ice. He wrestles with intense urgency and pressure (like Metcalf) and seems to relish breaking his opponents with physical strength and will. He is fun to watch as well, but it is more like watching a massacre than Nolf. I would much rather wrestle with Nolf where I feel like I would lose by 200 points but live to walk away. Zain....no thanks.

I've made that Cael comparison myself based on Nolf's interviews, where he conveys the sense that he never gets too high or too low, very similar temperament to Cael's. Even in the IMar match his celebration was as muted as anyone's you'd find given the context, stakes, and hype prior to the match. I imagine of all the guys he has to coach, Cael has the least amount of convincing to do with Nolf because they already share a wavelength. Interviews from high school tournaments suggest that Nolf wasn't much different then.

 

[seeyajohn]

I agree with the OP. I just watched some of the Missouri v Old Dominion match and virtually every Missouri winner paraded around the mat showing muscles posing for the fans and generally rubbing it in. I still like Joe Pa's view of sportsmanship. I also echo the comments about Jason.

 

[RoarLions1]

Nico quoted in today's CDT, courtesy of Staff Reporter Nate Cobler...

“No,” Megaludis said on Tuesday when asked if he is feeling added pressure. “We treat every match the same. We always have the same focus. I still want to go out there and make him hate wrestling me and put up a lot of points.”

 

[El-Jefe]

Jason Nolf to me personifies this more than any other. I mentioned before that he reminds me of Cael, and this is probably the thing more than the skill set itself. Nolf wrestles detatched? (not sure that is the correct word for it). He just goes about his business like I would go about mowing the lawn. He looks effortless and smooth at all times. I can't imagine it is actually easy for him, but he sure makes it look that way. I remember watching Cael during his early years at ISU and it was the same way. He simply moved a step or two ahead of his opponents and usually looked like a guy out for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. I can't predict if he will beat I-Mar the next time they meet, or if he can stay ahead of Jo Jo the next few years, but I can say he is my favorite college wrestler to watch. It is difficult to explain what I perceive as obvious, but a couple of my other old wrestling pals feel the same way. Deja vu all over again as Yogi would say. This young man is like a Cael clone.

Zain imo is much more the fire to Nolf's ice. He wrestles with intense urgency and pressure (like Metcalf) and seems to relish breaking his opponents with physical strength and will. He is fun to watch as well, but it is more like watching a massacre than Nolf. I would much rather wrestle with Nolf where I feel like I would lose by 200 points but live to walk away. Zain....no thanks.

It's like the old joke about Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson. One of them is a comfortable 0-for-4, you walk back to the dugout thinking you had more of a chance than you really did. The other guy does this to you:

 

[James P. Whitters III]

Kruck- Now there is a great guy! That is a perfect analogy. "Things were going pretty well until the crime dog killed a family of 3 in the upper deck" John Kruck ( about a Fred Mcgriff home run) when questioned after a post season loss to the braves. The Phillies would go on to win that series setting up the Carter walk off home run for the Minnesota....err....Toronto BlueJays.

 

[Hotshoe]

"Act like you've been there." Emotion is awesome, but there is no reason to embarrass the opponent. Less is usually more. That's when you hear, "he made that look easy."

 

[SFNit]

I am greatly impressed by the maturity and the propriety exhibited by our wrestlers. After winning their matches, they generally do not dance around, pump their fists and try to jack up the crowd (perhaps because our crowd is already jacked up). They don’t point fingers, taunt opponents and act arrogantly. They simply shake hands and run off the mat. Even in defeat our wrestlers act like men with dignity. Likewise in football, after touchdowns Joe Pa taught the players to simply hand the ball to the official and return to the bench. That’s the Penn State way.

As Penn State fans, it is good to remind ourselves that we can still learn from these kids. We may not agree with everyone on this message board, but everyone (even fans from tOSU, Minn, Iowa and OkSt) deserves our respect. I think it’s great that others join our discussions – we need that balance. I realize that a lot of our posts are friendly pokes at others, but sometimes the comments go over the top. Always remember . . . We are Penn State. That means something.

Years ago, when trash was being thrown out onto the football field coach Sam Wyche reminded the crowd: “You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati.” Translated, that means you don’t have to stoop to the lowest level of behavior - show some class.

[I might mention, I actually like Cleveland – it’s not that bad.]

I don't know enough about the Cincinatti vs Cleveland thing to comment on that, but I certainly agree with the rest of your post.

The first paragraph expresses what I'd like to see in all Penn State athletes. Showing class in victory and defeat.

I also agree with what you said about fans behavior. This is great advice for our own boards, but it applies even more when we visit other teams' boards..... what goes around, comes around....

 

[grappler6]

I am fine with some personality after a win, especially a big win. All within reason of course. If somebody shows up a Gopher though, then we got problems! Kidding, kinda.