Why are you a Penn State fan?
- Thread starter Nitt1300
- Start date
Grew up in NEPA a Penn State fan! Lucky enough to have married an alum #IMarriedIntoThis
They had an opening and I was available.
I was a casual PSU fan until 1966 when our football boosters sponsored a trip to a PSU Game. It was PSU vs Syracuse....incidentally, Syracuse won a close game on a Floyd Little punt return, if I recall correctly. We were treated to the same trip a year later to see #3 NCSt. upset by PSU. Home from college freshman year, I sprawled on my living room floor and watched the 15-14 Orange Bowl. The following year (my sophomore) we had a coaching change and Bernie Sabol (PSU) became our coach. He had a lot of PSU stories to relate. I enjoyed the games, but really started to buy in when I learned what Joe Paterno was all about.
I'm an alum, but I used to watch the Penn State Football Highlight show every week growing up (70's). That hooked me. I knew where I wanted to go to school from that point forward. I never turned back.
Grew up 10 minutes from Pitt, but never had any interest.
Grew up 10 minutes from Pitt, but never had any interest.
Growing up in PA I was always a fan but at this moment I chose to be an alumn.
Just another cog in a long line.
1. My dad in 1941
2. Uncle Edward in 1949
3. Uncle Peter in 1951
4. Me in 1967
5. My sister in 1974
6. My daughter Lindsay in 1994
7. My daughter Stacy in 1997.
Sadly the next generation was filled with traitors, but their family so you have to love them anyway. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season everyone no matter what you believe in.
1. My dad in 1941
2. Uncle Edward in 1949
3. Uncle Peter in 1951
4. Me in 1967
5. My sister in 1974
6. My daughter Lindsay in 1994
7. My daughter Stacy in 1997.
Sadly the next generation was filled with traitors, but their family so you have to love them anyway. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season everyone no matter what you believe in.
Being a Penn State alum/fan gives me a reason to come to this message board so I can.....
- Learn how to smoke meat
- See an RIP post whenever a celebrities dies - even though it's usually someone I've never heard of
- See happy birthday posts for celebrities - even though it's usually someone I've never heard of
- Learn that a celebrity I've never heard of does something stupid - thanks a lot Kelly Ripa's husband
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I'm an alum but was always a Penn State fan. It was the influence of an older kid in the neighborhood. He ended up going to PSU too. The first game I was really aware of was the 1969 Orange Bowl. I read about it in Sports Illustrated at the neighbor's house. I had just turned eight. The next year my mother let me stay up to watch the entire Missouri Orange Bowl game. I was hooked.
Happy Holidays to all! Whatever you do during this time.
Happy Holidays to all! Whatever you do during this time.
Because it sure as hell beats being a Michigan fan.
In reality, I'm a midwesterner and grew up in Big Ten country. My dad, however, is from New Jersey and would talk about his respect for Joe Paterno. When I was a kid (early 90s), I started following college football, and because the Illini weren't a terribly big draw, I gravitated toward Penn State because of my dad's influence. Good decision on my part.
Went to Illinois for undergrad, but I'm currently getting a masters from Penn State. So I'm reconnecting with my childhood roots, in a way.
In reality, I'm a midwesterner and grew up in Big Ten country. My dad, however, is from New Jersey and would talk about his respect for Joe Paterno. When I was a kid (early 90s), I started following college football, and because the Illini weren't a terribly big draw, I gravitated toward Penn State because of my dad's influence. Good decision on my part.
Went to Illinois for undergrad, but I'm currently getting a masters from Penn State. So I'm reconnecting with my childhood roots, in a way.
When I was a freshman in high school, my brother started his freshman year at PSU (1962). I went to my first football game that year (don't remember the opponent), and was hooked. I graduated from Penn State in 1970, so I got to experience those undefeated years with no national recognition. My daughter graduated from PSU in 2002, so I have many reasons to cheer for PSU!
For some reason, I always thought Joe grew up near Flatbush Ave.
That is the area my family is from. I’m the 5th of 6 and we moved to Jersey when I was 4 but the Brooklyn roots are what brought me to my fandom.
I am a fan because of Joe Paterno. CJF is probably the closest we have in major college ball to Joe of the major programs. College football is probably over, as it was once know. It is arguable as to if that is a good or a bad thing. But the ideals of playing college ball to get an education, to put team over individual and to really have an amature sport are no longer possible if you want to compete at the highest levels. CJF does a great job balancing that. If the scandal never happened and Joe was still here, we'd be Northwestern.
My wife was looking for help to pay for grad school. The rehab hospital in Pleasant Gap offered her money for a 2 year commitment. We came out for a visit and absolutely fell in love with Happy Valley. Went home she finished school, we got married and 3 months later in January 93 we moved to State College. Born and raised in Michigan and newly weds this was quite an experience. The culture of PSU just started to seep in once we were there. The tipping point happened one night at Mario & Luigi’s (miss that place) and a chance meeting with JoePa. My wife and I have been diehard fans of all things PSU ever since. We moved back to Michigan January 99. 3rd child was on the way and it was time to go home to be close to the families.
We try to make games in Ann Arbor or East Lansing whenever PSU come to town. Football, Basketball and Hockey.
Funny how a chance meeting with a diminutive Italian guy in thick glasses ignited a passion for PSU and Nittany Lion football!
We try to make games in Ann Arbor or East Lansing whenever PSU come to town. Football, Basketball and Hockey.
Funny how a chance meeting with a diminutive Italian guy in thick glasses ignited a passion for PSU and Nittany Lion football!
Grew up a fan. My grandfather attended PSU in the 40s and was a huge Fan.
My mother is from Michigan. her whole side is UM fans and many attended UM.
I grew up rooting for both. In 93 at the age of 15 - I had to finally decide who to root for. Obvious choice. Cemented this decision by enrolling in PSU (2nd Choice was Michigan).
Either way you slice it I was born to hate the buckeyes.
Funny sidenote. Despite my PSU fandome - I still rooted for Michigan (when they didn't play us). That changed in 97 when after the debacle that occured, I had 45 messages on my phone (from the time it took to walk from Beaver Stadium to DT) with just laughter from Family. This was before Cell Phone (i didn't have one) and home phone of course had busy signals - so there had to be coordination or atleast multiple attempts from said family members. That was the 1st day I started rooting against them.
My mother is from Michigan. her whole side is UM fans and many attended UM.
I grew up rooting for both. In 93 at the age of 15 - I had to finally decide who to root for. Obvious choice. Cemented this decision by enrolling in PSU (2nd Choice was Michigan).
Either way you slice it I was born to hate the buckeyes.
Funny sidenote. Despite my PSU fandome - I still rooted for Michigan (when they didn't play us). That changed in 97 when after the debacle that occured, I had 45 messages on my phone (from the time it took to walk from Beaver Stadium to DT) with just laughter from Family. This was before Cell Phone (i didn't have one) and home phone of course had busy signals - so there had to be coordination or atleast multiple attempts from said family members. That was the 1st day I started rooting against them.
Was privileged to attend The American Legion's Keystone State during the summer of 1966 at Penn State. I fell in love with the campus and wanted to further my education there instead of Pitt where I always told my dad that I wanted to go.
Never looked back at that decision, though I've been utterly disgusted with the BOT and Corbutt since 2011.
I really miss the campus of the '60's with open green fields and space between classrooms.
Never looked back at that decision, though I've been utterly disgusted with the BOT and Corbutt since 2011.
I really miss the campus of the '60's with open green fields and space between classrooms.
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I'm 51 years old, and I can't remember a time I wasn't a Penn State fan. Dad was an alum. Mom started at PSU but was farmed out to Slippery Rock to make room at PSU for returning GIs from WWII. Aunt was an alum. Uncle was an alum. Brother is an alum. Me, class of 1990. The actions of the BOT in response to Sandusky's crimes have forever changed my relationship with Penn State. Now, I care only about football. I've become what Freeh and Emmert said we were.
grew up in lock haven. our high school fb coach was a former ps captain. my wife(then girl friend) and i baby sat for his kids. he'd pay us with 50 yard line ps tickets. started going in high school and have gone every year since except for the 4 years i played fb in college.
In my early teenage years I took an interest in football, mainly Pro football. On rare occasions I would watch a college football game. I remember being invited to a New Years Day Party and watched Penn State vs. Georgia game with 5 or 6 guys on a 25" console TV. After that I started following Penn State football and really enjoyed the journey. I remember going on a date to see Penn State play Rutgers at Giant Stadium in 1985, a beautiful day and believe it or not, a close game.
Class of 1987. Delaware county (Wallingford) kid; When I was a boy, saw the movie “something for Joey”, left an impression on me. I remember the day I left for State college, my mom cried profusely, I remember telling her it’s okay mom, I’m not going to war. Lol. Two kids there now, a senior (animal science) and a sophomore (cyber security), a third kid will start next fall.
I figure I was an admissions department processing aberration back in ‘85 as I offered a tepid academic dossier as a transfer candidate from a community college in Upstate NY...
Little interest in college football back then but really craved a large-school/collegetown experience after two years at a small commuter college...
Knew not one person when my Dad pushed me out of the Oldsmobile and into Hamilton Hall one snowy day in January 1986... the next three years were like being in Disneyworld, met 98% of my best friends and memories at Penn State... I left a tremendous amount of DNA in State College and surrounding areas
Little interest in college football back then but really craved a large-school/collegetown experience after two years at a small commuter college...
Knew not one person when my Dad pushed me out of the Oldsmobile and into Hamilton Hall one snowy day in January 1986... the next three years were like being in Disneyworld, met 98% of my best friends and memories at Penn State... I left a tremendous amount of DNA in State College and surrounding areas
Family friends moved from central PA to NW Ohio then back to central PA. (Yes, @BobPSU92 they left the state!)
We would visit them at Rebersburg prior to I-80 going across the state. Drove OH and PA turnpike to Pittsburgh. At night I was fascinated with the steel mills and the flames shooting out the top of the stacks. Then the US Steel emblem was awesome to a 4th grader. I see it was the symbol of the Steelers and became a Steelers fan.
I share this with our friends Earl and Myrtle Robb and Earl asks what players I like from Pittsburgh. I listed names of players I knew and included Lambert and Ham. He said if I liked the linebackers, I needed to cheer for Penn State because it is Linebacker University. To a fourth/fifth grade kid, it made all the sense in the world. Staunch ohowIhate fan that my father was, he didn't agree.
Now, once I became older and saw what Penn State stood for, what their famous head coach was all about, I became more of a fan.
And, that is the story of OhioLion!
Edit; And, I have a letter to my friend Earl (who was a HS guidance counselor) from the football office signed by Joe Paterno. Earl had written Joe saying I would be a fine candidate to be a student athlete at Penn State. Joe (okay, his secretary Mrs. Norman) wrote back and said I should apply, get admittance, then come talk to the staff about walking on the team. 5' 10", 185, ran a 5.2 40, and barely benched my weight. I never applied. Shoot could have carried a clip board for 4 years and been a part of 2 National Championships.
OL
We would visit them at Rebersburg prior to I-80 going across the state. Drove OH and PA turnpike to Pittsburgh. At night I was fascinated with the steel mills and the flames shooting out the top of the stacks. Then the US Steel emblem was awesome to a 4th grader. I see it was the symbol of the Steelers and became a Steelers fan.
I share this with our friends Earl and Myrtle Robb and Earl asks what players I like from Pittsburgh. I listed names of players I knew and included Lambert and Ham. He said if I liked the linebackers, I needed to cheer for Penn State because it is Linebacker University. To a fourth/fifth grade kid, it made all the sense in the world. Staunch ohowIhate fan that my father was, he didn't agree.
Now, once I became older and saw what Penn State stood for, what their famous head coach was all about, I became more of a fan.
And, that is the story of OhioLion!
Edit; And, I have a letter to my friend Earl (who was a HS guidance counselor) from the football office signed by Joe Paterno. Earl had written Joe saying I would be a fine candidate to be a student athlete at Penn State. Joe (okay, his secretary Mrs. Norman) wrote back and said I should apply, get admittance, then come talk to the staff about walking on the team. 5' 10", 185, ran a 5.2 40, and barely benched my weight. I never applied. Shoot could have carried a clip board for 4 years and been a part of 2 National Championships.
OL
Was a huge fan as a kid and
Good luck with your studies.
Watched the Kansas Orange Bowl game with my dad when I was eleven and have never wavered since. I was a student from ‘74-77 but transferred out.
Grew up with it with my father and grandfather. Every Saturday was either listening to the game on the radio or watching on tv. Loved the Penn State football story every Sunday morning at my grandfather's after church. Went to my first game with my dad in 1982 vs NC State when I was 7 and the memory of coming out of the tunnel and seeing the field with the teams on it sticks with me today. That experience solidified my fandom for life.
That's the game where I took the breath away from the future Mrs. KG as I was hugging her so hard.... Thankfully, she forgave me.
I grew up in Philadelphia, and with limited means, always expected to attend a local school and commute. I became a Penn State fan when I received a scholarship that allowed me to start at University Park in 1962. Penn State was never on my radar as I never expected the scholarship, but jumped at the chance even though I had never set foot on campus.
I fell in love with the campus, sports, and especially football weekends. Lifetime legacy includes, meeting my wife of 51 years, solid preparation for a career, many friends and many wonderful memories.
I fell in love with the campus, sports, and especially football weekends. Lifetime legacy includes, meeting my wife of 51 years, solid preparation for a career, many friends and many wonderful memories.
Wow, great stories. Mine is similar. Grew up in So Philly, Irish-Catholic in a family of Notre Dame fanatics. I remember watching a show on Channel 12, the local “PBS” channel, called TV Quarterbacks with this guy with the thickest glasses I ever saw.
However, I was intrigued and started to read and follow Penn State football. I wasn’t the greatest student, but they took me in. I pulled a high draft number which was a relief to my parents because my cousin was KIA in 1967, so off I went.
So, to wrap this up, it was Joe Paterno who gave me the bug. Even on a grainy TV show he had some type of charisma that projected.
When the BOT stabbed him in the back, I shouldn’t have been surprised. We are surrounded by institutional failure, in every walk of life, but when they abandoned Joe, they abandoned me. It will never be the same, sadly.
However, I was intrigued and started to read and follow Penn State football. I wasn’t the greatest student, but they took me in. I pulled a high draft number which was a relief to my parents because my cousin was KIA in 1967, so off I went.
So, to wrap this up, it was Joe Paterno who gave me the bug. Even on a grainy TV show he had some type of charisma that projected.
When the BOT stabbed him in the back, I shouldn’t have been surprised. We are surrounded by institutional failure, in every walk of life, but when they abandoned Joe, they abandoned me. It will never be the same, sadly.
