Last Saturday we went to a Penn State football game. I donned a borrowed sweatshirt and slipped into the life of a Penn State fan. I learned the liturgy of PSU football, tutored by my beloved niece Anne. First off, Joe Paterno is “Joepa”. One of the chants is “JoePa” with the other side responding “Terno”. There is an abiding affection for this man that permeates everything within a 100 mile radius.
This wall has a quote: “They ask me what I’d like to be written about me when I’m gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach.”
The stadium holds 100,000 + people. By the time the band comes onto the field, the stadium is packed with people. The drum major wuns out and does a flip on the field. He jumps high enough to make the flip without the plumes on his hat touching the ground. The tradition is that if he makes the flip without muffing it, PSU will win the game.
The players do not have their names on the backs of their jerseys to emphasize that they play as a team. My brother’s extended family is very closely connected to PSU; consequently we had great seats on the 45 yd line, 15 rows up. Sometimes I look straight ahead at the line of scrimmage.
My brother’s family are friends with two of the players. They’ve had them down to the farm, fed them, and encouraged them. It was fun to cheer for specific players and to follow them. The final score was PSU 33 Northwestern 7. Hooray!!
A Living Pencil 
What a blast! My husband loves Penn State!
Great Pics!
MOM! You and football=I don’t really know? wow!
Great pics and great story about all the traditions. I didn’t know. I was reading McCulloughs “Johnstown Flood” book also and was about 2/3 of the way through when it was due at the library. I need to get it and finish it.You look wonderful in your pic at the game! I’m so glad you’re having a great visit. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.Sandy
Wow – this is my first time to make a comment on Xanga – I hope I’m doing it right… Anyhoo – Aunt Carol – those pictures you took are amazing! I especially like the pictures of the farm land around my house – you make it all look so much better through your eyes! Anyway – I’m very sad you are no longer in PA. Come and visit again sometime soon! Love you!
Anne
Anne, dear, you are the VERY FIRST family member to comment. That deserves something, don’t you think? Can you send me an email (see sidebar) so I can get your email? I’d like your permission for something for Fine Art Friday. Love you back! (I **love** your xanga name.)
Well, I can’t say that I envy your football game even if it was Penn State (my oldest son just started as a graduate student there), but the scenery and the fall colors are gorgeous!