Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno Press Release

The Pennsylvania State University and college athletics mourns the passing of Joseph V. Paterno.

Paterno, who was 85 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The legendary teacher, mentor and humanitarian had been diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2012.

A member of the Penn State coaching staff for 62 seasons, Paterno immensely impacted the lives of thousands of current and former Penn State students, student-athletes and staff, fans, community members and followers of college athletics. “The Nittany Lions’ head football coach for nearly 46 years, he was among the first three active coaches to be inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Hall of Fame, in 2007” (ESPN, 2012).

Paterno zealously and energetically served the Penn State football program and the university with value, merit and success with honor since taking his position in. “After 16 years as an assistant coach under Engle, Paterno was named Penn State’s 14^th head football coach on February 19, 1966 when Engle retired” (ESPN, 2012).

“Head coach of the Nittany Lions since 1966, Paterno is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) leader in career victories, earning a 409-136-3 career record, a 74.9 winning percentage” (ESPN, 2012). The iconic Paterno is one of only three coaches in NCAA history to post 400 career wins (ESPN, 2013).

“This is a tremendous loss for Penn State and the world,” stated Dave Joyner, Penn State acting Director of Athletics. “Joe Paterno was a great man who was one of the greatest influences on my life and the lives of Penn Staters.  For those who had the opportunity to meet or play under Paterno, he taught them so much. He thought of himself as an educator first, and then a football coach. Paterno believed in self-discipline and paying attention to small details. His famous quote, “if you keep hustling and plugging away something good will happen” will linger in the hearts of many. His impact can be felt all over the world and his spirit will continue to encourage future athletes to come.

“Paterno’s career was marked with distinction, glorious accomplishments and immeasurable contributions to Penn State” (ESPN, 2012).

Paterno’s coaching  comprised of two National Championships (1982, 1986); five undefeated, untied teams; 23 finishes in the Top 10 of the national rankings; an unparalleled five American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coach-of-the-Year plaques, and more than 350 former players who signed National Football League contracts, 33 of them first-round draft choices (ESPN, 2013).

In 2007, Paterno was inaugurated into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. The American Football Coaches Association recognized Paterno with its highest honor in 2002, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award. The award honors those “whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests of football” (ESPN, 2012)

Joe Paterno was survived by his wife Sue and five children Diana, Mary Kay, David, Jay and Scott, all of whom are Penn State alumni, and 17 grandchildren.


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Those touched by Joe Paterno remember him for being human. Paterno’s legacy of impacting the lives of thousands of current and former Penn State students, student-athletes and staff, fans, community members and followers of college athletics will live on long after his death.

 

References:

ESPN, (2012). Joe Paterno, 85 dies in State College. Retrieved on July 29, 2013 from http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7489238/joe-paterno-ex-penn-state-nittany-lions-coach-dies-85-2-month-cancer-fight

Redmond, K, (23, January 2012). Putting Paterno's Death in Perspective. Retrieved from the Huffington Post on July 29, 2013 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-redmond/joe-paterno-dead_b_1221975.html