Joe Pa: The End of an Era

Last night it was announced that the most winningest coach in college football history, Penn State's Joe Paterno, is fired.

As a Penn State graduate I am saddened by this news. I realize this decision comes in the midst of a sex scandal involving young boys, but I don't believe Joe Pa is to blame or should be held accountable in this manner.  Mistakes were made, yes, but not by the man who is taking the fall.

This decision puts a smear on the legacy that is Joe Pa and I'm deeply disappointed by the university's quick decision to fire Joe Pa at this point in time even after admitting they don't have all the facts to this case.

Joe Paterno may no longer be the coach of Penn State football, but he leaves behind generations of Penn Staters that will hopefully carry on the lessons and ideas he practiced that span beyond the football field.

Regardless of opinions of what should have been done in 2002 (and they are opinions until a court of law makes a ruling), this is a sad day for Penn State fans. This is the end of an era. This is the end of an era of college football that no longer exists. Penn State football was not just about winning and about destroying the other team. Penn State football was about the game and the students that played.

When you were watching a Penn State football game you knew that those players were going to get a chance to play. They were a team and a team is not one person. If a team wins, then it's because the team worked for that win. If the team loses, they lose as a team. A team only needs 1 extra point to win. A team doesn't need to drive the other side into the ground and then keep kicking them while they're down.

Through his coaching Joe Pa taught his players and thousands of students and fans that, like football, life doesn't have to be just about winning.  It can and should be about teamwork and giving everyone the chance to excel.  That even when you are on top of the game, you should still give consideration to those who aren't doing as well as you.  And that when you lose, it's not the end.  It's merely an excuse to work harder to achieve your goals.

Even now, Joe Pa is handling this situation with a dignity and grace than only a legend and man of his character could portray.  Could things have been handled differently in 2002?  Perhaps.  However, I think the answer to that question is being stated with such certainty today because of hindsight.  And we've all been in situations where hindsight would have given us better answers and courses of action. 
 
Growing up watching Penn State football, being a Penn State student and watching the games from the student section and now getting to share Penn State with my son gives me a sense of pride. Even now, among all that is going on, I am Penn State and damn proud of it. I'm proud of my school, I'm proud of my football team, and I'm proud of my Joe Pa.