Note- This was initially published on Saturday the 21st, based on the Associated Press report. We deeply regret the error.
Earlier today, former Penn State coach Joseph Vincent Paterno passed away after complications from a battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
Paterno, who had been a part of the Penn State Football program since 1950, served as its head coach for 62 seasons beginning in 1966. During that time, the Nittany Lions amassed 38 winning seasons and an overall record of 409-136-3. His teams were awarded two national titles and finished their season undefeated on four occasions. He has the most wins of any coach in NCAA Division 1 history.
After joining the Big Ten conference in 1993, the Paterno led Lions won or shared three conference titles and had a 95-54 record under Paterno. He was awarded numerous National “Coach of the Year” or “Sportsman of the Year” accolades during his career.
While PSU Alumni and fans pride themselves in being able to say “We Are- Penn State”, this was never more true than for Joe Pa. Paterno was the face of the University and the program; from his signature tie and dark framed glasses to the team’s “no frills” workmanlike uniforms, his legacy lives on well beyond Xs and Os. His fundraising and philanthropic work have created a lasting foundation for many in Happy Valley and throughout Pennsylvania.
While the revelations of the past several months will certainly mar some memories of Coach Paterno’s legacy, it cannot go without acknowledgement the impact that his leadership has had on college football and college athletics
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to him at PSU and across the B1G and college football. Godspeed.
Update: Coach Meyer has released the following statement-
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Coach Joe Paterno. He was a man who I have deep respect for as a human being, as a husband and father, as a leader and as a football coach. I was very fortunate to have been able to develop a personal relationship with him, especially over the course of the last several years, and it is something that I will always cherish.
“My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Sue, and to their family, and also to the family he had at Penn State University. We have lost a remarkable person and someone who affected the lives of so many people in so many positive ways. His presence will be dearly missed. His legacy as a coach, as a winner and as a champion will carry on forever.”
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