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Sports

Joe Paterno 400

Posted by Joe Chuba on 11/09 at 11:51 AM

Steve Jones puts number 400 in perspective

It was called the grand experiment.  When Penn State defeated then third ranked North Carolina State 13-8 in 1967 linebacker Dennis Onkotz turned in an outstanding performance that earned him national recognition.  It became even more remarkable when it was revealed he had taken a German test at 8:00 that morning before the game.

Last Wednesday defensive end Jack Crawford was at the State College Quarterback Club telling the crowd he is an Anthropology major who would rather watch the History Channel than ESPN.  Friday, the only guest at the Penn State Board of Trustees was senior guard Stefan Wisniewski who was recognized for all of his national academic accolades as a member of the Schreyer Honors College.  Wisniewski was simply outstanding Saturday, and Jack Ham and I selected him as our player of the game.

Times may have changed but winning with honor, integrity and a commitment to student-athletes continues.

Joe Paterno’s winning percentage in 45 seasons is a remarkable 74.8%.  In the last 75 games he has coached, the Nittany Lions are 59-16 with two Big Ten Titles and two BCS appearances and four bowl wins.  By the way… 59-16 works out to 79%.  That’s right… his winning percentage is actually higher in the last 5 1/2 seasons than it is for his career.  All of this while still graduating players and making an impact.

His staff, coaches and support staff, have been simply outstanding over the years and he makes sure they get credit all of the time.  He has been extremely loyal and they have justified that loyalty with their hard work, dedication and excellence.  He is the CEO of a multi-million dollar operation.  He is the first to tell you the people around him are incredible difference makers.

His wife Sue… he has justifiably bragged about her for years.  She has been a tutor… she has made meal after meal without catering forever for donors and so many others.  I could list her accomplishments for many, many pages.

Typical of Joe Paterno is that he always looks forward and not backwards.  He ended his speech to the crowd by saying…”Now let’s go beat Ohio State”.

Kickoff Saturday is 3:30 in Columbus.

Game Notes:
Ohio State leads the series 13-12.
The visiting team has won the last 3 contests.
ESPN’s College Gameday will originate from Columbus