Penn State: Roar of the Lion

Penn State; from a humble beginning as an Agricultural College, to a world-class university. The Penn State University is located in the city of State College, within Centre County, Pennsylvania. Although a smaller city, approximately 38,720 borough population (2007 census), and roughly double that total live in the borough and surrounding areas. The city was ranked as the second safest metropolitan area in the United States, by CQ Press (Congressional Quarterly).

On February 22, 1855, then Pennsylvania Governor James Pollock signed the charter that created what is today, The Pennsylvania State University. Initially a small college dedicated to the study of scientific agriculture, Penn State was designated the Commonwealth's sole land-grant institution in 1863, and has grown to become one of the world's most distinguished public universities.

Penn State ranks well among other colleges nationwide. According to a report by the U.S. News & World Report of America's Best Colleges for 2010 (Undergraduate Programs):

1. Best National Universities: Penn State ranks 47^th.

2. Top 50 Public National Universities: Penn State ranks 15^th.

3. Best Undergraduate Business Programs: Pen State ranks 21^st.

4. Undergraduate Business Specialties, Supply Chain Management/Logistics: Penn State ranks 3^rd.

5. Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs: Penn State tied for 17^th nationally.

6. Undergraduate Engineering Specialties: Industrial/Manufacturing: Penn State ranks 4^th.

But, Penn State University is not just about cracking the books and burning the midnight oil; Penn State is also about football. Each autumn, people living in "Happy Valley" say the roar of a mountain lion can be heard. The roar has been heard rumbling through the streets of State College, over mountain passes, and throughout the rolling hills of the area. However, mountain lions are not uncommon in this area, and can be seen in the Nittany Mountains surrounding State College.

But, in reality, this lion is better known as “Joe Paterno.” Joe Paterno is the Head Coach of the Penn State football team. Coach Paterno is not a new-comer to the university, Pennsylvania, of football.

Joe Paterno, shown here, was Penn State assistant coach in 1960. He was enshrined into the National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame on July 19, 2007.

In 1968, he was a member of the Penn State coaching staff. Additionally, he received the Gold Medal, the National Football Foundation's highest honor, along with Florida State's Bobby Bowden, in a video presentation at the 2006 Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Coach Paterno is a five-time National Coach of the Year honoree, and has 372 career victories to rank second to Florida State's Bobby Bowden (373) among major college coaches.

In 1969, Coach Paterno was in his 43^rd season as head coach of the Nittany Lions. Paterno was was injured in a sideline collision during a November 2006 game, at Wisconsin, and his induction into the Hall of Fame had to be delayed until 2007.

In 1972, Coach Paterno received the Cotton Bowl trophy, as the Nittany Lions defeated the University of Texas by a score of 30-6. He is the all-time leader among coaches in bowl appearances and victories (23-10-1). His 69.1 winning percentage is second-best all-time among coaches with at least 12 bowl appearances.

On January 1, 1983, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated Georgia (27-23) to earn their first National Championship, under Coach Paterno's leadership. And, Paterno's teams have recorded five undefeated seasons, 21 finishes in the AP Top 10, 33 Top 25 finishes, and two National Championships.

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno has coached 74 first ream All-Americans, 15 NFF National Scholar-Athletes, more than 300 future NFL players, and seven members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Paterno was the 21^st member of the Penn State Football family to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. He joined four former coaches and 16 players, seven of whom he coached – John Cappalletti, Keith Dorney, Jack Ham, Ted Kwalick, Lydell Mitchell, Dennis Onkotz, and Mike Reid. Former Nittany Lion coaches Dick Harlow (1915-1917), Hugo Bezdek (1918-1929), Bob Higgins (1930-1948), and Rip Engle (1950-1965) are also members of the Hall of Fame.

But, this lion is more than just a coach, he is also about giving back. In 1998, Joe and Sue Paterno gave a $3.5 million gift to Penn State. In total, the Paternos have given more than $4 million to the University to help causes, such as the library, scholarships, and the spiritual center.

Prior to the beginning of a Penn State game, Coach Paterno told his team to “Cheer, don't boo. Have fun and behave.”

Head Coach Joe Paterno's Record:

Overall: Won 372, Lost 125, Tied 3 (Winning percentage 74.7)

Regular Season Record: Won 349, Lost 115, Tied 2 (75.1%)

Bowl Record: Won 23, Lost 10, Tied 1 (69.1%)

New Year's Bowl Record: Won 15, Lost 6 (72.7%)

Keep roaring, Joe!