Welcome to the Craig Fitzgerald strength and conditioning era of Penn State Football, where pushing vans around a football field is considered normal.

The tenth annual Lift for Life — the summer charity event to raise money for the Kidney Cancer Association through the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes — had a different format and a much more competitive feel to it.

The offense got a little revenge against the defense from the Blue-White game, winning the overall competition by a score of 176-136. Throughout the two hour event, quarterbacks and wide receivers went up against defensive backs, running backs and tight ends opposed linebackers, and offensive and defensive linemen squared off. The offense maintained a lead throughout the six rotations and carried a 146-136 headed into the tug-o-war as the final event.

With the three tug-o-wars worth ten points each, the defense had a chance to tie things up. It never happened as the offense took the tug-o-war in convincing fashion. Some other events included tire pulls, snapping medicine balls over goal posts, and carrying sandbags.

A light rainfall could not derail the new outside lacrosse field location, and the release of yesterday’s Freeh report did not seem to hurt the focus of players. “I was in second grade in 2001. It has nothing to do with me,” said Silas Redd.

Redd would go on to say that he believes Joe Paterno’s statue should remain standing mentioning that he’s done more good than bad. Matt McGloin had a similar sentiment mentioning that Paterno gave him a chance when several other coaches did not.

Center Matt Stankiewitch, who sat out the event due to a tweaked hamstring, declined  to answer Paterno questions, but urged the national media to recognize the event — an event that hits home for the senior center who has seen two grandparents die as a result of cancer.

Senior linebacker Michael Mauti looked great throughout the competition and mentioned that he’s completely recovered from his torn ACL suffered last September against Eastern Michigan.

While an exact number is not yet known, the charity event raised more than $100,000 this year. At the conclusion of the event, Craig Fitzgerald gave credit to his players including senior offensive tackle Mike Farrell, president of the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes. “Our players kinda led the way which is really neat. I just helped them out,” Fitzgerald said.

With a new format and location along with a bit of rain, Lift for Life was many things. Boring was not one of them. The van pushing proved that right away.

For a photo gallery, click here.