Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Penn State Worthington Scranton to Name Baseball Field after Matt McGloin

Two summers from now, a new athletic field in Scranton will have some moxie. Well, at least its name will.

As part of its new athletic renovation project, the Penn State Worthington Scranton campus will name its new baseball field after Matt McGloin, the fiery walk-on quarterback who valiantly led the Nittany Lions through an emotional 2012 season.

Construction of Matt McGloin Field is expected to be completed in the summer of 2014 and will serve as the home to the campus’ baseball team.

“Penn State Worthington Scranton has been part of the greater Scranton community for over 40 years, and because of the support and admiration that local residents and many Penn Staters have for Matt, who was born and raised here, this was a perfect opportunity for our campus to honor a great local athlete and Penn State alum,” said Worthington Scranton Chancellor Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen.

A fundraising effort to name the McGloin space recently began with a minimum goal of $125,000. Naming rights are reserved for donations of $10,000 or more — payable over four years — and will be part of a permanent recognition on Matt McGloin Field. All contributions are being accepted in McGloin’s honor and will be recognized during the field dedication in 2014.

“Matt has a significant following of Penn State fans and friends who are willing to make a personal financial investment to see this naming materialize,” said Maria Russoniello, Director of Development.

McGloin was a three-sport athlete at West Scranton High School, excelling at basketball, baseball, and of course, football. When he wasn’t throwing for 2,445 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Invaders during his senior year, he was earning all-conference honors on both the diamond and hardwood. The Scranton Times-Tribune named McGloin Athlete of the Year during the 2007-2008 athletic year.

Anyone following the football program during the last half decade knows that McGloin had a roller coaster career at Penn State after walking on in 2008. After redshirting his first year and not playing much in 2009, McGloin found himself in a three-way QB battle with then-true freshman Rob Bolden and Kevin Newsome. Finally, after two years of playing in an ineffective quarterback rotation with the highly-touted but largely disappointing Bolden, McGloin assumed the QB throne under now-head coach Bill O’Brien.

The spirited QB acted as one of the leading seniors to hold the locker room together after the NCAA levied harsh sanctions against the program. McGloin served as the glue on offense just as much as he did in the locker room, going on to throw for 3,271 yards and 24 touchdowns, while leading Penn State to an 8-4 record — a season that many deemed impossible. McGloin  now sits first in the record books when it comes to career TD passes (46) and second in yardage (6,390), and completions (513).

McGloin’s next aim is the NFL draft, where many scouts believe he is unlikely to get drafted. But by no means is he unfamiliar with people doubting him, as he said in his editorial on Monday:

To those saying to me now “You’ll never make it” all I have to say is this: Watch me. You’re damn right I live my life and play football with a chip on my shoulder, because there is honor and worthy achievement in proving wrong the myth of “impossibility.”

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Ryan Beckler

Ryan is a senior in the Smeal College of Business majoring in Marketing. He is a Lion Ambassador who loves giving tours to prospective students. His favorite activities include distributing news and consuming Chipotle.

DuBois Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the piece came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Ryan

Kyle Chase Johnson Painted on Inspiration Mural

A week after 2012 Penn State graduate Kyle Chase Johnson tragically died while running the Pittsburgh half marathon, local muralist Michael Pilato painted his likeness on the Heister Street mural, a fitting tribute for a man who, by all accounts, was a quintessential Penn Stater.

Penn State and UCF Discussing 2014 Season Opener in Ireland

Senior Column: A Family Found