Topics

More

GoFundMe Created For Penn State Legend Wally Triplett

ESPN published a 30 for 30 Short yesterday titled “We Are.” It simultaneously tells the story of Wally Triplett’s impact on Penn State and football and the process of creating the 2013 Class Gift, the We Are statue. Inspired by Triplett and the 1946 football team’s response to racism: “We play all or we play none. We are Penn State,” the statue symbolizes the community that exists in Happy Valley and all over the world for Penn Staters.

Triplett’s daughter, Nancy Triplett-Edmunds, created a website and GoFundMe campaign to rally support for the Penn State legend as he battles ailments. The end of the 30 for 30 video reveals Triplett’s trip to Penn State in November was his last trip from home due to his health problems and his family is struggling to figure out his longterm care.

“I wish that our family had the resources to give him everything he needs,” Triplett-Edmunds wrote on the site. “But unfortunately we simply do not. That is why we have launched this campaign.”

The GoFundMe page has accumulated almost 60 donations totaling more than $3,000 in its first day, significant numbers considering the page’s $24,000 fundraising goal. Triplett’s family created WeAreWally.com to share the alum’s story and the GoFundMe page, which you can find here.

At 90 years old, Triplett’s days as the university’s first African American letter winner and the first African American drafted to the NFL are long behind him, but his pride for Penn State and his status as one of the most influential and celebrated alumni lives on.

“Just those few words,” Triplett says in the video. “It’s always that case where it’s just a couple of words and you say to somebody with pride, ‘We Are Penn State.'”

Check out the ESPN 30 for 30 video below:

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

Lexi Shimkonis

Lexi is an editor-turned-staff writer who can often be found at either Irving's or the Phyrst (with the chances she'll have her backpack being the same). Lexi is a senior hailing from Spring City, PA (kind of) and studying Civil Engineering. Please email questions and/or pleas for an Instagram caption to [email protected], or for a more intimate bond, follow her on Twitter @lexshimko.

‘It Was Definitely A Full Circle Moment’: Colts Cheerleader MacLaine Funsch Reflects On Career At Penn State

Funsch was a member of the Lionettes her freshman year of college.

Tyler Warren Places Seventh In Heisman Voting

Warren was announced as the John Mackey Award winner Thursday night.

No. 3 Penn State Women’s Volleyball Prevails Against Marquette 3-1 In NCAA Tournament Third Round

The Nittany Lions advanced to the quarterfinals after falling to do so in their last two NCAA Tournament appearances.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.1kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Lexi

A Special, Precious, & Eventful Experience: Lexi Shimkonis’ Senior Column

“And here in this lovely, intriguing spot called Penn State, each of us staked our own special, precious, and eventful life.” — Ross Lehman

Homecoming To Replace King And Queen With Gender-Neutral Court

[Video] An Interview With Line Dance Leader Gina DeFrancesco