Winter in Happy Valley can only mean one thing: HUB Lawn sledding is back.

This time-honored Penn State tradition is mostly enjoyed by students who bring anything they can find to get them down the hill. From mattresses to garbage cans to tables, whatever gets the job done will suffice. 

The technique of each sledder varies drastically. Many prefer the head-first method, while others are brave enough to try their hand at standing up.

But the recent winter storm got us thinking — what if it weren’t just students who partook in these festivities? How would campus celebrities tackle the trip down a snowy lawn?

We compiled a list of how we think well-known Penn Staters would go about sledding down HUB Lawn.

Willard Preacher

One of the most recognizable figures at Penn State hasn’t changed much since he began preaching in November of 1982. Always wearing a red hoodie (or T-shirt), Gary Cattell stands with his hands behind his back outside of the Willard Building as he talks to students. There’s no reason why his sledding technique would be any different. The Willard Preacher would rock a simple red toboggan, sliding down HUB Lawn on his belly, hands behind him. Simple and classic.

Mike Rhoades

Penn State hoops has had a rollercoaster start to the season, which is why its coach would roll down the HUB Lawn snow in an East Halls move-in cart. Riding one of these things down a bumpy lawn would perfectly emulate the back-and-forth nature of the team’s first handful of games. That isn’t to say, however, the cart can’t eventually become a wagon. Plus, this is Rhoades’ first year as a Nittany Lion, so a bin from the freshman dorms would be appropriate.

The Nittany Lion

The Nittany Lion would be awesome at sledding. The Symbol of Our Best is full of energy and Penn State pride. Rumor has it that he even loves the snow. I have no doubt that the Nittany Lion would sled down HUB Lawn on his blue and white striped scarf, while simultaneously grinding out some one-armed pushups on the way.

Cael Sanderson

As one of the most decorated coaches in Penn State sports history, the head of the wrestling program would show off the team’s success in front of his fellow sledders. Wrapped in a National Championship banner, Sanderson would cruise down HUB Lawn with force and speed, making his mark in the powder behind him. No worries if the first banner doesn’t work out, he has nine more to try with. Move out of the way, folks — Olympic and National Champion coming through.

Neeli Bendapudi

The president of our university would use nothing other than a Penn State-themed inner tube to get down HUB Lawn. It’s simple and sweet — much like her personality. But, boy, would she dress to impress. Donning her presidential gown and infamous shades, President Bendapudi would make her presence known. Before her trip down the hill, she would do what any good leader of Penn State should: start a loud “We Are” chant with the other sledders.

James Franklin

He would just run it. Probably up the middle of the lawn, if you know what I mean.