What happened on the field on Saturday was disappointing, but what happened after the game was disgraceful.

As the Alma Mater played after Penn State’s heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, one couldn’t help but notice the many players who exited before the last verse was sung. And to add even more insult to injury, James Franklin rang the victory bell after a loss.

For generations, Penn State football and its fans have gathered to sing the Alma Mater, win or lose. While it may seem like a rote ritual after a victory, it is after defeat that true Penn Staters can be separated from the rest. 

With arms wrapped around one another, we sing together our Alma Mater, no matter how difficult it may be. For players to walk out on the song, during its two most impactful lines, was nothing short of an embarrassment and betrayal.

For folks who may be unfamiliar with the final verse, let me give you a brief history lesson.

While the lyrics were written over a century ago, the line “may no act of ours bring shame, to one heart that loves thy name” has had an enhanced meaning in the past two decades. Due to the events of 2011 regarding Joe Paterno and the Sandusky scandal, fans have taken it upon themselves to sing the last couple of lines of the Alma Mater with added passion. It is a sign of allegiance to the blue and white, and a pledge to not let the actions of one individual diminish the love we share for our university. 

Growing up a Penn State fan, I have always found a sense of pride in singing the Alma Mater. In fact, one of the main reasons why I chose to come to Penn State was because it is a community rooted in tradition. 

At home, there was always one particular Paterno quote on our family bulletin board that stuck out to me: “Success without honor is an unseasoned dish. It will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.”

I have always known that winning with honor is important, as has Penn State football for decades. But after witnessing what transpired on Saturday, it’s clear the football team needs an identity check when it comes to the other side of the story. 

When you put on the black shoes and basic blues, you are representing something greater than yourself. The reason why Penn State jerseys do not have names on them is for this exact reason. If you are only an ambassador to the school during the highs, you are forsaking not only precedent but everything Penn State stands for. 

I’m not going to say that Penn State football has a culture problem. I’m not going to say this isn’t your grandpa’s Penn State or even the Penn State of 20 years ago. I do believe that this team loves each other and loves its school. And I completely understand the frustration the players were feeling after the game. But what I will say is that there is some reflection that needs to be done by some of the athletes and coaches. 

As I left Beaver Stadium after the loss to the Buckeyes, with bottles littered on the field, insults being hurled, and the sacred victory bell ringing following defeat, the only emotion I really felt was sadness. This isn’t the Penn State I know or the one I grew up with. 

For at least one time before graduation, I urge all Penn State students to stay and sing the Alma Mater with the team after a loss. And I implore the team to give the same love back to the fans each time. Be a part of what this school is all about. Not only success with honor, but honor in the face of adversity.

“We Are” what we make ourselves. Let’s be better.