A common theme across campus this week has been how the impact of one man can last far beyond his passing. This weekend at the Jon Quigley Memorial Water Polo Tournament, Penn State's men's and women's club water polo teams proudly celebrated the impact made by a friend and teammate.
Joe Paterno’s passing, and State College’s heartfelt response has come at an unfathomable time in my life. The first 20 years I have been alive were spent almost entirely at my parents' residence just around the corner from the Paterno home. As a lifetime resident and Paterno neighbor, I have admired the deceased coach for many years.
Thursday afternoon’s “A Memorial For Joe” brought a mourning Penn State community together to remember a man who has meant more to the university than anyone else in the past half-century. Students, current and former players, fellow coaches, and fans alike filled the Bryce Jordan Center to hear stories and to remember the life and legacy of Coach Joe Paterno.
Jay Paterno represents one of the more intriguing Penn State figures I have ever encountered. There may not be an individual who loves this university the way he does, yet it seems sometimes he receives no love in return from the Nittany Lion faithful. All but four years of his life have been spent in State College; however, until recently, the younger Paterno was never able to fully endear himself to many Penn State fans.
Through all the speeches from former players and alumni, there was one that stood out above the rest. Phil Knight never went to Penn State. It's unclear if he had ever been to State College before. But aside from Jay Paterno, Kinght's ten minute eulogy of Joe Paterno was the one that touched the heart of every Penn Stater who was lucky enough to watch the "Memorial for Joe" event Thursday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center.
With Joe Paterno's passing has come a truly astounding amount of words, images, and videos honoring a man that deserves such a goodbye. One Penn State alumnus, with a little help from his friends, has found a way to honor JoePa while helping THON at the same time.