Let me just get one out of the way first: the Blue-White game is potentially the most over-hyped event in Penn State athletics. Every year, I shake off my hangover and make the walk up to Beaver Stadium. And every year, I am left asking myself why.
Ian Kenney was recently selected for his third and final season as the Drum Major of the Penn State Blue Band. I sat down with him to find out a little more about the guy behind the flips.
You’ve probably heard about Bill O’Brien’s hot start to the recruiting season. You’ve probably heard of his prior success in the pros with New England. What you might not have heard much about thus far is Coach O’Brien’s smooth transition into the way of life of “Dear Old State”. At the Blue Band’s banquet last Sunday, Coach O’Brien approached Blue Band director Dr. Bundy about having the football team join the Band in the Alma Mater after each game.
Penn State separates its football program from all other college football teams through one thing: tradition. Tradition has defined our football culture for years, and whenever someone threatens the status quo, the fans push back. If fans are truly passionate about the traditions of Nittany Lions football, then they must not change the name of their arena. Beaver Stadium should not include Paterno Field.
According to a report from FightOnState.com, Guido D'Elia has been relieved of his duties as Director of Football Communications and Branding. D'Elia was hired in 2004 to rejuvenate a fan base and transform the game-day atmosphere at Beaver Stadium.
If you’ve attended a basketball game since student's returned from winter break, you may have noticed something a little different coming from the pep band. The crowd favorite “Rock and Roll, Part Two” is gone, and gone for good according to the director of the Blue Band, Dr. Richard Bundy.