Candles on the steps of Old Main on the Penn State University campus spell out "Joe" in remembrance of former football coach Joe Paterno during a memorial service on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in State College, Pa. Paterno died Sunday at the age of 85 after battling lung cancer. (AP photo) |
Somerset County residents who mourned the death of legendary former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno Sunday recalled fond memories of the humble, down-to-earth educator.
Brett Robinson, a Windber graduate and Penn State alumnus, was a student equipment manager under Paterno from 2006-2009. During his time with the team, Robinson witnessed the day-to-day workings of the winningest football coach in college history.
"He had an influence on the lives of not only the football players, but also everyday normal people," Robinson said. "I left Penn State a better man because of Coach Paterno."
Robinson — a regular at practice, team meetings and home games — described Paterno as an old-school guy, always telling stories and sharing his experiences with the group. Paterno preached values such as hard work and loyalty, but he also emphasized the importance of academics, Robinson said.
"And he treated everyone equally," the architectural engineering graduate added. "You were a part of the team, and if you messed up he would let you know about it.
"Being around Coach Paterno was an experience like no other."
Berlin resident Doyle Paul also walked the field of Beaver Stadium with the legendary coach. Paul, a retired Berlin agriculture teacher and 1965 Penn State graduate, holds a part-time position at the Penn State Center for Professional Personnel Development. He and other educators were given a Paterno-led tour of the football field.
"He was a very humble and common man," Paul said. "He liked to mingle and mix with the average person. He just seemed like another Penn State employee trying to do the best he could. He didn't want praise and glory for his accomplishments."
Jessica Deakins, a Penn State alumna and English teacher at Meyersdale Area High School, remembers crossing paths with Paterno while she was on campus as a student.
"I think for all Penn Staters, losing Joe (Paterno) at any time is devastating," Deakins said. "But it's tragic given the circumstances.
"I believe part of his passing was due to a broken heart."
Deakins said she did not approve of the way Paterno was fired by the Penn State Board of Directors.
"For all he's done, they should've let him go out with dignity," she said. "I'm not making light of (the Jerry Sandusky scandal) but Paterno should be remembered for what he stood for all those years."
Deakins described Paterno as talkative.
"He put education first and he told me to hold family and home close to heart," Deakins said. "I hope he's remembered for making the world a better place."
Few individuals knew Paterno better than former Penn State All-American running back Charles Pittman.
Pittman, the Senior Vice President of the Daily American's parent company, Schurz Communication of South Bend, Ind., was a member of Paterno's first recruiting class in 1966. Paterno's death Sunday coincided with Pittman's 64th birthday.
"Coach Paterno was more than just a football coach," Pittman said. "He was a teacher of men, an educator, a father figure. He believed there was more to life than winning and losing football games."
Pittman, a third-round draft pick who played two years in the NFL, said one of Paterno's greatest contributions to collegiate football wasn't felt on the gridiron at all, but rather in the classroom.
"He believed you could play competitive, big-time football with people who did well in the classroom," Pittman said. "Penn State is constantly among the leaders in graduation rates. Coach Paterno loved the university. He always wanted to do things the right way."
When Pittman's NFL career soured, he turned to Paterno.
"At the tail end of my career, when my heart wasn't in it anymore, (Paterno) said 'Charlie, get on with your life.' I will always remember those words."
Paterno helped Pittman find a career in the banking industry and the former NFL running back never looked back. Pittman's son, Tony, played under Paterno in the early 1990's. The father-son duo were 45-0-1 as Nittany Lions starters.
In 2007, Charles and Tony Pittman wrote a book titled "Playing for Paterno: One Coach, Two Eras: a Father and Son's Personal Recollections of Playing for JoePa." The Pittmans are also working on a Paterno documentary, featuring about two hours worth of interviews from this year.
Charles Pittman said the interview is one of the last Paterno gave before he died.
"It's tragic that his life had to end this way," Pittman said, speaking of the firing and Sandusky scandal. "I can't even describe my range of emotions. It's been a tough day, a tough nine weeks."
Pittman, who will speak at Paterno's funeral, believes the legendary coach will ultimately be remembered for all the great things he has done.
"I think he'll be recognized as someone who's a great humanitarian that made people better and made them reach for the stars" Pittman said. "He will be sorely missed."
Brett Robinson, a Windber graduate and Penn State alumnus, was a student equipment manager under Paterno from 2006-2009. During his time with the team, Robinson witnessed the day-to-day workings of the winningest football coach in college history.
"He had an influence on the lives of not only the football players, but also everyday normal people," Robinson said. "I left Penn State a better man because of Coach Paterno."
Robinson — a regular at practice, team meetings and home games — described Paterno as an old-school guy, always telling stories and sharing his experiences with the group. Paterno preached values such as hard work and loyalty, but he also emphasized the importance of academics, Robinson said.
"And he treated everyone equally," the architectural engineering graduate added. "You were a part of the team, and if you messed up he would let you know about it.
"Being around Coach Paterno was an experience like no other."
Berlin resident Doyle Paul also walked the field of Beaver Stadium with the legendary coach. Paul, a retired Berlin agriculture teacher and 1965 Penn State graduate, holds a part-time position at the Penn State Center for Professional Personnel Development. He and other educators were given a Paterno-led tour of the football field.
"He was a very humble and common man," Paul said. "He liked to mingle and mix with the average person. He just seemed like another Penn State employee trying to do the best he could. He didn't want praise and glory for his accomplishments."
Jessica Deakins, a Penn State alumna and English teacher at Meyersdale Area High School, remembers crossing paths with Paterno while she was on campus as a student.
"I think for all Penn Staters, losing Joe (Paterno) at any time is devastating," Deakins said. "But it's tragic given the circumstances.
"I believe part of his passing was due to a broken heart."
Deakins said she did not approve of the way Paterno was fired by the Penn State Board of Directors.
"For all he's done, they should've let him go out with dignity," she said. "I'm not making light of (the Jerry Sandusky scandal) but Paterno should be remembered for what he stood for all those years."
Deakins described Paterno as talkative.
"He put education first and he told me to hold family and home close to heart," Deakins said. "I hope he's remembered for making the world a better place."
Few individuals knew Paterno better than former Penn State All-American running back Charles Pittman.
Pittman, the Senior Vice President of the Daily American's parent company, Schurz Communication of South Bend, Ind., was a member of Paterno's first recruiting class in 1966. Paterno's death Sunday coincided with Pittman's 64th birthday.
"Coach Paterno was more than just a football coach," Pittman said. "He was a teacher of men, an educator, a father figure. He believed there was more to life than winning and losing football games."
Pittman, a third-round draft pick who played two years in the NFL, said one of Paterno's greatest contributions to collegiate football wasn't felt on the gridiron at all, but rather in the classroom.
"He believed you could play competitive, big-time football with people who did well in the classroom," Pittman said. "Penn State is constantly among the leaders in graduation rates. Coach Paterno loved the university. He always wanted to do things the right way."
When Pittman's NFL career soured, he turned to Paterno.
"At the tail end of my career, when my heart wasn't in it anymore, (Paterno) said 'Charlie, get on with your life.' I will always remember those words."
Paterno helped Pittman find a career in the banking industry and the former NFL running back never looked back. Pittman's son, Tony, played under Paterno in the early 1990's. The father-son duo were 45-0-1 as Nittany Lions starters.
In 2007, Charles and Tony Pittman wrote a book titled "Playing for Paterno: One Coach, Two Eras: a Father and Son's Personal Recollections of Playing for JoePa." The Pittmans are also working on a Paterno documentary, featuring about two hours worth of interviews from this year.
Charles Pittman said the interview is one of the last Paterno gave before he died.
"It's tragic that his life had to end this way," Pittman said, speaking of the firing and Sandusky scandal. "I can't even describe my range of emotions. It's been a tough day, a tough nine weeks."
Pittman, who will speak at Paterno's funeral, believes the legendary coach will ultimately be remembered for all the great things he has done.
"I think he'll be recognized as someone who's a great humanitarian that made people better and made them reach for the stars" Pittman said. "He will be sorely missed."
