Remembering Joe Paterno

One time, as an undergrad working for the video board in Beaver Stadium, I snuck into a line of recruits waiting to meet Joe Paterno before a game. I nervously waited (and almost chickened out) as Joe worked his way down the line, shaking each recruit’s hand and talking a bit. When he got to me, he shook my hand and asked me how I was. As I answered, he looked me over, narrowed his eyes, and with the affection of a loving grandfather, put his arm around me and, playfully pretending to punch me, asked me (imagine my best joe Paterno impression) “what do you think you’re doing, wise guy? Get outta here!” And with that, the two of us laughing, he pushed me on my merry way… Looking back, what an incredible moment with an iconic legend. Wow. Thanks for the memories, Joe. Keep winning those football games in heaven.