Editorial Columns

Penn State Student-Athletes Need to be Proud of Their Fans

In less than a month, thousands of students will flock to campus -- many for the first time -- to commence their scholarly pursuits, reunite with old friends while also making new ones, and soak in all that is the college experience.

One of those first experiences invariably is Penn State football. This year, that rite of autumn will come earlier than usual. The Nittany Lions open on Saturday, Aug. 30 with a game against cross-state rival Temple in Beaver Stadium. The game falls two days after move-in day at University Park and three days prior to the start of fall classes.

Athletic competition and the spirit of sportsmanship are an important tradition at Penn State, not only for the more than 700 varsity student-athletes who wear their school colors and compete at the highest level, but also for fans who share that same pride, both on and off the field of play.

At Penn State, the 'student' in the term 'student-athlete' is not a forgotten facet; rather, it represents a tradition of excellence and integrity. Eighty-two percent of Penn State student-athletes entering school in 1995-96 graduated within six years -- the best graduation rate among NCAA Division I public universities.

It is this type of student-athlete -- one who excels in the classroom as well as in competition -- that gives Penn State fans a reason to believe that we are a cut above the rest, that our athletic program demonstrates the highest levels of achievement, dedication and class.

But it is also fans who play a significant role in the reputation that follows Penn State. We need our fans to make Beaver Stadium and other sports venues exciting places to watch a game. We want our students and alumni to come early and provide unwavering vocal support from start to finish. We aspire to create an atmosphere like no other in college athletics.

What we don't want, however, is for exuberant behavior to turn into irresponsible behavior. There is no place at Penn State for taunting, ridicule and harassment of opposing teams and their fans. Our coaches don't tolerate it among their players in the heat of battle, and our fans should not accept it among themselves in the stands or parking lots.

There is no tolerance for throwing objects or other types of disorderly activity. Not only are violators ejected from the game and subject to disciplinary sanctions, they risk serious injury to those around them.

Too many times, a Penn State fan out for an enjoyable autumn afternoon of college football has spent the fourth quarter of a tight game not among thousands of delirious friends and family in Beaver Stadium, but with doctors and nurses -- as innocent victims of an item hurled senselessly from dozens of rows away. Thrown bottles alone have resulted in several cases of head trauma, severe lacerations and even a fractured eye socket -- all within the past couple of years.

Coach Joe Paterno has told his team in the past, "when you get to the end zone, act like you've been there before." It's a simple principle that integrates passion and dignity, and one that exemplifies perhaps the greatest reason for millions of fans to be Penn State Proud. Let's give our student-athletes a fan following for which they can be equally proud, and make each game a positive and memorable experience for all.