The Death of Joe Paterno

For Immediate Release:

"JoePa" Hero of Penn State Football Dead at age 85

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania-January 22, 2012-Today Joe Paterno, the hero and father of Penn State Football died from complications of lung cancer at the age of 85.  Paterno is survived by his wife Suzanne and his five children.

Paterno a native of New York, was involved with the coaching program at Penn State University for 62 years, 55 of them as the head coach of one of the most successful college football programs in the United States.  The community grew to love Paterno over the years because of his dedication, hard work and success which is what earned him the nickname "JoePa".  His record as head coach at Penn State was an astonishing 409-136-3 over the course of those 55 years.

In 2011, Paterno's final coaching season, was his 62nd which makes him the record holder as a coach for any college football program as far as longevity is concerned.  His final coaching season in 2011 was cut short by a scandal so horrifying that it caused him to be fired, even after he said he would resign after the season was over.  The Board of Trustee's voted and decided that Paterno should not finish out his final coaching season and was to leave the program immediately.  The love and support of JoePa from students at the University caused a riot when the news of his firing was released to the public.  Thousands of students took to the streets in a rage of violence to protest what had just happened to Paterno.

The scandal did not involve Paterno directly but his defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky.  Sandusky was arrested on 40 counts of child sexual abuse which occurred during his tenure at Penn State.  Before Sandusky's arrest and when Paterno learned of what Sandusky was suspected of doing he followed protocol and notified his immediate supervisor as was required by Pennsylvania law, however it was not enough to save his career.

Whether from complications of lung cancer, or the heartbreak of being fired from his position as head coach at Penn State the death of JoePa has sent a shockwave of emotion through the area of State College, PA that many passionate fans will feel for years to come.  It is unfortunate that his death has the black cloud of this scandal lingering over him and his legacy.  JoePa was a true hero for many and will remain that way in the hearts of thousands forever.

Reference:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Paterno



Facebook Post:
Joe Paterno also known as "JoePa" - Hero of Penn State Football died today at the age of 85.  He was a hero, a father, a coach and an inspiration to many.  JoePa holds the record for the longest college coaching career at 62 seasons.  His dedication to the Penn State program could not be measured in any way.  He bled blue and gave everything he had to his players throughout the course of his career in State College.  Although scandal has shrouded his legacy as of late, he will live on in infamy for thousands of dedicated supporters and fans, after all he always wanted everyone to remember one thing..."WE ARE PENN STATE"!