January 2012 Archives

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - GoPSUsports.com sat down with defensive coordinator Ted Roof in the latest installment of a series of introductory video interviews with Coach O'Brien's staff.  Roof comes to Penn State after spending three seasons as defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2009-'11.

Roof started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Alabama in 1987.  Roof and Coach O'Brien worked together at both Georgia Tech and Duke.  Take a look at an exclusive interview with Coach Roof with discussions on his first few weeks on the job and some of his defensive philosophies.

VIDEO: Interview with Assistant Head Coach/Receivers Coach Stan Hixon

VIDEO: Interview with Tight Ends Coach John Strollo

VIDEO: Interview with Secondary Coach John Butler

VIDEO: Interview with Running Backs Coach Charles London

Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson tells his squad of more than 30 student-athletes two of the same things week in and week out.

Wrestle hard for seven minutes, and go have fun.

In just his third season with the Nittany Lions, the standout wrestler himself seems to be teaching his young team the right ideas at all of the right times. The Lions shined through as an entire team on Sunday afternoon to defeat the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 34-9, in their 10th dual of the season.

In front of another sold-out crowd in Rec Hall, Penn State took eight of the 10 bouts on the day to cruise to a resounding victory and reiterate its presence as not only a consistent unit but also a dominant one.

The Nittany Lions scored three decisions, two major decisions, one technical fall and two pins to keep the crowd on its feet and their head coach smiling as he sat mat-side.

"I think they went after it and they looked good," said Sanderson. "Conditioning looked good and technique's improving every weekend. We saw a lot of attitude out there which is what it takes to be the best and to win the big matches as we get into the postseason here."

Freshman and No. 8 Nico Megaludis notched the first three Penn State points of the match at 125 in a bout that ended in a 5-2 decision over Ohio State's No. 15 Johnni Dejulius, but the Buckeyes fired right back. Ohio State's pair of brothers ran away with the following two bouts as No. 3 Logan Stieber pinned sophomore Frank Martellotti and No. 6 Hunter Stieber won by a 9-5 decision over Bryan Pearsall.

The nine dual points would be the only points that the Buckeyes would score on Sunday.

"The dual meet had potential to be a very close dual meet but when you get in those big matches and you start getting the tech falls and falls... you can kind of open it up there and that's what they did," said Sanderson."

The Buckeyes started eight wrestlers with freshmen eligibility and two sophomores, and eight of the 10 on the starting roster were ranked in the top 20 at their respected weights. But Nittany Lion sophomore David Taylor said that against any team, ranked or not, he and his teammates share the same approach no matter what.

"Regardless of who it is, our job, what we want to do, is we're going to go out to beat the guy up," said Taylor. "We share the same mentality no matter who we're wrestling."

Taylor was one of the five Penn State wrestlers who scored bonus points in the Big Ten dual win over Ohio State, along with seniors Frank Molinaro and Cameron Wade, junior Quentin Wright and sophomore Ed Ruth.

Looking on from the Nittany Lions' corner of the mat, Coach Sanderson was caught grinning a bit more than usual on Sunday as he too recognized the spark that his veterans provided.

"I mean you get a tech or a pin and the whole place goes crazy and that's enough motivation for the whole team to want to be doing that," said Sanderson." You can't really get that feeling that you get when everyone jumps up and goes crazy really any other way and it's pretty neat."

And the Lions had more than one opportunity to see the crowd do just that as Rec Hall erupted in standing ovations five times in the afternoon.

Sunday's dual match marked the second week in a row that the facility had been sold out for a Penn State match. Wright said that the packed house is something that always seems to help him push himself that extra mile.

"It's definitely the best atmosphere in the country," said Wright. "To have back-to-back weeks like that, it makes it so much fun for us as wrestler to go out there and we get excited for that."

The conference victory gives Penn State a 9-1 mark overall this season and a Big Ten record of 5-1. The Nittany Lions will head on the road to Lincoln, Neb., and face their next conference opponent as they take on the Cornhuskers on Friday at 8 p.m.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Watch sophomore Ed Ruth tally a pin in front of sold out Rec Hall.  Also, head into the media room for post-match comments from head coach Cael Sanderson, sophomore David Taylor and junior Quentin Wright after Sunday's 34-9 victory over No. 5 Ohio State.

Greetings from Route 71 North!

We are heading out of Columbus for home after defeating the University of Pacific Tigers tonight 23-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17. We wrap up January with a 4-1 record.  When I scheduled this last May I knew it would be quite the challenge for our team. Five top ten teams, on the road would show us where we were at the beginning of the season. Five top ten teams later I think we are on the right track. We survived the travel for the most part and, especially this weekend, settled into a relatively consistent level of volleyball.

We saw UOP take on OSU last evening after our Stanford match and saw a team that could play good-to-great volleyball in streaks. They could block well and had some physical outside hitters and quick middles which their setter did a good job in finding. We felt we needed to keep a consistent level of effort and execution. We needed to weather the stretches of their good-to-great play and try to get our separation when they were in their valleys. We knew we could have our hands full.

Game one was a fun one! After a Russell brothers' stuff block gave PSU a 4-2 lead there was never a lead of more than one point until a UOP kill made it 22-24. After a PSU sideout, UOP put a ball away down the line on the leftside for game point: 23-25. Game one leaders for the Nittany Lions were Goodell (Kills - 8), the Brothers Russell (Blocks - 2) and Curry (Digs - 3). PSU hit .371 but the Tigers hit .382.

Game two saw PSU down 2-3 but then consecutive kills from Goas, Goodell, Aaron Russell, Peter Russell, Goodell, and Peter Russell got us the separation early at 8-3. We kept the lead and at 24-17 a Goodell/Turko block evened the match with a 25-17 win. Game two leaders were Peter Russell (Kills - 5), Turko (Blocks - 2), Sunder (Aces - 1) and Goodell (Aces - 1; Digs 4). PSU hit .438 while the Tigers hit .300.

Game three was much like game one as neither team let the other run away even though there were a few mini-runs by each team. With the score at 21-21 a Peter Russell kill was followed by a UOP hitting error and PSU had the 23-21 lead. The last of the traded sideouts was a Sunder kill for a 25-23 win.  Leaders for the Nittany Lions were Sunder (Kills - 5; Aces - 1), Turko (Kills - 5; Blocks - 2), Goodell (Aces - 1) and Curry (Digs - 4). PSU hit .483 with UOP hitting .419.

Game four was tied at 4 when a Goodell kill was followed by a Goodell/Sunder/A. Russell triple block then a Goodell/A. Russell stuff.  After a UOP timeout, Peter Russell served an ace for an 8-4 lead. Again, we got separation early and moved it to 15-9. We had a chance to take a 16-9 lead on an overpass but didn't convert as UOP made a great effort to stuff it so it was 15-10 but UOP then closed to 16-14. But that was close as they were going to get as our block and defense kick-started our transition offense and the next thing we knew is that Sunder was serving match point which resulted in a Goodell kill for a 25-17 win. Game four leaders were Goodell (Kills - 4; Blocks - 3; Aces - 1), Peter Russell (Kills - 4; Aces - 1;     Digs - 3) and Goas and Sunder (Digs - 3). PSU hit .281 but held UOP to .121.

What the staff liked the best is that we did stay at a steady level of volleyball. Certainly not our best but we did weather the stretches that UOP threw at us and we never really dropped off during the match. UOP played better than we saw them play last night as they passed well in stretches and served better than we anticipated, but our guys just played through it all. The Nittany Lion on-court demeanor didn't play to the scoreboard. Had you walked into the gym without seeing the scoreboard you wouldn't have been able to tell which team was winning or losing by looking at our team.  It was a terrifically workmanlike effort! One that belied the travel of the past three weekends.  Match leaders were Goodell (Kills - 17; Blocks - 5; Aces - 3; Points - 22.5), Turko (Blocks - 5) and Curry (Digs - 9). PSU out-hit UOP .391 to .305; out-blocked them 9.5 to 5.5; out-aced them 7 to 4 and out-dug them 41 to 39.

We would like to thank the Ohio State staff of Pete Hanson, Tim Embaugh and Sean Byron for inviting us to the Ken and Dave Dunlap Tournament. Shane Burgess did everything great events people do for the visiting teams and we thank him for the Buckeye hospitality! Anytime you get the chance to compete against the Stanford Cardinal and UOP Tigers you come away a better team because of them.  The Nittany Lions wish both teams the very best of luck as they return to their MPSF schedules!

We now...FINALLY...get to compete at home! Next Friday we are the second of two matches. At 5 PM the Ohio State Buckeyes take on Cal Baptist Lancers followed by our match against Mt. Olive. Saturday will see OSU battle Mt. Olive followed by us and Cal Baptist. We can't wait for you to see us at home. We would love nothing more to hear Rec Hall roaring as our 2012 home schedule gets underway!

I'll close for now so I can enjoy the bus ride back to State College...note the 51-year-old travel sarcasm! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll be back to you next week!

All the best,

Pav, Colin, Jay & the guys

Greetings from Room 420 at the University Plaza Hotel in Columbus!

The Nittany Lions defeated the Stanford Cardinal tonight 26-24, 16-25, 25-17, 25-17 in the first match of the Ken and Dave Dunlap Invitational here at Ohio State.

My apologies for no update from last weekend's trip to Illinois. I had some computer issues on the road and failed miserably this week to recap it during this week. No doubt you have read Susan's releases regarding the weekend where we went 1-1: defeating Loyola in three and losing to Lewis in four. We managed to survive a bus not starting, weather woes while travelling...twice and getting back into State College at 8:30 Sunday morning!

We also experienced one of the most emotional weeks in my history of Penn State as Coach Paterno passed away. There is such a profound feeling of loss and sadness but in the celebration of his life all Penn Staters were reminded of why we are the community that we are. Joe showed us that it was OK to climb toward an ideal, to embrace a way of life which is so very hard to attain because it is in the journey where the biggest impact can be made! Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Paterno family. Thanks for sharing Joe with all of us!

We left State College on Thursday after practice and arrived in Columbus about 11:30 PM. It was the best type of trip: uneventful! Practiced and met the other three teams in a small social gathering to honor Ken and Dave Dunlap. Ken started the Ohio State varsity volleyball program in 1968 and along with son Dave began the business of Sports Imports which supplies Senoh poles and nets to all of the United States. The Dunlaps quite literally have been a fundamental force in growing the game throughout the entire nation. It was a nice posthumous honor for the two Dunlaps and Ken's wife was in attendance along with her son.

We headed over to St. John Arena and prepared for the match. Stanford was 4-1 with wins against Pacific, Juniata, Loyola and UCSB. Their only loss was at the hands of UCLA on the road! Stanford All-Americas outside hitter Brad Lawson and Libero Erik Shoji were leading their team this season. If we let Shoji make a ton of first contacts Lawson no doubt would be making a bunch of third contacts...really HARD third contacts. We knew we had to minimize both of those, but that is easier said than done.

Game one had Stanford jump out to an early 3-7 lead. We managed to tie at 12 had the lead at 21-19  but the Cardinal gained a 22-23 advantage. We sided out at game point to tie at 24 with a Sunder kill. Sunder came through again in transition with a kill then a Comfort/Turko stuff ended game one 26-24.

Game two had Stanford run away from us. It seemed any opportunity they had they converted on and we were just trying to hang on. The were up 3-7 which later stretched to 9-19. It was at that point which we started to settle out. Nick Goodell and Peter Russell had entered the game a bit earlier and helped us start to find a rhythm. For game two it was too little too late but you could sense a determined calm from the group even though we gave up game two 16-25.

Game three was our turn to go up early at 7-2 with some effective Joe Sunder serving. The closest the Cardinal could get was 12-10 but another Sunder kill and back-to-back PSU stuffs preceeded yet another Sunder kill for a 16-10 lead. Peter Russell put away game point with a swing from the leftside and game three went to the Nittany Lions 25-17.

Game four was tight early and tied at 12. After a Cardinal serving error Goodell and Aaron Russell teamed up for a stuff block then Peter Russell served an ace. A Cardinal hitting error gave PSU a 16-12 lead. That was the separation we were looking for. Our sideout game was on a roll and we weren't giving Stanford opportunities to turn points. After a Peter Russell kill gave the serve to Goas with a 23-17 lead the Cardinal committed two hitting errors to close out the match 25-17.

It was a good win for us. Stanford is a pretty physical team and we battled with them at the net toe-to-toe! They also serve very well and our passers performed admirably as they kept us in-system for most of the match. Match leaders for the Nittany Lions were Sunder (Kills - 17; Aces - 2; Digs - 7), Aaron Russell (Blocks - 6) and Turko (Aces - 2), PSU hit .361 to the Cardinal's .309. We out-blocked them 9 to 7.5 and out-aced them 5 to 2. They out-dug us 27 to 24.

Now we get ready to take on the University of the Pacific Tigers tomorrow. UOP was defeated by OSU after our match 19-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21. They are a team that can be streaky with their blocking and hitting. We need to maintain a consistent level of execution against them and ride out some of their hot streaks. It'll be a good match tomorrow.

We did get some great news this week! Former PSU MVB assistant coach and current PSU WVB assistant Dennis Hohenshelt was named head coach of the University of Virginia women's volleyball program. Check out the UVA release: http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17800&ATCLID=205369254. All of you who know Dennis know that he is ready for this. I have no doubt that he will do well with his team and he and Tara and the kids will be a great addition to the UVA community. It'll be tough for me to see him leave. He was the first hire I had made as a head coach and for ten years he was everything one could want as an assistant coach. My wish for him is that he finds the assistant for him that is as good as he was as the assistant with me! Go get 'em D! The ACC will never be the same!

I'll be back to you from the bus as we roll out of Columbus tomorrow evening. In the meantime have a great Saturday!

All the best,

Pav, Colin, Jay and the team  

By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Be aggressive. Be assertive.

These are two things that sophomore forward Ariel Edwards knows she must focus on in each game to be successful. This finally culminated last week when Edwards posted her first career double-double, with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Iowa.

"When [Ariel] is aggressive or assertive on either end of the floor, she's dynamic," said head coach Coquese Washington. "I think her confidence level is growing and she feels like she can go out there and play her game."

Now, in her second year playing with the Lady Lions, the six-foot-two sophomore has seen herself improving, stressing the importance of having one year of experience under her belt.

"I worked a lot on game first and getting to the basket during offseason," said Edwards. "Just from my first year to my second year I have more experience. I think that's what really makes the difference."

This dedication to the game began early for Edwards who grew up shooting baskets with her older brother in front of their house in Elmont, N.Y., Edwards used to play basketball with him and his friends. Her brother, now a player at Radford University, gave her guidance in the sport and helped her to develop her passion.

After finding success in high school and winning several statewide accolades for her performance senior year, Edwards chose Penn State to begin her collegiate career with the Lady Lions.

"I really like what the school is about both academically and athletically," said Edwards. "I really enjoy the atmosphere of the campus."

During her freshman year, Edwards got her first taste of success on the court. She played in all but two games and averaged 11 minutes of playing time. Although still a first year player, Edwards worked on gaining confidence and establish her presence on the court.

The experience she acquired carried over to the 2011-2012 Lady Lions season. Edwards has proven to be a strong offensive and defensive force as the forward is averaging seven points and five rebounds per game.

"Ariel has taken on the role of doing whatever she can for us to win," said sophomore guard Maggie Lucas. "She gets rebounds, she scores and she's tough. She's great to have on the team."

The Lady Lions need Edwards now more than ever as junior forward Mia Nickson has battled injuries for most of the season. With Nickson out, Edwards stepped up to fill the void, starting for her team and asserting her presence on both ends of the court.

Even with the change in the lineup, however, Edwards continues to keep herself grounded, focusing on her own capabilities and contributions to the team.

"I go into every game with the same mindset," said Edwards. "Coach always puts the same pressure on me, whether I'm starting or not. That won't change. It's always the same mindset. I go out and try to do the best I can in whatever situation it may be."

This mindset has helped Edwards to stay patient on the court, allowing her to make big plays when needed whether it be through her jump shots or rebounds. Coach Washington has taken notice, noting Edwards's consistent determination this season.

"I'd like to see her continue to be aggressive and assertive," said Coach Washington. "And if in the end it's a double-double, great. If it's not, I know that if she's aggressive and assertive she's going to have an impact on the game on both ends of the court."

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - As the Nittany Lions prepare to host Ohio State for their second straight dual meet on the mat inside Rec Hall, take a look at a few significant numbers that describe just how talented the two conference teams have been this season.

2: Penn State holds the No. 2 spot in the nation according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association's poll. The Lions sit behind top-ranked and undefeated Oklahoma State.

3: Senior Frank Molinaro and sophomores David Taylor and Ed Ruth remain unbeaten heading into this weekend's competition. The trio has won 58 bouts combined this season.

4: The Lions have wrestled in nine dual meets so far this season and only three of those have been on their home mat. This weekend will mark just the fourth match that has been held in Rec Hall this season.

5: Ohio State sits at the fifth spot on the NWCA's national team ranking with a record 9-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten.

7: Last weekend the Nittany Lions defeated Iowa 22-12 to hand the Hawkeyes their second straight dual meet loss. Penn State shut out the Hawkeyes in the final seven bouts of the match to earn all 22 of its dual points.

7: With five true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen, the Buckeyes come to Rec Hall with seven athletes in their starting lineup that are wrestling in their first competitive season.

8: Penn State has taken eight dual meet victories so far this season, including wins over Bloomsburg, Lehigh, West Virginia, Lock Haven, Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Iowa.

25: The Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes have competed against one another 25 times in the history of each of their individual programs. Penn State holds a slim 14-11 nod over the Buckeyes all-time.

72: Under the direction of head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff, the Penn State squad is known for its fast-paced matches and quick throws. As a team, the Lions have dealt a combined 72 pins this season. Taylor and junior Quentin Wright lead the group with nine pins each while senior heavyweight Cameron Wade has notched seven of his own.

141: Ohio State's true freshman Hunter Stieber is ranked No. 6 at 141 and will most likely face Penn State's junior Bryan Pearsall. Stieber holds an 18-3 overall record this season and Pearsall has notched a 10-7 mark, but the match should be a particular one to watch as Pearsall is no stranger to facing ranked opponents.

300: The Lions have managed to more than quadruple the dual meets scores of their opponents so far this season, scoring 300 total dual points and allowing just 65 to be scored against them. In five different instances, Penn State has given up less than six dual points to the competition.

6,846: Sunday's match against the Buckeyes marks the third meet this season that will be wrestled in front of a sold out crowd in Rec Hall. The facility holds 6,846 people at capacity, and each and every one of those spaces will surely be filled.


Last year, Penn State handed it to the Buckeyes with a 42-3 victory inside Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions and Ohio State will clash at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon for the sixth conference match of each team's season.

By Paul Marboe, GoPSUsports.com Student Writer

Paul Marboe is a freshman student who interns with the Penn State Athletic Communications office.  He has lived in State College throughout his life, and offers a local view of Coach Paterno.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Joe Paterno will be remembered by many people for 409 wins, five undefeated seasons, and two National Championships.  For those that have lived in State College or attended Penn State, that is just the start.  Joe Paterno was about more than football.  He was about integrity, loyalty, character, and humility.  Paterno was about education, charity, and community.  He was about being a good family man.  Joe Paterno was a man that everyone in the community knew and loved.

In talking to a friend of mine in the days after Joe Paterno passed away, we decided that losing Joe was like losing a grandfather, even to those of us who never met him.  Growing up in State College, Paterno was a model for us of how to do things the right way and with great passion.  We grew up learning about Paterno's values of integrity, loyalty, character, and humility, epitomized by the phrase, "Success with Honor".   Those were core values for everyone in our community and ones that everyone wanted to live by.  Joe Paterno was a hero to us and someone that we looked up to as how to live our lives the right way.

The events of this week have been a very nice tribute to the man that Joe Paterno was.  The candlelight vigil, organized by students, showed what he meant to Penn State.  Students came together to mourn, but also to say thanks to the man who had given so much to our university.  After the vigil on the Old Main lawn, we all proceeded to walk to the Paterno Statue.  On our walk, we approached Beaver Stadium, with the magnificent glow that surrounded it. The scene was amazing with how it lit up the sky and the town.  On the video board was the single picture of Joe smiling with his arms crossed, and under were the words "Joseph Vincent Paterno 1926-2012".  The walk ended at the statue, where many paid their respects, including a "We Are...Penn State" chant.

The simplicity of the viewing made it very special. We all heard about how Joe was just a simple, normal guy.  By sticking to his values, he created a life that many admired. A former and current player, representing the generations of people that Coach Paterno had influenced, flanked the closed casket.

On Wednesday, thousands of people lined the streets to "Guide Joe Home".  This showed the closeness and togetherness of the Penn State community.  This represented one of Joe's best traits, his ability to bring people together.  Throughout his coaching career, Paterno brought together players from many different races and backgrounds with the goal of creating a team - a team where no one was bigger than the team and every player would proudly represent Penn State.

The public memorial left many speechless.  It was a very moving event filled with great speakers.  Through all of the stories and the speeches, everything that I had heard about Joe Paterno, when I was a kid, was reinforced.  Though it is impossible to put a number on how many lives Paterno had touched, it was clear that Joe had touched each of these speakers in his own unique way.  No two speakers shared the same story or the same reason for why Joe was so special.

Joe Paterno's influence is spread across generations of the State College community.  Growing up, I learned about the true character of Joe Paterno.  Everyone in State College has a "Joe" story, my family included.  In the 1960's, my grandparents lived in an apartment building on East McCormick Avenue.  Joe, then an assistant coach, and his wife, Sue, lived in a townhouse on Old Boalsburg Road.  On Sundays, a few men in the neighborhood, including my grandfather and Joe Paterno, would gather in a vacant lot on Pugh Street and play football.  To me, this represents the simple man that Paterno wanted to be known as. An assistant at a good football program and on Sundays, he just wanted to play football with the other men.  My parents grew up in State College, attending games in the 1960s and 1970s as kids and seeing the values and successes that Paterno brought to Penn State.  My parents and I have attended almost every home game since I was about 4 years old, because we admire the example that Joe Paterno set for Penn State, college football, and college athletics.

Growing up, I always heard about Joe Paterno, the community man.  The guy who lived in a simple home, drove a simple car, and walked to work every day.  I heard about the family man that he was. That he always had great love for his children and his wife.  I heard about how he would routinely be seen walking around State College and Penn State and took an interest in many people.  In over 60 years, he met a lot of people and touched a lot of lives.  The difference with Joe Paterno was that no matter how big his accomplishments were he never made himself bigger than anyone else in the community.  It seemed like any spotlight even made him a little uncomfortable.  Everyone in our town admired his humility.  State College is a small town with a close community and Joe was part of that community.

As Paterno's legend grew, so did his charity works.  My aunt has Down's syndrome.  When she was younger, she participated in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, an organization that Joe and Sue Paterno have dedicated much of their lives to.  The organization gives disabled youth and adults an opportunity to compete and enjoy themselves and have fun.  This was a cause that Joe and Sue strongly supported.  My aunt does not watch football. When the news broke that Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer, she was very upset.  She prayed for Joe every day that he would get better and recover.  This was not because of Joe Paterno, the football coach, but because Joe and Sue had given so much to an organization that she enjoyed being a part of.

Joe Paterno's contribution to Penn State is immeasurable.  His belief in education and bettering oneself allowed him to push for the growth of the university and State College.  Along with the growth, came the academic reputation and educational experience that the university offers today.  A lot of national interest that Penn State receives is due to the success of Joe Paterno's Grand Experiment and the values that he brought to this school.

While coaching football is not all that Joe Paterno will be known for in the State College community, it is a huge part of his legend.  Winning the right way, "Success with Honor", and with the right people, was what made Paterno a special coach.  Joe Paterno's Grand Experiment revolutionized what it meant to be a student-athlete.  All Penn State athletic programs follow the standard that Paterno set.  Everyone in the community admires the quality people that Paterno produced through his program. We admired how much Paterno cared about the person that each player was.  Joe changed many lives with his encouragement and values.  Paterno's loyalty and passion for his school and his players will never be matched in college athletics.  The Penn State football tradition, led by Coach Paterno, was made unique by how success was achieved.

This week, the State College and Penn State community lost a very important person in Joe Paterno.  We lost a man that touched everyone in our community.  We lost a man that provided everyone with their own story and memory.  I never met Coach Paterno, but always looked up to him as a role model and hero.  He set an example for all of us in how to live our lives with values and passion.  Though Joe Paterno has passed away, it is important to carry on the values that he lived by and taught us.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - If there was one word to describe the 2012 Nittany Lion baseball team, it would be experienced.

Penn State capped off a grueling 2011 season with a birth in the Big Ten tournament and a number of team accomplishments including 16 road wins, 18th most in Division I baseball, and a 5-3 record against teams that eventually played in the NCAA tournament.  Now, as the offseason comes to a close, head coach Robbie Wine and his players are eager to return to the baseball field and build off the momentum from the previous year.

"I think we're all excited even to start team practice," said Coach Wine.  "The work ethic's there.  They can't wait for the season to start."

Though Penn State lost a talented senior class starring slugger Mario Eramo and speed demon Blake Lynd, it returns a solid foundation of experienced starters.  Leading the charge is premier third baseman Jordan Steranka, who was drafted by the Astros, but turned them down in favor of finishing his senior season in Happy Valley.  With Steranka, complimented by the ever-consistent Joey DeBernardis at first base and perennial power hitter Sean Deegan in the outfield, Coach Wine believes his team can achieve great things this season.

"We got a chance to do some special things with all the hitters coming back, with the experience," said Coach Wine.

Despite the apparent offensive firepower, Penn State's true strength lies in its fortified pitching staff, which was formidable in 2011, but has since added two relievers to its bullpen in the forms of Joe Kurrasch and Cody Lewis.  Both were transfer students out of the University of California and the University of Arizona, respectively, and were required to miss the previous season.  As if the added depth behind junior ace Steven Hill wasn't enough, starter Dave Walkling is expected to return from Tommy John surgery.  Walkling went 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA in his first six starts before suffering the injury to his elbow.  Coach Wine has no doubt about the potential of such a stout pitching staff.

"We should go out there and with our starting pitching lined up, we should have a chance to win every game," said Coach Wine.

"We got a good squad this year," Wine later added. "We've got some depth."

Even with the potent group of veterans, Coach Wine suspects some of the newcomers will make their own runs at starting positions.

"The freshman group that's coming in, there's some guys that are ready," remarked Coach Wine.  "There's going to be a couple guys that might step up and win jobs this year."

The freshmen are going to have their work cut out for them, but that motivation will serve them well in the future.  They will learn from players like Steranka, DeBernardis, and Deegan, who have been there before and have overcome many of the obstacles these newer players will face in the coming years.  Coach Wine was quick to point out how important it was for the veterans to convey a belief in the team as a whole.

"These guys have been through all that," said Coach Wine of his current seniors.  "They've been around and played some good competition and they know with our pitching staff, they're seeing it.  I think that's the big thing is just getting over the hump to believing that you belong."

Penn State opens the season Feb. 17 in St. Petersburg, Fla. against Seton Hall for the Big Ten vs. Big East Challenge.  The Nittany Lions face a tumultuous schedule ahead including 10 games against teams that competed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament.  In spite of the impending challenge, Coach Wine's message to the team was simple:  Work hard and take it one day at a time.

"Just keep working every day," Wine advised.  "Get better every day.  You start looking ahead, that's where it gets you."

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A single trumpet player, clad in the iconic Blue Band uniform, stood before more than 10,000 members of the Penn State family, a family Joe Paterno had his hand in creating, and delivered an emotional rendition of "The Nittany Lion" to cap off a memorial for a legendary coach, leader and humanitarian in the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday afternoon.

"A Memorial For Joe" honored the life and legacy of a man who gave 62 years to the betterment of State College, Penn State University and Penn State Football.

The thousands inside the Bryce Jordan Center stood in unison, clapping and cheering as Joe's wife, Sue, made her way down the line of the Paterno family, hugging each and every member in the front row of the floor seating next to the stage before taking a seat between her daughter, Mary Kay, and son, David.

Following an invocation, All-America wide receiver Kenny Jackson kicked off a list of 12 speakers, which included a player from every decade Coach Paterno directed the Penn State football program.

All-America tailback Charlie Pittman, who was part of Coach Paterno's first recruiting class in 1966, represented the 1960s with a moving speech about the man he looked up to for decades.  Pittman said that Coach Paterno was the type of person that made him feel special from his teens to adulthood.

Pittman described Coach Paterno with honesty, effort, academics, sportsmanship and citizenship.  When his son, Tony Pittman, turned down offers from Harvard, Yale and Princeton to play at Penn State, the Pittmans became the first father-and-son pair to suit up for Coach Paterno.

The Pittman duo accounted for three of Coach Paterno's five undefeated seasons (1968, '69, '94).  Pittman said that when he and his son started games for Coach Paterno, Penn State went 45-0-1.  Additionally, they were both Academic All-Americans.  Pittman ended his speech with one simple sentence.

"Rest in Peace, Coach.  We'll take it from here," Pittman said as he received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Jimmy Cefalo played under Coach Paterno from 1974-'77 and was selected to speak on behalf of the 1970s.  Currently the radio voice of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, Cefalo graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism.

Cefalo's speech story centered on a recruiting visit, saying that Coach Paterno did not recruit athletes he recruited their moms.  He proceeded to describe Coach Paterno's visit to the Cefalo household where Joe remarked that Cefalo's mom made better pasta than the Cappelletti house did during the recruiting visit to Penn State's Heisman Trophy winner.

The Pittston, Pa., native ended his speech with a reference to Coach Paterno's "Grand Experiment" where athletes wouldn't just be athletes, they would be student athletes.

"We can say now, 46 years later, that the 'Grand Experiment' was a great success," Cefalo said.

Quarterback on the 1982 national championship team, Todd Blackledge, representing the 1980s, said that Joe Paterno "was the most extraordinary person I have ever known."  Blackledge, who currently is a college football analyst for ESPN, characterized Coach Paterno with TLC - Team, Loyalty and Competition.  He also called Coach Paterno the fiercest competitor that he had ever seen.

Chris Marrone, whose playing career was cut short by injuries, represented the 1990s.  Marrone was an offensive lineman on the 12-0 Big Ten title team in 1994 and a 1997 graduate.  He said Coach Paterno molded him into a man with the strength to overcome any challenge and any adversity.

"You have a greater purpose than football and I'm going to help you achieve it," Marrone said about Coach Paterno.

Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson realized a dream this season when he earned a spot in the NFL's Pro Bowl, which is this weekend in Honolulu.  After practicing earlier in the week in Hawaii, Robinson flew nearly halfway around the world to be with his Penn State family and speak on behalf of the 2000s.  Robinson stepped off the plane just three hours prior to the memorial.

"I wouldn't be any other place in the world right now," Robinson said.

Robinson went on to say that his fondest memory with Coach Paterno was standing on the stage after winning a dramatic 2006 Orange Bowl with Coach by his side.

"Joe is the reason I am on this level," Robinson said.

Current Nittany Lion linebacker Michael Mauti had the honor of representing the current team and decade.  Without question, it was the largest crowd the junior had ever spoken in front of, and Mauti did a tremendous job honoring Coach and thanking the fans for their support.

Mauti shared a comical story of his recruiting visit to Penn State.  Prior to the visit, Mauti told his mother that he was not going to commit to anything during his trip to Penn State; rather the family would weigh their options before deciding.  However, while sitting in his corner office at the Lasch Building, Coach Paterno delivered his recruiting pitch and ultimately said, "What's it going to be, kid?" 

Mauti, with his parents by his side, immediately said, "I'm here."  His dad, Rich, who also played for Coach Paterno, tried to chime in, but Coach Paterno interrupted and told him to be quiet.  The rest is history, and Mauti is a Nittany Lion.

Current Penn State senior, Lauren Perrotti, a Paterno Fellow Scholar; Jeff Bast, founder of Paternoville in 2005; Susan Welch, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, also addressed the crowd with personal stories of their connection with Coach Paterno.  Dean Welch remarked that, "Joe and Sue have been steadfast supporters of the academic mission of Penn State."

Chairman of Nike, Phil Knight, first met Coach Paterno 33 years ago on the annual trip with college football coaches.  Knight spoke about Coach Paterno singing "Wild Thing" in the talent contest portion of the trip with the college coaches during each of the past 15 years.

Finally, Jay Paterno delivered a moving speech on behalf of his dad.  Jay said that he was proud to have his driver's license read Joseph Vincent Paterno, Jr.  He spoke at great length about the final days he spent with his father and what it meant for Coach Paterno to spend his life at Penn State.  Jay ended his speech with the audience hand-in-hand delivering the Lord's Prayer in unison, just as Coach Paterno did after every locker room speech following every game that he coached in at Penn State.

Jay's speech also included a story about Coach Paterno making anonymous monthly payments to a former player to help with his son's brain cancer.

That was the type of man Joe Paterno was, on and off the field. 

It was a fitting tribute to a man who meant more to Penn State than any other man in its illustrious history.

All 12 speakers delivered countless stories about personal encounters or recruiting visits with Coach Paterno, but Perrotti, the current senior and Paterno Fellow Scholar, summed up the immeasurable impact Joe Paterno had on Penn State University best.

"The Paterno Way has become The Penn State Way...Success With Honor has become the standard."


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - When you play big-time college basketball in a conference like the Big Ten there often will be times when tough challenges and matchups lie ahead.  There are times when you play a team looking for revenge, and just as many when you play a group looking to prove they are better once again.

The Penn State Lady Lions will be playing teams with both of those motives on their upcoming road trip, a swing through the state of Michigan.

First up on the schedule will be a match-up with the Michigan Wolverines, who are tied with Penn State at 5-2 in the Big Ten, and looking to avenge a 78-63 loss in Happy Valley earlier in the year.

Following that the team will be traveling to East Lansing, where it will be looking for revenge of its own after a tough 75-65 loss to the Michigan State Spartans.

For head coach Coquese Washington playing these teams a second time does not seem to pose too many different challenges from the first time, at least strategy wise.

"I don't think there are any different challenges besides what the match-ups are," Washington said.  "I like when you play the teams fairly quickly because I think the game and the game plan are still fresh in the kids' minds."

"Everyone in the Big Ten knows each other so well," added guard Maggie Lucas.  "They don't change so much from year to year; it's just a battle of who's going to be smarter usually."

Although the game plans will be similar to the first contests with each team, that doesn't mean the environment for the Lady Lions anywhere near the same.

"I think both of the teams play much better at home than on the road," Washington said of the two Michigan schools.  Also adding that both schools get great crowds, which is something her team will have to overcome.

While both games and environments will be different, there are similar focus points that this Lady Lions team will need to do to be successful in both contests.

Washington talked about how the team had great ball movement and was very unselfish against the Wolverines, which led to the Lions shooting a very strong 55 percent from the field, both are things they need to do again.

"If we continue to work to get the ball inside and play inside-out, "Washington said on what it will take to shoot that well again.  "In addition we have to be aggressive defensively and get going in transition, that's a plus for us."

That aggressive defensive mindset is once again something the players mentioned they focus on.

"Defense is the most important going into these games," Lucas said.

"We have to buckle down and get stops," added guard Alex Bentley.

A final focus point for this Lions team will be something that it needs to do right from the opening tip, which is start the game strong.

The team has struggled at times this season with lapses or starting the game slow and that is something the players and coaches are looking to end on the road trip.

"The first half is going to be really important for us to get out and get it going," Bentley said.

"It's staying together, keeping calm," Lucas added.  "Teams go on runs; it's just part of basketball."

If things go as planned for Penn State they will be the only ones making runs anytime soon, and two rematches will equal two wins.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - More than 700 Penn State football lettermen returned to State College on Tuesday to pay tribute to legendary head coach Joe Paterno.

After paying their respects at Pasquerilla Spirtual Center, the lettermen congregated at Beaver Stadium for a luncheon.  Head coach Bill O'Brien addressed the group for several minutes.  The lettermen exchanged stories and honored the man that meant so much to them.

Watch video remarks and a few Coach Paterno stories from former Penn State greats, Kyle Brady, Deon Butler, Kerry Collins and Daryll Clark.

By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- As the opening faceoff inches closer for the Penn State men's lacrosse team, coaches and captains stress the importance of focus and detail to the team.

Less than one year ago, the Nittany Lions were ousted from the playoffs in an overtime loss to UMass in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals. With the heartbreaking loss still fresh in their minds, coaches and players look to learn from last year's mistakes.

"The game last year against UMass is something that gets us motivated," said senior captain Ryan McGarvey (Lower Gwynedd, Pa.). "We are going to bring a lot of focus to every single play and detail this year, which could have helped us avoid that loss last season."

The goal that abruptly ended the Nittany Lions' season came just 1:37 into the overtime period, effectively ending Jeff Tambroni's inaugural season as head coach of Penn State (7-7, 4-2 CAA).

This season, the coaching staff has expectations of the team to exceed last year's win total.

"Everyone being a year older is going to help us out this season," said Peter Toner, entering his second season as assistant coach. "We played a tough schedule, got a playoff opportunity against UMass, and hopefully it lights a little fire in their belly with the way it ended last year."

The Nittany Lions have only four seniors on the roster entering this new season. The team may not consist of many veterans, but they insist that leadership and success are found in other forms.

"We come together very closely as a group," McGarvey said. "The leadership on our team comes from the whole collective group, not just a few seniors...it is a collective effort."

Leading a team that consists mainly of freshmen and sophomores presents a very important role for the team captains.

"We need to bring the young guys on board and make them realize how important every season is," said senior captain Matt Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.). "We want to get as far as possible. Our goal is always that National Championship, but we are just going to move one day at a time."

Surrounding the lacrosse program is the hype of the newly constructed lacrosse field near the Bryce Jordan Center. The new field, constructed of a synthetic FieldTurf, lays lower in the ground for better sight lines and improved visibility of the ball.

The major construction finished recently, allowing for the men and women's teams to begin using the field for practice and games if the weather permits.

"The new field is very exciting for us as players," said senior captain Ryan Link (Englewood, Co.). "We will be the first to get out there and cement our legacy on that field. Penn State lacrosse is starting to generate a lot of excitement across campus."

The field is intended for lacrosse only activities, and provides a home to the lacrosse program after years of playing on numerous fields around campus. Not only does it benefit the current program, but also has meaning for recruiting.

"Our recruits will get to see the level of commitment that the athletic department has in Penn State lacrosse," Toner said. "Now it is up to the team to work hard every day to make sure that we are taking this program in the right direction."

The Nittany Lions hope to host their first game on the new field on March 10 against Denver.

Before the season officially gets under way, Penn State will play in two exhibition games. The Nittany Lions will host their first exhibition game on Sat., Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. against Army in Holuba Hall. The next exhibition game will be played on Sat., Feb. 4 vs. Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Md.

"While we love scrimmaging against each other, it is great to get another opponent out there on the field," Mackrides said. "It motivates us in practice to know that Army is coming in just a few days or that Johns Hopkins, one of the best teams in the country, is just in a couple of weeks."

The Nittany Lions will open the regular season on the road on Sat., Feb. 11 against North Carolina in Kennesaw, Ga.

By Alexa Hetzel

Not being from the state of Pennsylvania, one thing I've always noticed on the highways was the fact that there are no street lights.  So as I was driving along Route 220 Sunday night and the sky was bright in one spot there was only one real explanation.

After four years of playing the game Joe intended to go to Boston University Law School but changed his mind and followed Rip Engle to Penn State. Little did anyone know Joe would never leave.  A quote I came across explains it the best, "His mother wanted a doctor.  His dad would have been happy with an engineer.  Little did they know that we were getting a legend." 

The repercussions of the decisions we make in life aren't always visible at the time.  When I chose Penn State I had no idea the impact the people I have meet here would have on my life, or the effect one man had.  I never had the honor to meet Joe, that was something I had always wanted to do.  But even having not met him personally his actions and his decisions made me a different person.

 I was asked what my favorite memory of Joe was and when I thought about it a few came to mind.  Watching him being hoisted on the shoulders of his players after his 400^th win, listening to him talk at Football Eve, watching him argue with his assistant coaches because he wanted to do a specific play.  But those all weren't good enough, and then I had it.  My freshman year the Nittany Lions were outstanding.  They were undefeated when we were supposed to play Illinois at our first night game.  At the pep rally the Friday night before the game Joe came with the team to talk to the 6,000 people that squished together to get in.  There had been reports saying that Illinois was going to beat us so bad they were going to grind us like meat, and Joe's simple response to end the night after motivating everyone to join in the White Out and cheer was "I'll bring the meatballs."  Needless to say we won that game, and that year we won the Big Ten Championship and went to the Rose Bowl.

So as I drove towards Beaver Stadium the bright light became brighter and brighter.  I hurried the rest of the way to make it for the vigil to honor the man that made me laugh, scream, cry and happy and when I got there Old Main was packed.  The words of Shane McGregor were echoing off the cement columns and out towards the crowd touching each Penn Stater one by one.  When it was all over and I looked to my left and right and saw people joining together getting ready to sing our Alma Mater, it made me smile.  It isn't quite something you can explain but the feeling I had I won't ever forget.  I have always been proud to be a Penn Stater but at that moment I was joined to the thousands of people who felt the same way. 

To the man who made "Success With Honor" a way of life instead of just a saying, who made more that 23 million people bleed blue and white, who had the highest graduation rate in the country, and who is now with his number one fan with his favorite colors all around him, you were more than just a football coach.  You were more than 400 wins, you changed the lives of millions of people and we will always be forever grateful.  You will always be remembered.

We Are...and always will be....Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion basketball team heads to No. 3 Ohio State Wednesday night looking for 40 minutes of consistent basketball.

Head coach Patrick Chambers told the media earlier in the week that the mindset of the team is to just continue getting better every day. 

Penn State (10-11, 2-6) took a 29-27 lead into the halftime break on Sunday at Indiana, but the Hoosiers used an 18-6 run out of the locker room to score a 73-54 victory.

Coach Chambers said that the Lions played hard for the vast majority of the contest at Indiana.  However, he is seeking a complete 40-minute effort on the road.  The Nittany Lions are built on defensive intensity and rebounding, but the team wants to build more confidence on the offensive end of the floor when it is away from home.

"At some point, we have to make shots," Coach Chambers said.

Junior point guard Tim Frazier will be the central piece of Penn State's offensive attack when it takes on the third-ranked Buckeyes at Value City Arena.  Frazier now leads the Big Ten in scoring at 19.4 points per game.  He also leads the conference in assists (5.3) and steals (2.5).  He is the only player in the nation to lead his conference in those three categories.

Led by sophomore big man Jared Sullinger, the Buckeyes (17-3, 5-2) are one of the most talented teams in America.  Sullinger leads Ohio State statistically with 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds.  Senior guard William Buford (15.2 ppg) and sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas (15.0 ppg) also scoring threats for the Buckeyes.  Ohio State is beating its opponents by an average of 22.0 points.  Additionally, Thad Matta's squad is 14-0 inside Value City Arena. 

GoPSUsports.com caught up with Frazier before practice this week for his thoughts leading up to Wednesday's clash with the Buckeyes.

A lot has happened this past week at Penn State. The team trained hard all week for the big meet this weekend against defending national champs, Alabama, along with Michigan State and Cornell. It was one of the most exciting meets I have ever experienced here, and the team did absolutely amazing. Every single person hit, there were no falls, and we got on a roll on the last three events, hitting one routine after another. Rec Hall was filled with Penn State fans, the most packed I've ever seen it, and you could tell that everyone was really getting into it. We ended up coming in second to Alabama by only three fourths of a tenth, which is unbelievable! I am so proud of our team and how far we have already come in the third meet. And to top it all off, it was our "flip for a cure" pink meet in support of breast cancer. It was awesome to be able to acknowledge breast cancer survivors and send out a powerful message to all.

On another note, a tragic event struck Penn State just today. We learned this morning that head football coach of 46 years, Joe Paterno, died of lung cancer. There was an emotional candlelight vigil in honor of him tonight. Thousands of people were there, all whose lives Joe has touched.  JoePa is Penn State, and this University has evolved to be one of the greatest universities because of him. He was more than just a football coach; he was an amazing person, a legend, an icon. He did more for this university than any one man has ever done. He made history - 409 wins, he changed lives, and he will never be forgotten. Rolled up khaki pants, high white socks, glasses and all, we love you JoePa.

Lindsay Musgrove

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Tears fell, horns honked and prayers were spoken as several community members, students and onlookers gathered around the Joe Paterno statue outside of Beaver Stadium during the early hours of Monday evening.

As local and national news trucks and their individual tents line the side of Porter Road that looks across at the second-largest stadium in the nation, the scene just past Gate A remains constant.

Groups of all ages and sizes have been congregating around the iconic sculpture since late Sunday morning, when the passing of the 85-year-old man, who has been called a "legend" among college football coaches, was announced.

And in the past 48 hours, the statue's original look has been altered quite a bit.

The Paterno figurine has been adorned with a blue and white knit scarf, a white Paternoville sweatshirt and a Bear Bryant style hat too. Below the feet of the statue, a pool of candles, flowers, hats, pom-poms, shirts, notes, posters and other memorabilia continues to grow.

A California license plate that reads 'Joe Pa' sits directly under the coach's statue among Rose Bowl hats, picture frames and t-shirts that have been signed by former football players. There seems to be just about one of everything that has been given in memory of Coach Paterno.

Penn State junior Dan Jenkins was observing the scene and paying his respects and said the he was really surprised when he saw a few items from some familiar Penn State football rivals.

"I saw a Michigan hat and I saw a WVU sign," said Jenkins. "Seeing all of that and the Bear Bryant hat, it just shows the impact he really had across not only Penn State but across the country and it's really something special to see."

Jenkins had not seen the mementos and posters laid around the statue before Monday evening, but he said that he had seen pictures of the scene in images on social media sites earlier in the day.

"This is the first time I've been up here," said Jenkins. "Just seeing it actually in person, just seeing the notes from all the students and all of the alumni and people that liked him - just seeing the personal notes that people wrote to him and all of the personal things, it touched you a bit."

Jenkins' roommate, junior Kevin Byrne, was as equally impressed with the attention the statue was getting as he was with the bright lights that have been shining out of Beaver Stadium the past two evenings. After Coach Paterno passed, the university decided to keep all of the lights in the stadium lit and a picture of the man himself on each jumbotron screen until "A Memorial for Joe" commences on Thursday afternoon.

"We live on East Beaver Avenue so we can see it from our apartment right outside our window - it was just like this glow," said Byrne. "I like it; I think it's kind of a good tribute to [Paterno]."

The growing circle of objects surrounding the statue composed familiarity with a sense of a unique quality. Gameday pom-poms upon shakers encircled recognizable white out shirts from years past, blue and white hats that are commonly worn on the heads of grandfathers, fathers and sons alike and even a colorful pile of football tickets from previous seasons.

As a fan-base, a community and a university, it looks as though many people plan to continue paying their respects to Coach Paterno - and for good reason.

"I know he had an impact just on me personally," said Jenkins. "I've never met him but you feel like he's part of your family - you feel like you've known him just because he is Penn State."

By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Penn State women's lacrosse team practiced outside yesterday for the first time on the newly-built Penn State Lacrosse Field. The Nittany Lions are excited to have a new site to call home and are looking forward to the success it will bring the program.

"Having your own home is important," said head coach Missy Doherty. "Last year we played eight home games in three different sites on campus. It will be nice once we are done playing inside to have a place to call home and establish our own identity."

The game site is currently still in the works, but has the platform set with the field, lights and scoreboard all completed. Located directly next to the Ashenfelter Multi-Sport facility, this new field is on prominent display when driving down University Drive.

"When the plans for the new ice hockey rink moved to Bigler Field, our turf was taken away," said Doherty. "So, thankfully the University provided the resources to be able to move us to a new location. In order to continue to build the stadium and put all of the amenities we would like to have in place, the fundraising will be coming from alumni and other donors. We want to build the prominence of our program and hopefully excite a lot of people to contribute to our sport."

The fundraising from alumni and other donors will supply permanent stadium seating, bathrooms and a press box.

"Down the line with more efforts in fundraising we hope to provide the players with new locker rooms that could house a special training facility for the players," said Doherty.

While the team will split time between Holuba Hall and their new facility pending day-to-day weather changes in Happy Valley, Doherty prefers the game day atmosphere outside.

"If the weather allows us, I would prefer to be outdoors for the majority of the season," said Doherty. "Holuba Hall is great because it allows us to train at 100 percent in a world-class facility.  We are never compromised because of the weather. However, in an overall game environment I would much rather be outside."

Penn State women's lacrosse will look to use the newly built facility at the home opener against Maryland on Feb. 19. 

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Sadness filled the air in Happy Valley Sunday afternoon as Penn State fans and supporters everywhere mourned the loss of the school's legendary former football coach, Joe Paterno. 

Following a moment of silence for the man who fought so hard in everything he did, the Penn State Lady Lions basketball team fought hard in their own way, giving Penn State fans something to smile about in a 68-52 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

For the coaches and players, who wore black patches on their jerseys, the win was a small way to show their support for the Paterno's, and honor the late coach.

"It is good that we got the win in honor of him," said Lady Lions head coach Coquese Washington.  "We just wanted to play our best on this day and give our best effort in respect of a man who gave his best to Penn State."

Giving that best effort is exactly what this group did as a late 20-2 run helped turn what was once a back and forth game into a rout.

Junior guard Alex Bentley once again led the charge for the home team with a big-time effort on both ends of the floor, finishing the day with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six steals.

Bentley was able to react to the Iowa defense and make plays all day long.

"They were really up on our posts and they were really up on Zha Zha (Zhaque Gray) and Maggie (Lucas) the whole game." Bentley said postgame.   "That opened up driving lanes in the middle for me."

The Lady Lions would need those driving lanes, especially early, as Iowa came out firing from three-point range behind the sharp-shooting of Kamille Wahlin, who finished the game with 21 points (five three's), including 18 in the first half.

Until the game's late run the battle went back and forth all afternoon long with the Lady Lions getting strong performances from more than just their usual cast of top players.

Outside of Bentley's big day Marissa Wolfe was able to add eight points and six boards off the bench to balance the load.  But the big story was the first career double-double for Ariel Edwards, a huge performance on a day her team needed one.

"I thought she was much more active. When she is active with her athleticism, length and speed, she can create havoc," said head coach Coquese Washington on Edwards' 17 points and 11 rebounds.  "I just liked her energy level. She gave us a lot of extra possessions because of her energy level."

"It's a level to keep repeating," Edwards added.  "It's something that I want to do consistently and reach more than once because it is my first."

Those offensive rebounds by Edwards were just a few of the many Penn State was able to grab as they dominated that statistic all game long.

The 11 rebounds by Edwards, along with 13 from Nikki Greene, helped to give the home team a 53-34 edge on the glass, with a 20-5 edge on offensive boards.

"It gave us a few more shots and a few more opportunities. Our team is good enough offensively that if we keep going and keep shooting, the ball will go in," said Washington on how all the rebounds helped the team, especially in the first half when they were down.

Going forward, this is the fourth straight win for the Lady Lions as they have been able to fight back to get to 5-2 in conference play, in a current tie for third place in the standings.

The team is clearly starting to get on a roll, and ready to keep that streak going.

Joe Paterno once said, "Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."

With that belief, hard work, and dedication this Lady Lions team is looking to make that quote a reality.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - As the final bout of Sunday's match came to a close in Rec Hall, Cael Sanderson stood mat-side with his hands on his hips and a larger-than-usual grin on his face. For the first time since 2007, the Penn State head coach led the No. 3 Nittany Lions to a Big Ten dual win over No. 2 Iowa by a count of 22-12.

It had been an anticipated competition three months ago when tickets sold out, and it was just as anticipated more than an hour before the match when thousands of spectators had already filed into their seats.

But as the lights dimmed and only the center spotlight shined, it was the Hawkeyes who struck early - and often.

Iowa powered through the first three bouts of the dual behind strong performances of three of its highly-ranked starters, including defending national champion and No. 2 Matt McDonough at 125, No. 2 Tony Ramos at 133 and No. 2 Montell Marion at 141.

McDonough matched up with Nittany Lion freshman and No. 8 Nico Megaludis to begin the conference dual, and the two put on quite a show right off the bat. Neither of the two lightweights scored a takedown during the three regulation periods and, tied at 1-1, the two headed into overtime to decide the bout. McDonough was able to outlast Megaludis and score Iowa's first three points, winning by a decision of 3-1.

Despite the opening loss, coach Sanderson said that he was very happy with the way that his freshman wrestled with passion on the mat.

"[Nico] hustled and battled and there were a lot of tough situations and he's got a big heart," said Sanderson. "To go out there and do what he did and give himself a chance to win in a big match in a big dual against a national champion, you've got to take some positives out of that."

Iowa's Ramos then followed with a pin of Penn State's Frank Martellotti at 133 for six dual points and Marion notched a 7-3 decision over Nittany Lion Bryan Pearsall for three more. Heading into the 149-pound bout, the Hawkeyes owned the only 12 points of the dual.

But those were the only points that Iowa would earn for the rest of the afternoon.

Senior and No. 1 Frank Molinaro was greeted by a standing ovation from the 6,796 fans that filled Rec Hall, and after his 10-5 decision over freshman Hawkeye Mike Kelly he left the mats with the same round of applause. Molinaro seemed to have lit the fire for the Nittany Lions, as Penn State would go on to win the next and final six bouts of the dual.

Dylan Alton, David Taylor, Quentin Wright, Morgan McIntosh and Cameron Wade each won by decision at their individual weights and Ed Ruth earned a major in his bout at 174 to score a total of 19 more team points to add to Molinaro's three.

"That was awesome," freshman McIntosh said of the big win on his home mats. "That was the coolest feeling ever. Just the noise and the atmosphere and everybody cheering loud - I won't forget that for a long time."

McIntosh won a clutch bout over Iowa's junior Grant Gambrall, who defeated Nittany Lion teammate Wright in last season's conference match by a decision of 8-3. The freshman 197 pounder hung with the veteran Hawkeye through three periods of tie wrestling, and forced the matter into the second overtime bout of the match. Looking fatigued after three hard-fought periods, the two rolled it down to the wire - but McIntosh was able to shoot first and scored the winning takedown to win by a decision of 5-3.

And the crowd went wild.

"Coach Cael always tells us that we just have to wrestle the whole match and that's what I was trying to do," said McIntosh. "I saw my opportunities and I just wrestled as hard as I could to get the corner and get that last takedown for the win."

Coach Sanderson said that he was happy that his freshman listens to what he has been teaching him, but even happier with the way that he proved himself on the mat.

"Morgan McIntosh is a tough dude," said Sanderson. "For Morgan to do what he did here today, I mean he's just a competitor. He's never going to give anything up. He's going to fight tooth and nail 'til the last second and that's what it takes to be a great one."

The dual win over Iowa puts the Nittany Lions at 8-1 overall this season with a Big Ten mark of 4-1. Next week, Penn State will be back in action on its home turf once again as it welcomes Ohio State to Rec Hall on Sunday, Jan. 29.