UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A new era of Big Ten football will begin on Sept.
13, 2014, and the Nittany Lions will be a part of it.
Penn State is slated to travel to Rutgers on that date to compete against the
Scarlet Knights in their first game as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The conference released the 2014 schedule on
Thursday, which also includes Maryland for the first time.
In 2014, the Big Ten will split into East - Indiana, Maryland, Michigan,
Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers - and West - Illinois, Iowa,
Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin - divisions with the
arrival of Maryland and Rutgers.
Penn State will play each of its division foes every season, along with two
schools from the West division in 2014 and 2015. Beginning in 2016, the Big Ten will play nine
conference games, which means Penn State will play the other six teams in the
East division and three schools from the West division.
As for 2014, the Lions are slated to host Northwestern (Sept. 27), Ohio State
(Oct. 25), Maryland (Nov. 1) and Michigan State (Nov. 29). In addition to Rutgers (Sept. 13), Penn State
will travel to Michigan (Oct. 11), Indiana (Nov. 8) and Illinois (Nov. 22) for
road games.
Because the game had been scheduled prior to Rutgers joining the Big Ten, the
Lions' trip to New Jersey will lead to both teams opening conference play two
weeks prior to everyone else.
Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993.
Since then, the Nittany Lions have played their conference opener on the
road 14 times and at home nine times.
With the 2014 opener slated for a road game at Rutgers, it will mark
Penn State's fifth-straight season and ninth in the previous 11 years of
playing its conference opener away from home.
Michigan State returns to Penn State's schedule after three seasons off. The Spartans and Nittany Lions will collide
during the final week of the regular season, just as they did during Penn
State's initial 18 seasons in the Big Ten.
Additionally, Penn State will be in Michigan Stadium for the first time since
2009 when it travels to Ann Arbor on Oct. 11, 2014.
As for the newest Big Ten members, Maryland will be making its first trip to
Beaver Stadium since 1992. Penn State
has hosted the Terps 21 times (21-0).
The Lions will be traveling to Piscataway for only the fourth time in
program history (3-0). Penn State's last
trip there came in 1955.
The 2013 season begins in MetLife Stadium on Aug. 31 when the Nittany Lions
meet Syracuse in the season-opener.
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Recently in Football Category
Head coach Bill O'Brien is also back in town after six days on the Penn State Coaches Caravan during the past two weeks. O'Brien and the staff are in the heart of preparing for training camp and the start of the 2013 football season, which begins on Aug. 31 against Syracuse in MetLife Stadium. With a Caravan stop in New York City last week, Coach O'Brien paid a visit to the home of Penn State's first game.
In preparation for Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014. MetLife Stadium will install new turf this summer. Penn State's season-opener will be the first regular season on the new turf. GoPSUsports.com stopped at MetLife with Coach O'Brien for an offseason Q&A that looks ahead to the summer and the 2013 season.
For tickets to the opener, call 1-800-NITTANY.
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Photo Gallery - DuBois and Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The six-day, 12-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan, which covered 1,471 miles with events in three states and the District of Columbia, wrapped up with visits in DuBois (lunch) and Pittsburgh (dinner) on Thursday.
In all, 4,345 fans and alums attended Coaches Caravan events during the past two weeks.
Nittany Lion men's hockey coach Guy Gadowsky joined Bill O'Brien and Mark Pavlik for the final day of the caravan tour. Gadowsky, who will enter his second Division I season at the helm of the men's hockey program gave the fans in DuBois and Pittsburgh a glimpse of what is ahead at Pegula Ice Arena when it opens in the fall. Take a look through some highlights on the final day of the Caravan.
Stop XI - DuBois (Penn State DuBois)
The Penn State-themed Caravan bus traveled 60 miles to DuBois on Thursday morning for the closest stop to State College on the 12-stop tour. O'Brien, Gadowsky and Pavlik spoke to a lunch crowd of 170 on the Penn State DuBois campus.
On the heels of the Big Ten announcing its first men's hockey schedule for the 2013-14 season, Gadowsky shared his thoughts on what will be an exciting second year of competition at the Division I level for the Nittany Lions.
The leader of Penn State men's hockey told the crowd that the program is eagerly anticipating a move into its new home - Pegula Ice Arena - in early September before playing its first game in the state-of-the-art facility on Oct. 11. The Nittany Lions will then play their first Big Ten competition games on Dec. 6-7 at Wisconsin.
"I think what is coming with the Big Ten is really exciting for college hockey and Penn State," Gadowsky said.
Gadowsky also showed the fans a short video presentation that gave the room a virtual representation of what a finished Pegula Ice Arena will look like in the fall.
Coach O'Brien followed Gadowsky and the video presentation, and like the entire room of fans, was excited about what he saw.
"Did that video get you jacked up about Penn State Hockey, or what?" O'Brien said.
All three head coaches included remarks about the toughness of the fans and student-athletes hailing from the surrounding areas to DuBois. All of the fans in the room were among the core supporters of Penn State's athletic teams, something Gadowsky said was crucial to his team's success.
"The reason why we had the success we had everywhere we would go is because everywhere we have phenomenal support," said Gadowsky.
O'Brien ended the 11th stop with parting words that echoed what Gadowsky and Pavlik both said to the room about the importance of the continued support moving forward.
"If you leave here with one thing, it should be that we really appreciate what you do for us," O'Brien said.
VIDEO: DuBois Press Conference with Coaches O'Brien and Gadowsky
Stop XII: Pittsburgh (Sheraton Station Square)
The Caravan bus made the two-hour drive through Western Pennsylvania to the
final stop of the six-day tour at Pittsburgh's Station Square. With more than 27,000 Penn State alums in
Allegheny County, more than any other county in the world, a night in
Pittsburgh was a great way to cap off the 2013 Caravan.
O'Brien, Gadowsky and Pavlik addressed a crowd of nearly 375 attendees inside
the Sheraton Station Square on the banks of the Monongahela River. Pavlik, who hails from 40 miles east of
Pittsburgh in Derry, took the microphone first and shared his passion for
Pittsburgh and what it meant to be a head coach at Penn State.
"I'm just a kid from Derry living the dream," Pavlik said.
Gadowsky spoke about the great anticipation for the upcoming start to Big Ten men's
hockey competition, and he again showed a video of Pegula Ice Arena. Gadowsky told the crowd that Penn State
Hockey will strive to encourage the best hockey players Pittsburgh has to offer
to attend school in Happy Valley.
A natural when it comes to public speaking, Gadowsky drew a large round of
applause when he sat down after the fans saw firsthand what it will be like to
attend a hockey game in Pegula Ice Arena.
"It's going to be a phenomenal place to watch hockey games," said Gadowsky.
The theme of the 2013 Coaches Caravan focused on fan support. At all 12 stops, Coach O'Brien thanked the
fans for their continued support of Penn State.
That was no different on Thursday night as he spoke for more than 20
minutes in Pittsburgh, spending much of the that time thanking the Penn State
loyalists for everything they do for not just Penn State Football, but all of
Penn State Athletics.
His message was well received at every stop on the tour, and the fans certainly
showed their appreciation with standing ovation after standing ovation for the
leader of Penn State Football.
All in all, the Coaches Caravan was again a resounding success with outstanding
crowds at all 12 stops around Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and the District
of Columbia. A big thank you to the more
than 4,000 loyal Penn Staters who attended stops in 2013.
VIDEO: Pittsburgh Press Conference with
Coaches O'Brien and Gadowsky
Miles Covered on Day One - 203 miles
Miles Covered on Day Two - 147 miles
Miles Covered on Day Three - 254 miles
Miles Covered on Day Four - 188
miles
Miles Covered on Day Five - 377
miles
Miles Covered on Day Six - 302 miles
Caravan Final Total - 1,471 miles
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Coaches Caravan Registration
Photo Gallery - New York and Scranton
SCRANTON, Pa. - The Penn State Coaches Caravan rolled into Midtown
Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon for a lunch stop in New York City before
heading to Scranton for dinner.
Nittany Lion basketball coach re-joined the Caravan on Wednesday to make it a
four-coach lineup in New York. Chambers,
along with head coaches Bill O'Brien, Charlene Morett and Mark Pavilik all
spoke to a sold out crowd of 220 at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan. Chambers, O'Brien and Pavlik then traveled
west for the Penn State Alumni Association Greater Scranton Chapter dinner in
Dickson City, Pa. Take a look through
some highlights on day five of the Caravan.
Stop IX - New York City (The Edison
Ballroom)
Just down the block from Times Square on 47th Street in New York City, a
sold out crowd of 220 supporters packed The Edison Ballroom for the ninth stop
on the tour. Coach Morett joked as she
took the microphone that she felt like she was on Broadway performing and
thanked the crowd for coming to her debut show.
The stage in The Edison Ballroom featured leather, padded armchairs for all of
the coaches to sit in. With that in
mind, Coach Chambers opened up his speech by telling the crowd that he felt
like he was sitting on the set of Johnny Carson. The room erupted into laughter.
Chambers also shared his love for Madison Square Garden, what he called the
mecca of basketball. He coached in The
Garden as an assistant at Villanova.
O'Brien added some lighthearted jabbing with the New York fans about their
professional sports teams.
But all of the joking aside, the New York stop was another good reminder about
the way the athletic department at Penn State truly functions as One Team. All of the coaches support one another. They all get along. And they all understand that a united athletic
department is a strong athletic department.
"We truly support one another," Chambers said.
"That's what Penn State is all about."
And the One Team mantra goes deeper than just the head coaches supporting one
another. It stretches to the fans, like
the 220 in The Edison Ballroom at lunch hour in New York City. The Penn State fans are a big part of why
Penn State Athletics continues to grow together as One Team.
Following the lunch stop in New York, the Caravan bus made a quick stop at
MetLife Stadium for some photos and videos in preparation of Penn State's
season-opener against Syracuse on Aug. 31.
Call 1-800-NITTANY for tickets.
VIDEO: New York Press Conference
with Coaches O'Brien and Chambers
Stop X: Scranton (Genetti Manor in Dickson City)
Day two of the second week wrapped up in front of the Caravan's largest
crowd. More than 830 Penn State fans
seated at 80 tables crammed into the ballroom at Genetti Manor to welcome a
great group from the Penn State Athletics family. The list of attendees included Scranton
natives Matt McGloin, J.R. Refice and Eric Shrive, Wilkes-Barre product Eugene
Lewis, Director of Athletics Dave Joyner and the voice of the Nittany Lions
Steve Jones.
Prior to dinner, Coach O'Brien signed autographs for a throng of fans that
lined up more than 90 minutes prior to the program began. Fan after fan walked up to Coach O'Brien for
an opportunity to shake hands, take photos and obtain an autograph for more
than an hour. Some offered advice. Some told stories. Some even gave him gifts.
Pavlik and Chambers both spoke prior to O'Brien, energizing the room packed
with Nittany Lion supporters. Chambers
brought the crowd to its feet before he began his passionate speech. The room followed his command and stood up
cheering.
"This is a very coachable group in Scranton," Chambers joked.
Coach O'Brien took the opportunity to recognize the current and former Nittany
Lions at the dinner before he delivered his Caravan message to the crowd. McGloin and O'Brien had a special
relationship during his time as the leader of the Penn State offense in
2013. Commending him on his dedication
and work ethic, O'Brien told the room that a great deal of Penn State's success
in 2012 was a direct product of McGloin.
"Thank you for everything you did for Penn State," O'Brien said to McGloin, who
was seated at the head table while the crowd cheered for the hometown hero.
Throughout all three speeches, the crowd of more than 800 was glued to the
podium. Chambers, Pavlik and O'Brien all
deserve a great deal of credit for their delivery on Wednesday night.
But simply put, the Scranton crowd was again tremendous for the second-straight
year during the Caravan.
The Coaches Caravan will wrap up on Thursday with men's hockey head coach Guy
Gadowsky joining O'Brien and Pavlik for a lunch stop in DuBois and dinner in Pittsburgh.
VIDEO: Scranton Press Conference with
Coach O'Brien
Miles Covered on Day One - 203 miles
Miles Covered on Day Two - 147 miles
Miles Covered on Day Three - 254 miles
Miles Covered on Day Four - 188
miles
Miles Covered on Day Five - 377
miles
Caravan Total - 1,169 miles
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Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony
Coaches Caravan Registration
Photo Gallery - Williamsport & Allentown
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Week two of the Penn State Coaches Caravan kicked off on Tuesday before a sold out crowd of nearly 300 fans in Williamsport and 350 in the Lehigh Valley.
The modified Fullington Bus rolled out of the Bryce Jordan Center parking lot shortly after 9:30 a.m. en route to the Pennsylvania College of Technology campus in Williamsport. Head coaches Bill O'Brien, Charlene Morett and Mark Pavlik delivered passionate speeches to an enthusiastic group of Penn State fans and alums on Tuesday at lunch. Take a look through some highlights on day four.
Stop VII - Williamsport (Penn College of Technology)
Week two began with a great Coaches Caravan stop inside the auditorium on the Penn College of Technology campus. O'Brien, Morett and Pavlik headlined the event with speeches to thank the Penn State fans for their support.
Morett, who will enter her 27th season at the helm of the Nittany Lion field hockey team in the fall, opened the panel of speakers at the luncheon. The 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year told the crowd that she walked onto the Penn State campus in 1975 as a freshman, and instantly, she knew what type of a special place it was.
On the field of play, Morett has been a superb leader of the field hockey program, leading the Nittany Lions to six Big Ten titles, six Big Ten postseason titles and five of her teams have reached the NCAA semifinals. But off the field, the Philadelphia native has been a tremendous ambassador for the University.
"What makes an event like this special is to come out and see some great old friends and to make some great new friends," Morett said.
Pavlik, who just returned from Penn State's 28th trip (15th straight) the NCAA men's volleyball semifinals, echoed Morett's comments about being in front of a great group of enthusiastic Penn State supporters. Pavlik just finished his 19th season as a head coach in Happy Valley.
"When I go to work every morning, I have to pinch myself," Pavlik said of the opportunity he has.
The Western Pennsylvania native added that there is something special about Penn State's support system everywhere he goes. That being said, Pavlik noted how the fans play a direct, one-team role when the department's teams are competing on the road.
"To have a good crowd on the road, there's no better feeling," Pavlik said.
O'Brien was the final head coach to speak in Williamsport. He opened his speech by introducing Williamsport native Jamie Van Fleet, who was a graduate of the Nittany Lion football program. Van Fleet was unable to play in 2012 due to injury, but played a key role for the Nittany Lions on the sidelines, serving as a defensive mentor assisting the coaching staff.
Heading into his second season as a head coach, O'Brien joked with Morett and Pavlik that he only has 26 more seasons to catch up with the Lion field hockey leader. As has been the case at every stop, though, O'Brien's message focused on the support of the fans and how much it means to the football program, athletic department and the University.
"Every time you go to a speaking engagement (like this one), you know the room will be filled with passionate fans," O'Brien said.
VIDEO: Williamsport Press Conference with Coaches O'Brien, Morett and Pavlik
Stop VIII: Allentown (Holiday Inn Conference
Lehigh Valley)
Following the sold
out luncheon, the Caravan bus traveled south through Pennsylvania for an
evening stop on the western edge of the Lehigh Valley. O'Brien, Morett and Pavlik spoke to a dinner
crowd outside of Allentown.
Part of what makes the Coaches Caravan unique for the fans in attendance is how
each stop usually features a different story from the head coaches
speaking. The head coaches often tell
stories about their teams or time at Penn State.
On Tuesday night, O'Brien opened his speech by sharing about an event that took
place in Happy Valley shortly after the NCAA announced its sanctions against
the football program. Former Nittany
Lions Tom Donchez and Mike Guman, both former Nittany Lion greats from nearby
Bethlehem, were in the crowd. Seeing
those two prior to the evening event, it triggered O'Brien to talk about the
support from the Penn State Letterman's Club.
Just days after the announcement of the sanctions, O'Brien said that 500 lettermen
from all over the country attended a meeting in Holuba Hall on very short
notice to talk about what it meant to play football at Penn State. While it was a story O'Brien wanted to share
with the crowd about the lettermen, it provided a living, breathing example of
what he has talked about for the duration of the Caravan.
The support system surrounding Penn State is special.
Morett spoke about on Tuesday night. And
so did Pavlik.
"Char is right, you can feel the energy when you walk into a room like this," O'Brien
said.
Penn Staters are a unique group with unwavering support, no matter what the
circumstances are. The head coaches feel
fortunate to have the type of network behind them.
"Don't underestimate the power you have to help mold our students and
student-athletes," Pavlik told the crowd.
"We have an amazing product we get to sell year in and year out at Penn State,"
Morett said.
Now more than ever, as O'Brien has said at each of the eight stops on the
Coaches Caravan, the Penn State support system needs to be strong as the
athletic programs continue to move forward in a positive direction.
Following a great evening program, all three coaches received a standing
ovation as the event closed. The Caravan
moves on to New York City on Wednesday for a lunch stop before traveling to
Scranton for a dinner event. 
VIDEO: Allentown Press Conference with Coach
O'Brien
Miles Covered on Day One - 203 miles
Miles Covered on Day Two - 147 miles
Miles Covered on Day Three - 254 miles
Miles Covered on Day Four - 188
miles
Caravan Total - 792 miles
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Coaches Caravan Registration
Photo Gallery - Baltimore | Photo Gallery - Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Coaches Caravan bus rolled south on I-95 for day
two of the first leg on Wednesday morning en route for a lunch stop at the Inner
Harbor in Baltimore and an evening reception in Washington, D.C.
More than 225 fans at lunch and 375 enthusiastic attendees at dinner greeted an all-star cast of Penn State coaches,
which included Bill O'Brien, Patrick Chambers, Cael Sanderson and Coquese
Washington. Take a look through some highlights
on day two, which included an entertaining evening stop in the nation's capital.
Stop III - Baltimore (Sheraton Inner
Harbor)
The Baltimore crowd was greeted with a treat on Wednesday morning as
coaches from four major Penn State programs took the opportunity to meet,
mingle and address a room filled with Penn State fans and alums. Joining O'Brien and Chambers on day two of
the Caravan were two coaches with Big Ten Coach of the Year accolades from the
2012-13 season in Sanderson and Washington.
Washington, who led the Lady Lions to a second-straight Big Ten title and
third-consecutive NCAA Tournament trip this season, spoke to the crowd first.
"It's fantastic to see so much support from Baltimore," Washington said.
Washington added that she will be thrilled for the Penn State fans in the
Baltimore to be able to see the Lady Lions in person when Maryland joins the
Big Ten prior to the 2014-15 season.
Washington highlighted her team's march to a second-straight conference
title and updated the crowd on what lies ahead for her young team in the fall.
"We have seven freshmen coming in this summer.
Baltimore, please pray for me," Washington joked.
To close her speech, Washington expressed her appreciation for what all of the
Penn State fans do for each and every program on campus.
"For us to do what we do, you guys are a part of our team," Washington said.
Fresh off leading the Penn State wrestling team to its third-straight NCAA
title, Sanderson received a standing ovation as he was introduced to the
crowd. O'Brien was among the first
people in the room to stand and applaud for Sanderson, who walked to the
microphone clad in a dark suit with a blue "O'Brien's Lions" T-shirt on under
his jacket.
"I think that was probable for the T-shirt," Sanderson joked as he opened his
jacket. "That's why O'Brien stood up
first (laughter)."
Coach Chambers explained to the crowd that he and his staff spend a lot of time
recruiting in the Baltimore area. Like
he did on day one, the leader of Nittany Lion basketball told the crowd to
expect an exciting, high-paced attack on the hardwood when the Lions take the
floor in the fall.
O'Brien spoke last during the luncheon.
He kicked off his speech with a sarcastic congratulatory message to the
fans of the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in the room, which drew a
great deal of laughter. Additionally, he
told the crowd how he and strength coach Craig Fitzgerald Googled Cael
Sanderson's name to marvel over his athletic and coaching accomplishments,
which again created a roar of laughter from the crowd of 225.
The Nittany Lions currently have 11 players on the football roster from
Maryland, many of which play a very prominent role on the team. With that being said, O'Brien talked about
the importance of recruiting in Maryland and how the program will continue to
emphasize the importance of finding talent in Maryland.
As was the case in Reading and Philadelphia, all four coaches used the Caravan
stop to say thank you for the support.
Without the core group of supporters, like the ones in the room at
Baltimore, the Penn State athletic programs would not be the same.
"You are the foundation. Without you
guys we are not possible," Chambers said.
VIDEO: Baltimore Press Conference with Coach
O'Brien
Stop IV: Washington (Hyatt Regency)
The Coaches Caravan moved
south after the Baltimore stop to the nation's capital for the fourth program
on the first week. In front of a lively
crowd of 375, O'Brien, Chambers, Sanderson and Washington delivered a superb
series of speeches on Wednesday night.
"You all are a lively bunch. This is
going to be a fun evening," Washington said to open the program.
The four coaches deserve a great deal of credit for their presentations, but
the fans and alums in attendance made the Washington, D.C. event one of the
best in the two years of the Coaches Caravan.
From start to finish, the crowd was enthusiastic and energetic inside
the Regency Ballroom.
Sanderson, who spoke second, put on a display of stand-up comedy at the podium
during his five-plus minutes at the microphone.
Wearing his second piece of Bill O'Brien fan gear of the day, Sanderson
donned a "Billieve" shirt under his suit jacket.
From ribbing Coach Chambers about the work he has ahead of him to telling Coach
O'Brien that the reason everyone is a fan of his is because he goes for it on
fourth down every chance he gets, Sanderson had the crowd roaring with
laughter.
"How many times do they really go for it on fourth down?" Sanderson joked.
Chambers picked up right where Sanderson left off, telling the D.C. crowd about
how he had been mistaken for Sanderson on several occasions in Baltimore and
prior to the evening event Washington.
He joked that he even signed a few autographs with Sanderson's
signature.
"He's a beast! I'm just a skinny point guard (laughter)," Chambers said.
Outside of the comical speeches from all four, the theme of Wednesday night
centered on the folks in the room, the core Penn State fans, as O'Brien has
called the group throughout the Caravan.
It is people like the enthusiastic crowd in Washington, D.C. that make
Penn State sporting events and its programs so special.
Like Sanderson said during his speech about what his message is to recruits -
"When you come to Penn State, you will be a part of something special," he
said. The same holds true for the fans. When you support Penn State sports teams,
whether it be fans or alums or both, you will become a part of something very
special, much bigger than wins and losses on the field of play.
"This is one of the best crowds we've had since we've done this for two years,"
O'Brien said.
The Caravan moves to Lancaster and Camp Hill on Thursday to cap off week one.
VIDEO: Washington Press Conference with
Coaches O'Brien, Washington and Sanderson
Miles Covered on Day One - 203 miles
Miles Covered on Day Two - 147 miles
Caravan Total - 350 miles
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Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony
Coaches Caravan Registration - Click Here
Photo Gallery - Reading | Photo Gallery - Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The 12-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan kicked off on Monday before enthusiastic crowds of more than 225 in a sold out event in Reading and more than 400 during an evening stop in downtown Philadelphia.
The Penn State themed Fullington Trailways bus pulled out of the Bryce Jordan Center parking lot at 8:10 a.m. en route to the Penn State Berks Campus. Take a look through some highlights on day one, which included an evening stop downtown Philadelphia, of the six-day caravan.
Stop I - Reading (Penn State Berks)
Head coaches Bill O'Brien and Patrick Chambers headlined the initial stop on Monday morning to begin leg one of the second Coaches Caravan. Both head coaches participated in a media session on the Penn State Berks campus before addressing a sold out crowd.
"The band is back together," Chambers joked as he opened his speech.
VIDEO: Reading Press Conference with Coach O'Brien and Coach Chambers
During the morning bus ride, Chambers and O'Brien shared stories and coaching
insight during the entire two-plus hour trek to Reading on Monday morning. The two leaders have a great relationship,
and both are excited to be back on the road for the Coaches Caravan. At the first stop, the duo moved around the
entire gymnasium at Penn State Berks, walking from table to table as the crowd
at its lunch to shake hands and say hello to all of the Penn State fans.
After introductions and a brief video, Chambers took the microphone first
during the formal lunch program. Always
passionate, the leader of Nittany Lion basketball delivered a powerful speech
about the progress the Lions made on the hardwood despite facing adversity in
2012-13.
Chambers told the capacity crowd that All-Big Ten guard Tim Frazier is nearly
back to 100 percent and looking ahead to what will be an exciting fall with the
Big Ten's top two leading scorers from last season - D.J. Newbill and Jermaine
Marshall - back, along with the conference's second-leading rebounder - Ross
Travis - in 2013-14.
"There is a buzz about Penn State," Chambers said. "People want Penn State basketball to be
good...I wish the season started tomorrow."
Chambers, who hails from Newtown Square, shared stories of his childhood trips
to the Reading area and updated the crowd about Reading native Donovon Jack.
O'Brien then took the microphone and told the crowd that Chambers is a tough
act to follow because of his energy and passion with everything he does. But both head coaches spoke with great enthusiasm
about not on their own programs, but Penn State University during Monday's
lunch.
Heading into his second season at the helm of the Nittany Lion football
program, O'Brien took Monday morning as an opportunity to thank the Penn State
fans for their support of the football program.
He delivered a direct message to the crowd in the room that their
support of the Penn State athletic department has never been more important.
"We wanted to come out and show our appreciation for everything you do,"
O'Brien said. "We need your support more
than ever and we need to be unified."
While he provided an update on the 2013 team as it heads into the summer,
O'Brien's message was to thank the fans for their continued commitment to
support Penn State in everything it does on the field and in the classroom.
"A full Beaver Stadium and a full BJC is a statement about a whole lot more
than just football and basketball," O'Brien said.
Stop II: Philadelphia (Hyatt at The Bellevue)
The Coaches Caravan bus drove 65 miles south east to stop No. 2 of the
caravan on South Broad Street in downtown Philadelphia. Coach O'Brien and Coach Chambers participated
in a press conference prior to the dinner program inside the Hyatt at The
Bellevue.
VIDEO: Philadelphia Press Conference with Coach O'Brien and Coach Chambers
From the moment they
walked into the Grand Ballroom inside the second floor of the historic Hyatt,
Chambers and O'Brien were fired up to address a crowd of more than 400 Penn
State fans and alums on Tuesday night.
"It is so great to be back in Philadelphia," Chambers said. "What a great place to be right here on Broad
Street; it feels like home. It's great
to be here."
The Philadelphia product addressed the enthusiastic group first with an
energetic and rousing speech about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude
regardless of what circumstances a team faces.
Chambers received several ovations during his speech as he remarked
about his team's fight and ability to continuing pushing forward.
After detailing the returning talent on the hoops squad, Chambers told the
hometown crowd that he borrowed a line from O'Brien's playbook for the upcoming
season, and he said to look for the 2013-14 Nittany Lions to run some
"NASCAR"-paced offense. As he wrapped up
his speech, Chambers earned a well-deserved standing ovation.
"It's always great to come back to the City of Brotherly Love, especially with Coach
Chambers," O'Brien said as he stepped to the microphone.
The leader of Penn State Football again delivered a straightforward,
impassioned speech to the Caravan crowd. O'Brien said that there is no more
important time than now for Penn State fans.
"The success of our students is why we are here," O'Brien said.
Both Chambers and O'Brien share the same vision on the importance of thanking
the Penn State fans for their unwavering support. And both will continue to express the
importance of the Nittany Lion community joining together to support the
University and athletic program they love.
"You win as one team," O'Brien said.
"That's what it is going to take to rise above what we are up against."
Both coaches did a tremendous job engaging the audience with energetic speaking
presentations. Fans who do not have
plans to attend one of the 10 remaining sessions on the Coaches Caravan,
register today. You will not be
disappointed with what you hear and see.
The Caravan rolls into Baltimore for lunch and Washington, D.C. for dinner on Wednesday. Lady Lion head coach Coquese Washington and
three-time defending NCAA champion head coach Cael Sanderson join the Caravan
on Wednesday.
Miles Covered on Day One - 203 miles
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Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With spring practice in the books, head coach Bill O'Brien, along with seven other Penn State coaches, are set to embark on the 2013 Coaches Caravan beginning April 30.
Building on last year's successful road tour, O'Brien and Nittany Lion
basketball coach Patrick Chambers will kick off this year's 12-stop excursion
in front of a sold out lunch crowd on the Penn State Berks campus in Reading on
April 30. The bus will then travel to
Philadelphia for an evening session featuring O'Brien and Chambers."I'm really excited. We decided to do the Caravan again because we thought the turnout last year was excellent," O'Brien said. "We are looking forward again to getting out there and connecting with the alums and fans and all the people who support our athletic program, and obviously the football program."
"I'm fired up. It's going to be great to get to Reading and Philly; I'm going back home," Chambers said. "It's going to be great to see a lot of the alums, a lot of the fans. I thought it was great last year. We had such a good time."
Day two (May 1) of the Coaches Caravan kicks off in Baltimore with a lunch stop with a full lineup of leaders - O'Brien, Chambers, three-time defending NCAA champion wrestling coach Cael Sanderson and two-time defending Big Ten women's basketball champion coach Coquese Washington. The quartet will also be the headliners at the May 1 evening reception in Washington, D.C.
The first week of the Caravan will conclude with a lunch stop in Lancaster and an evening stop in Camp Hill (Harrisburg) with O'Brien, Sanderson and five-time women's volleyball national champion head coach Russ Rose on May 2.
Among the coaches slated to join O'Brien on the road during week two of the Coaches Caravan are field hockey's Char Morett, men's volleyball's Mark Pavlik, Chambers and men's hockey's Guy Gadowsky.
"These people reach out to us all the time - they come to our games, they send us letters, they e-mail us," O'Brien said. "I think it is really important for us to return the favor, so to speak, to get out there to meet them and talk to them and to reiterate all the things that are great about Penn State and its athletic program."
GoPSUsports.com will again board the modified Fullington Trailways motorcoach for all 12 stops on the Caravan. Look for photos, video and written content from all 12 locations as the Penn State Coaches Caravan hits the road for six days in the coming two weeks.
Watch O'Brien and Chambers preview the 2013 Coaches Caravan. Register today for a stop near you, and we look forward to seeing you on the road.
2013 Coaches Caravan Schedule
Week One:
April 30
Penn State Berks; Reading (lunch-SOLD OUT)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Bill O'Brien
Philadelphia (evening reception)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Bill O'Brien
May 1
Baltimore (lunch)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Bill O'Brien, Cael Sanderson, Coquese Washington
Washington, D.C. (evening reception)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Bill O'Brien, Cael Sanderson, Coquese Washington
May 2
Lancaster (lunch)
Coaches: Bill O'Brien, Russ Rose, Cael Sanderson
Harrisburg/Camp Hill (evening reception)
Coaches: Bill O'Brien, Russ Rose, Cael Sanderson
Week Two:
May 7
Penn College of Technology; Williamsport (lunch-SOLD OUT)
Coaches: Char Morett, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
Allentown/Breinigsville (evening reception)
Coaches: Char Morett, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
May 8
New York City (lunch)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Char Morett, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
Scranton (evening event)
Coaches: Patrick Chambers, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
May 9
Penn State DuBois (lunch)
Coaches: Guy Gadowsky, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
Pittsburgh (evening reception)
Coaches: Guy Gadowsky, Bill O'Brien, Mark Pavlik
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GoPSUsports.com's Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony
NFL Draft Central
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 2013 NFL Draft will kickoff on Thursday at 8 p.m.
inside Radio City Music Hall at 8 p.m.
Several graduated Nittany Lions training to play at the next level were inside
the Lasch Building weight room on Thursday finishing one final workout before
the draft begins. GoPSUsports.com talked
with All-Big Ten defensive tackle Jordan Hill, All-Big Ten center Matt Stankiewitch
and career passing touchdown leader Matt McGloin for their thoughts leading up
to NFL Draft weekend.
2013 NFL Draft Schedule:
Thursday
8 p.m. - First Round (10 minutes per pick)
Friday
6:30 p.m. - Second (7 minutes per pick) & Third (5 minutes per pick)
Rounds
Saturday
12 p.m. - Fourth through Seventh Rounds (5 minutes per pick)
ESPN or NFL Network will be showing the
draft live on TV.
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Twitter @GoPSUTony
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach Bill O'Brien talks with GoPSUsports.com following Saturday's Blue-White Game to review the end of spring practice and to look ahead at what's next for the Nittany Lions as they move into the summer season.
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GoPSUsports.com's Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony
