STATE COLLEGE, Pa., July 8, 2004 - The Penn State Football team's second annual "Penn State Lift For Life" today was a tremendous success, raising more than $23,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

The squad organized all aspects of the event, with 2003 seniors Scott Shirley (Enola), Dave Costlow (Lansdale) and Damone Jones (Philadelphia), as well as senior-to-be Robbie Gould (Lock Haven) heading the effort.

As of 10:30 p.m., more than $23,000 had been raised for the Kidney Cancer Association, with further contributions still to be counted and accepted. Last year's inaugural event raised more than $13,000.

Several current and former squad members have immediate family that had, or are fighting, kidney cancer. The Nittany Lions' goal for the event was to help raise money and awareness for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer.

More than 80 Nittany Lions participated in today's competition in Holuba Hall. Twenty-three four-person teams competed in 11 events designed to test mental and physical toughness. The exercises for the competitors ranged from the bench press to the giant tire flip.

The winning team was comprised of safety Paul Cronin (Uniontown, Ohio), quarterback Chris Ganter (State College), tight end Isaac Smolko (Petersburg, Ohio) and wide receiver Gio Vendemia (Greenville). The second place squad was just two points behind the winners and was made up of safety Andrew Guman (Allentown), safety Jim Kanuch (Johnstown), linebacker Paul Posluszny (Aliquippa) and defensive tackle John Shaw (Spring Grove). The third place unit was comprised of cornerback Darien Hardy (Philadelphia), safety Chris Harrell (Euclid, Ohio), cornerback Marcus Mills (Charlotte, N.C.) and tailback Austin Scott (Allentown).

One notable item contributed to "Lift for Life" will be auctioned on eBay. A football autographed by 15 Heisman Trophy winners, including Penn State's John Cappelletti, who sent the ball to event organizers, will be available soon on eBay. Among the other Heisman winners that have signed the ball are: Jason White, Ron Dayne, Tony Dorsett, Billy Sims, Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, Gino Toretta, George Rogers, Charles White, Steve Owens and Johnny Lattner. The ball comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Today began with a brunch featuring guest speakers Jerry Sandusky, former Penn State defensive coordinator, and Bryan Scott, a former Nittany Lion who is a cornerback with the Atlanta Falcons.

The public can still support the "Penn State Lift for Life." All donations will be contributed to the Kidney Cancer Association to help support research and awareness.

Anyone interested in making a pledge can send donations to: Penn State Lift for Life, c/o Deloris Brobeck, Lasch Football Building, University Park, PA 16802. Checks should be made payable to the "Lift for Life. "

Any questions can be directed to Deloris Brobeck in the Football Academic Support Center at 814-865-1946. Or visit the "Lift for Life" website, www.psuliftforlife.org to make a donation or for more information.