Andrew Mollenbeck, wtop.com
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Well before the formal events for Joe Paterno begin this week, the campus is full of tributes — both individual and corporate — that reflect the impact the former head coach had beyond the sideline.
To his loyal supporters, the sex scandal that rocked the campus and college athletics is something to put on hold or ignore completely, at least this week.
One family drove all the way from Pittsburgh. They represent two generations of Penn State alumni, with a third generation currently enrolled at the school.
Some professors started lectures by discussing Paterno’s legacy.
“When you think of Penn State, the first thing you think of is Paterno,” an undergraduate student remembered his professor saying at the start of class Monday.
Shortly after his death, students rallied through social media outlets to plan tributes to the coach.
Some called for rolled up pant legs and white socks. A more popular request was to wear white per home game tradition.
One student said Monday’s dress code was a chance to give Paterno “one final whiteout.” Another student wore a white T-shirt with a necktie printed on the front.
At his statue just outside the stadium, several were outspoken that they would like the stadium renamed in Paterno’s honor.
“We’re standing right beside Beaver Stadium,” says Bill Nichol, a 1952 graduate. “There’s some effort to name the field Paterno Field, and that’s going to come about. I’m sure that’s going to be.”
The university has announced two public viewings and a public memorial on campus. The first viewing is a 10-hour session beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday. A second is Wednesday from 8 a.m. until noon. Both are at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center.
The memorial service is set for Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Jordan Center, the basketball arena.
The family is holding a private burial Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s been leading the football team for so long,” one student said through tears at a memorial surrounding Paterno’s statue. “He is Penn State.”
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