Penn State announced Thursday specifics on how it will honor late coach Joe Paterno during Saturday's game against Temple at Beaver Stadium.
On Sept. 1, the school originally announced its plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Paterno's first game as the school's head coach _ a 15-7 win against Maryland on Sept. 17, 1966. A statement from athletics director Sandy Barbour stated, "commemorative activities will focus on the commitment he had to student-athletes and academics, as well as highlights of the 1966 game."
"We will highlight the student-athletes he impacted," Barbour said in the statement. "Members of the 1966 team, co-captains Mike Irwin and John Runnells, will be participating in the on-field coin toss. Further in-game introductions of players will take place, along with video presentations on the impact to student-athletes."
This will be the school's first official recognition of the coach since his firing on Nov. 9, 2011, in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. Paterno died Jan. 22, 2012, of lung cancer at the age of 85.
"Coach Paterno wanted academic success not only for his players but also for every student who came through Penn State," Barbour said in the statement. "Together with his wife, Sue, they helped countless students become leaders and earn a Penn State diploma. Our plans are consistent with the wishes of the Paterno family as well, with a focus on the players and their accomplishments at Penn State and beyond."
Sue Paterno also released a statement Thursday, saying the Paterno family and Lettermen's Committee is focused on the private reunion for about 500 former players Friday night that also coincides with the 50th anniversary.
"Earlier this month, the University announced plans to commemorate this occasion as well," Sue Paterno said in the statement. "While we are pleased they have acknowledged Joe's contributions, we communicated to the administration that we would like the focus for this event to remain on the players. The university has confirmed that this is their plan, and we commend them for their approach."
