How to Remember Paterno
By Nick Ostiller
Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in Division 1 college football history, died on Sunday after losing a battle with lung cancer. But the way in which he will be remembered is still up for debate.
An iconic figure in college football for nearly a half century was also the centerpiece of one of the biggest scandals in American sports when he failed to alert the police upon receiving a report that an assistant coach was allegedly molesting young boys.
His achievements were undeniable. After becoming Penn State's head football coach in 1966, the man they called "Joe Pa" went on to lead his Nittany Lions to 409 wins using a coaching style that preached hustle, along with a strong cohesion between academics and athletics.
Paterno was known for wearing thick, square glasses on game days and became a beloved figure in the Penn State community. But he was not just revered on the football field. Paterno and his wife donated over four million dollars to the school during his tenure, including funding for the library. The list of accomplishments and awards seems endless, and needless to say, the legendary coach was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
If only his story ended there, on a high note. If only the old man was able to ride off into the sunset amid the glory of over 40 years at the helm. If only.
The legacy of Joe Paterno was forever marred just two months before his passing. In early Nov. 2011, it was reported that one of Paterno's former assistant coaches was arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse of eight young boys over a 15-year period from 1994-2009.
These charges were especially damaging to Paterno's reputation because the alleged abuse took place in the Penn State locker room and he had been briefed about the incidents but failed to report them to police. The Penn State Board of Trustees made an executive decision to fire "Joe Pa" before he could coach another game. Penn State students protested in the streets, but the damage was done.
The loss of his job seemed to really knock the wind out of Paterno. Less than a month after his dismissal, the disgraced 85-year-old was admitted to the hospital. The football team, which boasted an 8-1 record at the time of the scandal, lost three of its final four games without Paterno.
No matter how much Paterno had done for the football program and community, right now it is difficult for many to look past the fact that he did not do enough to prevent a trusted assistant from allegedly molesting young boys. Yet in most cases, time heals all wounds. The scandal will never, and should never, be forgotten. But in twenty years or so, Joe Pa will be remembered far more for his accomplishments than for how he lost his job.
Nick Ostiller is a sophomore communication major and editor of the Sports section.