Joy in Happy Valley!

WE ARE!! PENN STATE!!
Penn State, 10; Ohio State, 6!!!

Ah yes, tonight you can believe there will be much celebrating going on it "Happy Valley" as State College, PA is often called.

For quite some time, Happy Valley could have been a modern-day "Mudville" in that there wasn't always too much to celebrate on football Saturdays. We've had more than our fair share of ups and downs over the past couple of years, no doubt about it.

And tonight, as the game -a really big game, by the way -between Penn State and Ohio State began, I actually sat down -embroidery in hand, coffee on the end table beside me -and started to watch the game. First time this seasons since I've thought about what time the game came on (if it was even being televised in our area) and remembered this too so I was ready and waiting for the kick-off to begin.

The first half, to me, wasn't all that exciting. When they went to the locker room at half time, the score was tied at 3-3. No lead to feel the least bit comfortable about there ya know. But then too, a lead at any time during a Penn State game is not necessarily something to feel "comfortable"about either cause I've seen them lose a game -a big game with Michigan just a couple years back comes to mind -in the last seconds of the game. Yeah, that particular game with Michigan was truly a heart-breaker! And one that I had to send out apologetic e-mails after the final score too because with about 30 seconds left in the game or there abouts, I had sent out Rah Rah, we won e-mails to lots of family and friends, only to be made out a liar in those last ticks of the old time clock! Never again will I do that. Makes me a firm believer in that old adage "It ain't over till it's over!" and that was one instance of the truth to that statement.

Tonight, as we neared the end of the game, things looking good with our 10-6 lead, it was tempting to send out a bragging e-mail but I restrained myself. Then, watching Ohio's last play, heart in my mouth fearing a re-run of the debacle a couple seasons ago with Michigan, I was ever so thankful to see that pass aimed at the Ohio player waiting in the end zone intercepted by a Penn State player!

Euphoria? Ecstatic? You betcha! (Yeah, toss a little Sarah phrasing into the mix. I figure Joepa might appreciate that, considering he very much leans to the Republicans.)

I hunted a little online for a picture of Joe Paterno and unfortunately, this is the only one I found -over at the Penn State Athletic Department's website. I was hoping to find something a little bit more recent of "JoePa" -the legendary coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions Football team. But time was running down on me and this was the only one I found and I borrowed it.

Actually, in many ways, JoePa doesn't look all that much different today -at age 81 -than he did whenever this photo was taken. For the games, he dresses the same, year after year, after year -so there's no mistaking him on the field.

This game though he coached from high above the stands in I guess, a press box. He was injured during a game last year and since then, has had some problems with that leg apparently. Hey, if someone wants to make a big deal out of that, let 'em! The man still manages to get the job done, doesn't he?

This win tonight makes Penn State 9-0 on the season -some stats we haven't enjoyed for a long time now and yes, victory is sweet, it surely is! A lot of the chit-chat between plays on the broadcast was about Penn State's standings now and how it does look like we are heading for a national championship season.

I don't want to jinx the guys on the team or anything like that, don't want to count chickens before they hatch ya know. But my, how sweet that would be to have that honor fall on us once again!

I did find this article online tonight though about JoePA and found it interesting -about his longevity as the head coach of the Nittany Lions, people clamoring for his head some years, wanting him to step down and retire.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3346006

Personally, as long as JoePa feels he can do it and is still able to get around, to coach, to inspire the players, let him be, let him go at it! For all we know, it may be that his staying on as coach is what keeps him going, energizes him, gives him that extra zest and zeal for life.

With 381 career coaching wins under his belt after tonight's game, I'd love nothing better than to see him continue coaching as long as he can!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Go Penn State!