The end of an era.

A true legend passed away today.  Say what you will about the events of the last few months.  We all have our opinions.  Joe Paterno was a man who spent his entire life helping young men become better...better students, better athletes, and better men.  He should be remembered by the loyalty and service he gave to a university, college football, and all of amateur athletics.  He was a true champion of sportsmanship, and the fading ideology of team success over personal accolades.  In a day where chest thumping and trash talking are now the norm, he preached the value of preparation, hard work, and a quiet determination to win.

There is a quote from Coach Paterno that I have loved for years...

"It is the name on the FRONT of the jersey that matters most, not the name on the back".
There are few coaches who take pride in teaching this lesson.  The ones who do were influenced by Coach Paterno.   It is a lesson that defined his life.  In the end, he put Penn State ahead of Joe.  His legacy is not tainted... he will always be the greatest coach in college football.

Thank you JoePa.  You brought a sense of honor and dignity to college sports.  None of us are perfect, but you were a true class act.   I, for one, will miss you.  RIP.

"Success without honor is an unseasoned dish.  It will satisfy your hunger, but won't taste good."
-Joe Paterno