‘page 6 The Fourth Wall By Alex Palmer Staff Writer There is nothing like Penn State University football. Here at Mont Alto we may not grasp the importance and the thrill of what it game, but those of you that have already been there in the student section already know what I am talking about. It all starts with the tailgate, one of our American football traditions. Tailgating before a game is not just a great way to get free food and beer, but it gives you a chance to celebrate Penn State football with some of your close friends, and even family members. To many of our fellow Penn State students, tailgating may be just as fun as actually attending the games. The excitement really starts when you enter the stadium. “We Are...” a group of students yell. “Penn State!” yells another group, only to have yet another group.yell, “We are...WASTED!” But amidst all the fun you finally step into the stadium and view the field. All ofa sudden you realize that you are part of something, you realize that there is more to being a Penn State student than just attending class, you realize that being a Penn State student is about being part of a family. In our family we conduct ourselves with a sense of class and By Justin Zickar Editor Penn State football is a tradition that is admired by many. It helps bring people together. No matter what your age, or even your background, everyone becomes one. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to witness this insanity for myself. I knew my adventure to Beaver Stadium would be fun, but I had no clue how fun. After a long bumpy ride I was brought from my Mont Alto campus to University Park. Now without my parents, I was exhilarated to be surrounded by my friends. I simply was already amazed that 30 years ago my own father walked this same campus, learning and attending these football games. The fact of the matter being that in those 30 years Penn State maintained a steady academic reputation as well as football continuing with Joe Paterno remained their fearless leader. Decorated in my Penn State blue and white I entered the almost 60 year old Beaver Stadium. I was used to sports arenas and stadiums, but this was different. Normal sports arenas bring fans from all over. Beaver Stadium on the other hand brings students, alumni, and fans together as one “happy” family. As the pre-game festivities and game started my pulse strengthened. Hearing the orchestration from the Blue Band, the chants from near 100,000 fans prestige. We have honor, and although we may believe in different things, we are intellectually proud, and not afraid to speak our minds. Most of all those men on that field represent us and our university. They need no names on the back of their jerseys because they represent each and every one of us. Sometimes they succeed, and sometimes they fail, but just like us they have a sense of pride. They hold their heads high and continue fighting. If the team itself represents our actions on the field then The Blue Band is our voice. You may think, “Bands aren’t cool!” This one most certainly is. Nothing gets you more pumped up for a game than singing our alma-mater and even the national enthusiasm. Each time the Nittany Lions would score the crowd roared with excitement. Jumping up and down to every beat of the stadium’s sounds sent me into a trance. There couldn’t have been a better moment than that, being with the people I cared about, watching my own team and everyone screaming, “We Are Penn State!” No matter what happened in the final minutes, even. winning by such a large margin, the students were still there. Every student stayed until the final seconds counted lown, showing our loyalty and thanking the team for doing what they do best. My experience of University Park will be one that I will surely not forget. Throughout my next 4 years as a student at Penn State I certainly will be participating in more events at University kdb hearing the band out on the middle of the field, and seeing our drum major doing his front flip- yeah, that’s right; a complete flip- and landing on his feet, like a cat. After the game starts the student fans may get rowdy, but that is our way of giving back a team that has represented us for so long, and a coach who is like a father figure to all Penn State students. Joe Paterno is not just our legendary football coach, but he is also a large contributor to the University. When you think of contributing to a university you think of just money, which he has (a large part of The Paterno Library), but to the students he has made college life better, making it feel like everyone was part of a family, and not just another number to Penn State. Whether we win or lose we are all still Penn State. That may just be a stupid chant to some, but to the Penn State family, that is who we are. We are not just another student for Penn State, we are not just another money contributor, we are the backbones of Penn State. Without our - dedication, the University would not be what it is today. The next time you hear our chant really think about what it means to be a student here. I know Mont Alto may be pretty lame at times, but you are still part of Penn State, even though it doesn’t feel like it. Go see a Penn State football game, your time is running out! Be There.
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