RAY SWANSON | Keystoner We're with you Penn State coach Paterno -- win or lose

This is coming from a guy who hopes Joe Paterno continues coaching at Penn State University for another 40-plus years.
This statement may be a little far-fetched as Joe Pa is already 78 years young, but his mindset appears to be just as strong as when he took over at PSU many moons ago. He's been through the wringer many times during his tenure of the Nittany Lions, but none as serious as in the past four or five years when his teams have found the victory column rather elusive.
Man, people sure forget quickly. This is the same Joe Paterno who has racked up 344 career wins (against only 116 losses and three ties) and is ranked second only to Florida State's Bobby Bowden (351) in career victories. And if Joe has the kind of season he's hoping for, who knows, he could best Bowden's mark this year.
Had great seasons
And to go along with that tremendous victory count, Paterno has led his teams to a pair of national championships and to five undefeated seasons. Still, there are those who are ready to hang Joe out to dry and give him a pink slip. That's really appreciation, huh?
I don't care if Joe doesn't win another game in his contract that carries him to 2008, when he will be putting 82 candles on his birthday cake. He's already done more for college football and PSU football, to be exact, than any other college football coach around.
Without a Joe Paterno, the hallowed halls of college football would seem vacant, quiet and remorseful. This is a powerful, little man, with coke-bottle glasses and a squeaky voice that would bring down the most monstrous football player to his knees. He can be funny when he's supposedly most serious, and the other way around. He's a very likable gentleman, no matter how you look at it.
Visited area many times
Joe's been in the Shenango and Mahoning valleys many times during his stint at PSU. At one time, he was the featured speaker at the Mercer County Hall of Fame, and he was also in the area many times on recruiting trips. Many area players have played for Paterno during their college careers at PSU.
What I'm attempting to say in the least words possible is that college football certainly wouldn't be the same without a Joe Paterno running up and down the sidelines, shouting words of encouragement to his players, or chewing them out for apparent miscues. That's Paterno-ism at its best.
The Nittany Lions recently opened the 2005 season with a victory over South Florida, in a contest that saw the PSU open like a house afire only to struggle a little in the late going.
"We have the ingredients to be a good football team," said Paterno, talking about the 2005 campaign.
Generous to Penn State
Paterno's life outside football is filled with generosity. Joe and his wife have been very generous to PSU. They have donated millions to the university and to the building of a beautiful new library on campus.
So what kind of a salary does Joe Pa draw? Who cares? He's worth every penny of it and more. If you want to know more about salaries, check out our state legislators. We're sure there will be some eye-openers there.
Over the past five years, PSU has been hurting in the win column, showing a 28-33 record including a 4-7 mark last year. That has brought out the "Doubting Thomases" in PSU football. What PSU needs now is a winning season and a return to its once-renowned image as a major college football power.
With an iron-clad defense returning and some new speedy backs running the show on offense, this could be the year.
If not, Joe, we're still with you, all the way.