penn state football Paternos get support

Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.

The crowd that gathered in front of Joe Paterno’s home parted ways to allow a path for his son, Jay, to enter the modest ranch house.

Jay Paterno had just gotten done working at the stadium his father helped turn into a college football shrine.

The Nittany Lions’ 17-14 loss Saturday to Nebraska may have been the last time anyone from Happy Valley’s first family of football coached at Beaver Stadium.

Major college football’s winningest coach was fired last week by school trustees in the aftermath of shocking child sexual abuse charges against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Jay Paterno remains on staff as the quarterback coach, though it’s unclear how much longer he might stick around, too after this season, when the school embroiled in turmoil eventually gets around to hiring a new leader for the high-profile football program. Saturday was the last home game of the year for the Nittany Lions.

For now, the younger Paterno is following in his father’s footsteps, with similar jet black sneakers. Jay Paterno is expected to move from the press box to the sideline the rest of the season to relay play calls.

“I knew it was going to be extremely emotional for him,” interim coach Tom Bradley said. “But, I thought he did a great job today and I appreciate the way he prepared for the game in spite of everything that happened.”

Emotions were still raw and nerves frayed Sunday for nearly everyone in Happy Valley following the most turbulent week in Penn State history.

Wearing a Penn State sweatshirt, Mike Ratchford, 53, of Roaring Brook Township, stopped by in front of Paterno’s home Sunday morning at the end of a leafy, dead-end street to say a prayer “first and foremost” for the victims, but also for the Paternos.

“Certainly, Joe, in his heart said he should have done more. What exactly he knew, I don’t know,” Ratchford said Sunday, in town for the weekend for the Nebraska game. “But his whole legacy has been one of service. You can’t forget that in this rush to judgment ... It would be a shame to throw that out the window.”

Paterno has donated millions back to the school, and his name is on the campus library, not the football building or athletic complex. He’s known for putting as much emphasis on academics as athletics.

Bryan Cairns, 18, drove up with three friends from south Jersey this weekend for the game. They stopped in front of Paterno’s house, too, to pay respects.

Cairns said the scandal damaged Paterno’s reputation. “It’s going to take a while for his legacy to become the legacy it should be,” he said. “But time heals all.”

A show of support grew Sunday on the Paternos’ front lawn and walk. Hand-written signs of support were staked next to flower bouquets.

The day before, Jay Paterno entered Beaver Stadium with a display of passion rarely seen in his 17 years on the staff. He pumped his arms, exchanged numerous high-fives and shouted “Let’s Go!” several times before turning into the locker room.