‘Joe Paterno was a Human Being Like the Rest of Us’
January 23, 2012 at 12:51 am Lori Shontz 14 comments
This photo by Annemarie Mountz ’84 of public information shows how many came to remember Joe Paterno on Sunday night.
I’m not going to lie—it felt a little odd. Just over two months after I stood on the Old Main lawn along with thousands of students holding candles to remember the victims of child sexual abuse, there I was again Sunday night. Same place, literally, at the foot of the Old Main steps. Same songs by the Blue Band. Many of the same students, I’m sure.
But this vigil was in honor of Joe Paterno.
There were tears again, yes—football players Mike Wallace and Matt McGloin, in particular, choked up as they remembered their coach, who died Sunday morning of metastatic lung cancer. But there was some laughter, too. And a similar feeling of togetherness as the students linked arms and swayed as they sang the alma mater. I wasn’t surprised this time—as I was at the previous vigil—that all of the students know all of the words. That just wasn’t the case back in my day.
What stood out the most to me were the words of Stefen Wisniewski, a former All-America offensive lineman (and Academic All-America) from one of those storied Penn State families; his father and uncle played for Paterno, too. Now a lineman for the Oakland Raiders, Wisniewski was the vigil’s last speaker. This is what he said:
A lot has been talked about today about Joe Paterno’s legacy, and unfortunately, a lot has been said about how the recent events that have taken place over the last few months might affect that legacy. A lot of supporters of Joe Paterno say that he really didn’t do anything wrong and that it shouldn’t have any effect on his legacy. Others say that all the good he has done and his time at Penn State should overshadow what he may have done wrong.
In my opinion, what happened in the recent events and the firing of Joe Paterno is that this figure who we looked up to as this super-human figure, this super legend, that he was kind of reduced to the level of a human being, like the rest of us. And that’s why we hated to see it. But the reality is, Joe Paterno was a human being like the rest of us. He did make wrong decisions. He did maybe fail to make right decisions. Like the rest of us do. Like the rest of us do, he’s done things in his life that require forgiveness, and he’s done things in his life that require redemption.
But when I think back over Joe Paterno’s legacy, the events that have happened over the last three months won’t even cross my mind. When I think back on Joe Paterno’s legacy, I’m gonna remember sitting at his kitchen table as he recruited me five years ago, eating cookies made by SuePa. And I remember leaving that meeting both excited about the prospect of playing at Penn State for Joe Paterno and simultaneously terrified at what he might do to me if I didn’t go there, the same place where my father and uncle both played.
I’m also going to remember …. Whew, so many memories. I’m also going to remember when Coach, at age 82, got down in an offensive lineman stance and showed me how to snap a football. Because I was terrible at it. I’m better now.
I also remember, as a Penn State student, walking through Paterno Library, a library that exists only because Joe Paterno loved the university enough to donate millions of dollars for it to be created. Because he was committed, not just to Penn State football, but to Penn State as a university. He was committed to education. He loved his place, and all of us who are part of Penn State are better as a result.
I also remember as a player, two years ago, playing against Northwestern, being down three touchdowns, coming back to win JoePa’s 400th victory. Watching players carry him off and seeing that No. 400 up on the screen. A number that is never gonna be touched by any coach ever again because no one has the commitment that Joe Paterno does.
I also remember that Joe Paterno taught us about success with honor and that it wasn’t enough for him just to win football games. He wanted to do it the right way. He wanted to do it with players who were going to graduate and players who would go on to be leaders in their communities and great husbands, great fathers. And he really did care as much about his players’ character as he did about what kind of football players they were going to be. Because he knew that our football careers were very short, but that we’re going to be husbands and fathers and leaders the rest of our lives.
And finally, when I think of Joe Paterno, I’ll remember that after every game he ever coached, whether it be a great loss or a great victory, that Joe Paterno knelt down with his players after the game and prayed the Our Father with us. We love you, Joe. And it’s my prayer that that father God you prayed to after each and every game will grant you rest and let his eternal light shine upon you.
Lori Shontz, senior editor
Entry filed under: Campus events, Joe Paterno, Penn State football, Sandusky scandal. Tags: Blue Band, candlelight vigil, Joe Paterno, Matt McGloin, Mike Wallace, Stefen Wisniewski.
Subscribe
1. Franklin Sasso, Bradford, PA | January 23, 2012 at 11:31 am
What I remember about Joe is that he was a man of character and a role model for others, especially college coaches, to follow in the future. It is depressing to think that the vicious attacks made upon him has done irreparable damage to his image as good person and great coach. If others would put themselves in his shoes and reflect how they would have acted to a report of child abuse, they could only conclude that Joe’s response met the tests of reason and moral obligation. I urge all who cared about Joe to voice their support for him and call upon the university and the state legislature to (1) rescind his termination as head coach and,(2)to issue a public declaration of appreciation for all he has contributed to our state and nation. It is the least we can do. It is the moral thing to do. It is in the best interest of everyone to do it.
2. Diana '62 | January 23, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Amen, Franklin! Well said!
3. Aileen MG | January 23, 2012 at 10:29 pm
This is a great tribute to Joe from Steve. Also, I agree with Franklin. To anyone who has never made a mistake or wrong decision, let them throw the first stone.
4. Anonymous | January 24, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Are you kidding? He did NOT meet the tests of reason & moral obligation at all! He deserved to be fired. we are not talking about some petty crime – we are talking about the rape of a minor.
The moral thing is not to rescind his termination. He admits he should have done more. the moral thing is to make an example of the shame you will have to live with if you do not do your best to stop a heinous crime from being committed on other young males.
5. The Way Most Will Remember The Paterno Name | EverythingPigskin | January 24, 2012 at 10:56 pm
[...] who’ve not yet read them, I cannot recommend enough the stories shared by Stefen Wisniewski [http://pennstatermag.com/2012/01/23/joe-paterno-was-a-human-being-like-the-rest-of-us/] and Adam Taliaferro [http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7492873/rick-reilly-paterno-true-legacy] [...]
6. Anonymous | January 24, 2012 at 11:43 pm
Let’s look at the actions of the people who should have done something, and that is the Penn State Police and the local police department. THAT IS WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED. “They” have been taken to the level of untouchable. This situation is nothing more than a human being dealing with a corrupt legal system that cared more about the reputation of a University than the victims of sexual abuse. They used their power to turn this situation into an incredible injustice to a very kind man and his family. Joe did what he should have. What more could he do? Challenge the whole legal system? I have no ties to Penn State and did not idolize Joe Paterno in any way. Anyone who may have looked at him as “super-human” is idiotic. He is just a human being like the rest of us, perhaps much kinder, generous and well known, but still just human. Let’s please look at the real problem here. It is not Joe Paterno, but the Board of Trustees and Law Enforcement. The treatment of Joe Paterno is unforgiveable, rude, disrespectful and an absolute shame. Sometimes you need not personally know someone to feel their character. God Bless Joe Paterno and his family and friends.
7. anonymous | January 24, 2012 at 11:46 pm
He did not rape the minor. He reported it. He did not deserve to be fired. The police department does. So does the Board of Trustees. We are missing the big picture here. We are letting the fame of a kind, sweet man get in the way of the truth.
8. Anonymous | January 25, 2012 at 12:55 am
all I have to say is you are one heartless person if you have enough nerve to post on here those kind of comments 2 days after the man passed away. Get a life.
9. Anonymous | January 25, 2012 at 12:58 am
Let him rest in peace! were suppose to be rejoicing the good not focusing on the bad like the rest of this world does.
10. Anonymous | January 25, 2012 at 10:02 am
I think #8 is being heartless to the nearly 10 more years of child rape victims. this is a public forum. If you do not think others should have a viewpoint, please do not read it It is my 1st amendment right.
I do think everyone involved with the case should have been fired. Joe Paterno was a great man and a great coach, but he was wrong, and he admitted it. We should let it be. Hopefully, some good can come from this and never again will others let a child molester slip through the cracks.
11. anonymous | January 25, 2012 at 10:48 am
Obviously number 4 & 10 are the same person – you are entitled to your own opinion, but have some respect. He just passed away, he deserves to rest in peace. I’m sure your so perfect you’ve always done everything you could if you ever witnessed something. And by the way – Joe Paterno was NOT the one that raped anyone, he was also NOT fully informed by the 28 year old who witnessed it of what happened. So get your facts straight before you disrespect the dead!
12. anonymous | January 25, 2012 at 11:23 am
To #8. I posted 6 and 7. My point may have been misunderstood. I think it is a shame that such a kind person and his family were treated so poorly. I feel terrible for Joe Paterno and his family. I personally feel (and have no proof) that he took the appropriate steps, and maybe even more – but we may never know because of the higher up’s covering up. He seems to have done so much for the University and the “other people” in this situation should have been focused on instead of him. This is what I meant. The focus now is that we should just pray for him, his family, and hope that something positive may come out of everything if that if possible.
13. Anonymous | January 26, 2012 at 9:10 am
Anonymous #4 – get your facts straight. You should also be calling for the head of Gov Corbett on a silver platter, as Sandusky’s file was on his desk when he was Atty General…how many years ago?
You should also direct your ire at The Second Mile, that as a foundation that works with Youth – FAILED TO FOLLOW UP ON SANDUSKY how many years ago when reports were made? They provided his victims, his cover & SANDUSKY used the image & drawing power of Penn State to lure his young victims.
Sandusky abused his postion, abused his Foundation & abused Penn State all for his own machinations. Yet do we hear his name ever mentioned?
No, because it does not sell newspapers or generate ad revenue and website hits.
14. Anonymous | January 28, 2012 at 3:27 am
Life is for ours to live any way we please. He did a lot of good for other people.