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Lettermen reunite ahead of late coach Joe Paterno's 50th anniversary of first game leading Penn State

Megan Ryan / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7 years ago

About 500 lettermen descended on Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Friday night. The reunion coincides with former coach Joe Paterno’s 50th anniversary of his first game as head coach of Penn State — the school will honor him publicly for the first time since his firing in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal during the Temple game at noon Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

Sue Paterno, Paterno’s widow, put out this statement about the event:

“The Paterno family and the Lettermen's Committee will be hosting a Lettermen's reunion to honor the contributions Penn State Football Student-Athletes have made to the University and to society. The private event is to honor their achievements individually and as teammates at Penn State and in life. It honors the bonds of brotherhood and unity formed here and carried forward in the years since they left their Alma Mater. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Joe Paterno's first game as head coach at Penn State. Consistent with the Penn State tradition of philanthropy, the event will also raise funds for a scholarship for graduating Penn State athletes to attend graduate school.”

Here’s what coach James Franklin had to say about the reunion:

“I think it’s great. That’s one of the things that makes us special is when we’re able to get this type of support, and guys come back that feel a real strong connection to the university and the football program. That’s something that myself, Terry [Smith], Wally Richardson and all of guys are continuing to build and work on those relationships. That’s something that’s very important. I’m glad all of those guys are going to be back in town and going to be at the game this weekend. That’s the type of support that’s made this place so special for so long.”

When asked about what Paterno signifies to him, however, and what he thinks about the in-game commemoration, Franklin swerved:

“I’ve stated this before. You know, all of the wonderful things that have happened here academically, all of the wonderful things that have happened here athletically, and in the community as well, those things have been significant, and I think I’ve stated that before. But my focus and our team’s focus is on Temple and the game this week. And all of those other decisions are for the administration. Our focus is on Temple.”

There was at least one protester at the event.

Franco Harris also shared his thoughts about Paterno being recognized.

And some prominent university officials also made an appearance.