Remembering A Legend: Local Campus Reaction
By: Shannon Murphy
Updated: January 23, 2012
Lehman Twp., Luzerne County -- The Penn State Wilkes-Barre branch campus may be over 130 miles outside of State College, but news here spread quickly of the passing of former head football coach Joe Paterno.
Freshman Rebecca Wychok said, "I was speechless. It was kind of one of those heartbreaking moments, like when you lose a grandparent."
Sophomore Laura Mann added, "It's kind of a reality shock because he's always been so close to Penn State. He was more than just the football coach, he's the icon of our school."
Students say although the fact that JoePa passed was not surprising considering the circumstances, it's still hard to believe he's gone. Senior Marika Merritt said, "I mean he's 85 years old. I knew he had cancer and having a rough time and it was definitely expected after yesterday because he was in such critical condition."
Students like Merritt are wearing their crying lion pins today. It was originally designed for the victims of the sex abuse scandal but now with the passing of Paterno the symbol has taken on a new meaning.
Now the question remains, how will the legendary Joe Paterno be remembered and will the university ever recover? Merritt adds, "I think Penn State will come out of this stronger than ever. We always do, we come up."
Freshman Ethan Rosensetin said, "His legacy will overshadow any controversy and he will be greatly missed by the students here at Penn State."
Students say over the next few weeks they hope to collect money and donate it to THON in Joe Paterno's name.
Freshman Rebecca Wychok said, "I was speechless. It was kind of one of those heartbreaking moments, like when you lose a grandparent."
Sophomore Laura Mann added, "It's kind of a reality shock because he's always been so close to Penn State. He was more than just the football coach, he's the icon of our school."
Students say although the fact that JoePa passed was not surprising considering the circumstances, it's still hard to believe he's gone. Senior Marika Merritt said, "I mean he's 85 years old. I knew he had cancer and having a rough time and it was definitely expected after yesterday because he was in such critical condition."
Students like Merritt are wearing their crying lion pins today. It was originally designed for the victims of the sex abuse scandal but now with the passing of Paterno the symbol has taken on a new meaning.
Now the question remains, how will the legendary Joe Paterno be remembered and will the university ever recover? Merritt adds, "I think Penn State will come out of this stronger than ever. We always do, we come up."
Freshman Ethan Rosensetin said, "His legacy will overshadow any controversy and he will be greatly missed by the students here at Penn State."
Students say over the next few weeks they hope to collect money and donate it to THON in Joe Paterno's name.
