Joe Paterno Dead at Age 85
According to CNN, legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno is dead at age 85. On January 22, 2012, he succumbed to lung cancer. His departure from this world is marked by controversy. Since November of 2011, he has been under fire because of his response to sexual abuse allegations against ex-colleague Jerry Sandusky.
Did Paterno fail the alleged victims of Sandusky by only reporting accusations against him to school officials and not the police? The answer varies depending on whom you ask. Either way, what people can agree upon is his winning ways in the field of football.
In 1950, Brooklyn born Joe Paterno began working as an assistant coach to the Penn State football team, the Nittany Lions. For 16 years, he was under the tutelage of head coach Charles "Rip" Engle. In 1966, after his mentor's departure, he took the helm.
As head coach of the Nittany Lions, he lead them through three consecutive, undefeated seasons in 1968, 1969 and 1973. Paterno also helped his team achieve two National Championships in 1982 and 1986. Because of these feats, "Joe Pa" as he was lovingly called on campus, earned Sportsman of the Year from Sports Illustrated in 1986. For years to follow, Joe Paterno continued to have an impressive record at the school until his demise.
Paterno's reputation with Penn State is why locals and onlookers are so split on their beliefs about him. Now, his family is left with not only putting him to rest, but also challenging negative thoughts about a man who seemingly served his community well.
Sources:
Joe Paterno. Biography.com
Legendary Penn State coach Paterno dead at 85, CNN.com
Did Paterno fail the alleged victims of Sandusky by only reporting accusations against him to school officials and not the police? The answer varies depending on whom you ask. Either way, what people can agree upon is his winning ways in the field of football.
In 1950, Brooklyn born Joe Paterno began working as an assistant coach to the Penn State football team, the Nittany Lions. For 16 years, he was under the tutelage of head coach Charles "Rip" Engle. In 1966, after his mentor's departure, he took the helm.
As head coach of the Nittany Lions, he lead them through three consecutive, undefeated seasons in 1968, 1969 and 1973. Paterno also helped his team achieve two National Championships in 1982 and 1986. Because of these feats, "Joe Pa" as he was lovingly called on campus, earned Sportsman of the Year from Sports Illustrated in 1986. For years to follow, Joe Paterno continued to have an impressive record at the school until his demise.
Paterno's reputation with Penn State is why locals and onlookers are so split on their beliefs about him. Now, his family is left with not only putting him to rest, but also challenging negative thoughts about a man who seemingly served his community well.
Sources:
Joe Paterno. Biography.com
Legendary Penn State coach Paterno dead at 85, CNN.com
Published by Stephanie Modkins
Stephanie M. is a freelance writer who lives in the northwest. Her main goal is to write in a way that entertains, educates or uplifts readers. View profile
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