Years ago I wrote an article entitled "Fight" dealing with how to respond to the sanctions levied against the Penn State Football program and the resulting shaming of a community.
I believed that by bonding together; that by collectively, as a community, attempting to become the best students, the best sons and daughters, to become the shining examples of what Penn State really was to us, we could put Penn State on the map for all the right reasons.
More so, we could do so while holding true the principle tenants of the School (and some might argue of life).
It's been five years since that article and I feel that by and large everyone in this community has improved, and for the past 5 years, with a few hiccups along the way, I don't think I've ever felt as optimistic about being a part of this community.
The Penn State Wrestling Program is the current undisputed best program in the country under the guidance of Cael Sanderson. Our Women's Volleyball Program with Russ Rose at the helm is among the best in the country. Our basketball teams continue to be competitive and perhaps are just a year or two away from breaking out. Countless educational achievements have been made, and THON continues to an incredible benefit and event. Our hockey programs are beginning to garner serious interest.
Developers are taking notice, building downtown. They are building and believing in this community. Our hospitality industry seems to be thriving in a competitive business. For myself, I don't think I've been more satisfied at the job that I have.
In my personal life I feel as though I've done a pretty good job at following my own advice.
I feel closer to my family and friends than I have in a long time, I've built and trusted those relationships more and more. I've been more open and available to my longtime love, best friend and now wife.
I've made healthier choices in my diet overall, and continue to exercise regularly.
In fact, overall, I don't think I've ever felt better.
But that doesn't mean that we, or I, am satisfied yet.
Because I know I have made mistakes, I have been deficient in some areas.
I know I can improve.
That constant drive; that knowledge that life won't stop for you or your latest achievements. That life has a way of being unpredictable and leveling things out and that while you may be on top now, if you don't keep up the habits that got you there, you will inevitably fall.
This Saturday, the Penn State Football team, a long-time beacon and symbol of everything positive about this university will get the spotlight along with what many believe is the best (or among the best) football team in the nation in Ohio State.
People across the country, and certainly in the the North East and Mid-West will look out at our team, at our environment, at US and from that moment in time make a decision as to how they feel about Penn State and who we are as a community.
Regardless of the actual outcome of the game, I want those watching at home or visiting us to watch from the stands or a bar and know that we aren't scared of the light being back on us, that we aren't scared of being on the field and we aren't scared to support or cheer for our team.
We do this all in a way that is passionate, that is morally and ethically good. We don't do it to brag, we don't do it so that we can point to our championships. We do what we do because it makes us a better place. Because what matters at the end of the day are two things.
Are you coming together? And are you getting better?
I'm confident, that when ESPN's cameras capture this community, when they go and try to capture the spirit of this town, they'll find a place that embodies the best in university culture. That we are passionate, yet respectful. That we believe in each other and pick each other up when we fall. That we don't quit.
As Ohio State's fans come down may our exchanges begin as welcoming, and may we be civil and respectful. We live in a civilized world beyond the sophomoric gates of rival high-school behavior. I hope that the fervor of fandom doesn't take hold to a negative effect.
We have come a long way in 5 years. And the spotlight is going to be here again. And when it lights up Beaver Stadium and all of Penn State, they'll shine a light on a group that's still fighting for everything we can be.
Still fighting to be the best.
