Paterno Field?
by LAPSU on Jan 25, 2012 12:56 AM EST
Email
PrintRenaming Beaver Stadium has been a topic, or a possibility at least, for quite some time. Now, after Joe's passing, that has gained a lot of steam, even going as far as having an online petition going to get it renamed to Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium.
One of my favorite Facebook statuses on Sunday pointed out how appropriate it was that Joe's name was on a library, and not a football field. While I never met Joe, nor knew him personally, I've been torn as to what I think should be done, in the best interests of Joe, and how to balance that with paying proper tribute to the man we owe so much to.
I personally think that Curtin in between University and Porter should be named "Paterno Way." I feel like this is a good way of paying tribute to him, while not making him bigger than the teams and coaches that follow, something that I think he wouldn't want. The buses pull up there each game day, the players enter the stadium on that road every Saturday, and every player and coach would be reminded of him as they do.
Penn State has always been about more than the individual. It's been about the team. No names on the jerseys. Team before self. These are values that Joe espoused and ingrained in all his players, and by association, us as alumni and fans. Leaving the name as Beaver Stadium allows the teams and coaches of the future to make their own history, while always being reminded of the man who made it all possible as they enter the stadium.
So I pose the question to you folks: what should the university do to honor Joe in perpetuity, or are the library and the statue enough?
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I think all of University Drive should be renamed
The Paterno Way, inclusive of the “the”. It may be a little more complex than just renaming 1000 feet of roadway with no official addresses on it, but I think he deserves it.
by nickrapak on Jan 25, 2012 1:15 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
I like your suggestion for a number of reasons including:
The hugely clever name. Must include “The”.
There are so many streets, buildings and sites that are named after past leaders – names that were chosen for a reason. Their accomplishments might be somewhat left in time, but replacing their name futher leaves them forgotten. Choosing University Dr or Park Ave or one of the other impersonally named streets doesn’t replace another leader’s name.
He completed 17 of individuals 26 passes for 192 lanscaping your yard and two touchdowns - Chan Luu
University Dr or Park Ave are possibilities
But I think renaming College Ave would better reflect the impact that JoePa had on PSU.
by Willie Green on Jan 25, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmmm... Renaming College Avenue to Paterno Avenue doesn't sound right...
Maybe East College Ave could become East JoePa Street,
and West College Ave could become West JoePa Street…
There! Now THAT sounds a whole lot better!
by Willie Green on Jan 25, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
"The Paterno Way".....
What a wonderful thought and a powerful and lasting recommendation….I’ll vote for it.
"The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God."
by DerryPharmer on Jan 25, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
If Derry likes it
And he knew Joe personally, then I like it also. I have been thinking about the naming of the field or other things around State College, I kept thinking what would Joe have wanted. If you want to honor someone, what would that person think of the honor bestowed on them, would he like that honor? But then also have to think about that sometimes to honor someone you can’t think just what that person wanted, or would have liked, but what that nem or idea has done for the greater community, since it is within that community that the honor is also being bestowed.
I personally think that Beaver Stadium should stay Beaver Stadium, with the field staying the same. Naming a road around the stadium, perhaps Park Ave, or Curtin, called The Paterno Way, would, in my opinion be more appropriate to combine the (possible) wishes of Joe, and those that he has effected with his life and teachings.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose - Janis Joplin
by AriesGD on Jan 25, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I like Derry's thinking
also found this today
"I think that’s a wonderful idea," said Thomas Beaver III of Lancaster
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/01/high_school_student_wants_fiel.html
…..A descendant of James Addams Beaver, for whom Penn State’s Beaver Stadium is named, backs a proposal to name the field there for Joe Paterno. …..
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.
Erma Bombeck
by ComfortHePuHuTh on Jan 25, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
The big petition in town right now is for Park Ave. to be renamed
rather than the stadium being renamed or etc.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
renamed to Paterno Way, specifically.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
by Assorted Fruit on Jan 25, 2012 1:26 AM EST up reply actions
Do you have a link to that petition?
I would definitely support it.
I think this is one of the petitions
http://thebus.net/content/webform/paterno-way
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
by Assorted Fruit on Jan 25, 2012 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
Ooooh
I didn’t know about this one. I like that. Consider it signed.
My concern with renaming the field was that Joe never wanted to be bigger than his players. It seemed to me that renaming the field would go against that. I obviously can’t pretend to know what he would want, but it just seems that way to me.
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."
by LAPSU on Jan 25, 2012 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I personally like the Park Ave. one because it's closer to his house and is still in line with that idea
Not to mention that Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium is a mouthful.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
by Assorted Fruit on Jan 25, 2012 2:00 AM EST up reply actions
yeah
wasn’t park avenue his route of choice when walking to/from campus?
"They stalk their prey to within two or three great leaps and then launch a lightning-fast charge, striking their prey. Victims are most often killed by suffocation with a prolonged bite..."--Hinterland Who's Who
If you haven't seen this yet:
There is a movement out for it to be “Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium”
Here’s the link:
http://www.change.org/petitions/make-paterno-field-at-beaver-stadium
Thanks jdj!
I was trying to include that in the post, but for some reason, it just wasn’t happenin’ for me.
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."
Not a fan of naming the field.
Clearly anything done, should be done with the family’s permission. I don’t think renaming the field embodies the ideals of the Grand Experiment as some other ideas may.
Devon tweeted earlier today (I don’t know if it was originally his idea or a retweet, I’m not that great at twitter) renaming the college of liberal arts to The Paterno College of Liberal Arts. that seems fitting.
I also like the cleverness of the idea of creating a special jurisdiction from Park Ave, South to Curtain Rd and University Drive, East to Porter Rd as Joe. That way, the official location of Beaver Stadium is Joe, PA. I’m not so sure this reflects any type of legacy or is a fitting tribute. I just think it would be cool.
I’m sorry, but blanket statements are proven false 99% of the time, and if you make a blanket statement about college football, there’s a good chance that one exception will be Joe Paterno. - AdamShell @ BSD
Also; Always carry a bottle opener and the beer will provide itself.
by bconway6 on Jan 25, 2012 2:23 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Not familiar with the geography
I assume that would that include the Lasch Football Building? I can only imagine the continual jokes and crap you guys would take if that was made its own jusidiction.
by Former_DC_Buck on Jan 25, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
No that wouldn’t encompass the Lasch Building. Only the stadium and some parking lots would be within the resulting area.
by kff5006 on Jan 25, 2012 1:25 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I’d disagree with renaming the stadium or naming the field after him. I really like the idea of renaming Park Ave or University Blvd to Paterno Way or The Paterno Way.
by kff5006 on Jan 25, 2012 1:28 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I like naming Park Ave or Curtin after him
If the pettition was Paterno Stadium, Beaver Field I like that better, I was reading somewhere that before they moved the stadium in 1960 it was called Beaver Field. So I Joe built the stadium around Beaver Field.
I will say Joe would not want that and It speaks to the man more to have the Library named after him rather then the field
by PSU_sincebirth on Jan 25, 2012 8:03 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
This is KEY
Joe was more than football. He would be the first person to dismiss the idea of naming anything after himself, let alone some stadium where people play a game. The idea of Park Ave. or a College are far more befitting his legacy.
by cs93 on Jan 25, 2012 8:10 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think I like Paterno Way better.
I’m with those who think that JoePa would rather have his name on the library than the football stadium.
I've been downhearted baby, I've been downhearted baby, ever since the day we met . . .
+1
Paterno Way is the most fitting way to go and it would be synonymous with his life’s lessons to us “conduct yourself the Paterno Way”. Additionally, anything else grander (rename stadium) would contradict his belief system. As Coach he’s mentioned a billion of times, there are no names on the back of our jerseys for a reason…we’re a team of one. My fear (although it would be an honor), renaming the stadium would counter to the the no-name jersey.
by Batwing on Jan 25, 2012 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Paterno Way
Rename Curtain from Bigler to Porter. Every game day that’s where tens of thousands of people walk to get to the stadium. Love it.
Also totally cool with Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium. Gotta keep the Beav.
Either one is cool for me. Slight edge to Paterno Field,.
by SkellerDweller06 on Jan 25, 2012 8:32 AM EST reply actions
I love this idea
Excellent. I signed the petition above to rename Park, but I like this idea as well. I’d sign a petition for that too. I also always liked the idea of renaming College Ave.
"My father did not have a broken heart. His heart was too strong. It couldn't be broken."
- Mary Kay Paterno-Hort
I understand wanting to pick a road name of something generic like "park" or "college" to replace with Paterno
but Curtain just fits to me. It connects the library to the stadium, symbolizing the crux of the Grand Experiment, the student-athlete. It also is the road heavily traveled by many on campus as they make their way to the stadium for every game. There’s something about walking the “Paterno Way” to every home game that would really touch home with what Joe wanted for this school and all of us. It could really be the start of a great new tradition, while keeping the memory of the ones that came before.
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by skarocksoi on Jan 25, 2012 9:40 AM EST reply actions 12 recs
+1
like a gameday student march from the library to the stadium. the paterno way.
"They stalk their prey to within two or three great leaps and then launch a lightning-fast charge, striking their prey. Victims are most often killed by suffocation with a prolonged bite..."--Hinterland Who's Who
by afields16 on Jan 25, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
and...
didn’t he donate huge bucks to the pasquarelli (sp?) spiritual center on curtin as well?
"They stalk their prey to within two or three great leaps and then launch a lightning-fast charge, striking their prey. Victims are most often killed by suffocation with a prolonged bite..."--Hinterland Who's Who
by afields16 on Jan 25, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I do believe that was more Sue's thing
but yeah they did donate quite hefty amount.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
by Assorted Fruit on Jan 25, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
they were married,
according to my wife, my money is hers and her money is hers; ergo Joe’s money was/is her money.
For the glory
by lionalum05 on Jan 25, 2012 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If you allow the students to
tailgate/drink in/around the library, you may actually get some to participate too. :)
He completed 17 of individuals 26 passes for 192 lanscaping your yard and two touchdowns - Chan Luu
I have to agree with renaming the street "Paterno Way"
It just makes too much sense with its double meaning. One, the actual physical byway that links the Stadium with the Library and the other pays homage to his “way” of doing things, putting just as much importance on education as much as being an athlete. Like I said, it just makes too much sense. The only thing I would change is calling it “The Paterno Way”
I disagree with renaming the stadium
because that’s not where his biggest accomplishments occurred.
by PSU Mudder on Jan 25, 2012 10:08 AM EST reply actions 11 recs
"The Paterno Way"
on Curtin would be amazing like that, would the buses travel along “The Paterno Way” then from Lasch up to the stadium? Because that could become a great gameday tradition, and I know it’s a long walk, but fans lining that every game would be awesome.
by va2pennstate on Jan 25, 2012 10:16 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think painting
a list of traditions on “The Paterno Way” would be a good addition.
The Walk ons
The All Americans
The Black Shoes
The plain uniforms
There is no name on our jersey
Sprinkle in lots of JoePa-isms
He completed 17 of individuals 26 passes for 192 lanscaping your yard and two touchdowns - Chan Luu
by rahpsu92 on Jan 25, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Saw this amongst Cvillelion's pics on his blog...
Ties in perfectly with renaming a road “The Paterno Way”.
He completed 17 of individuals 26 passes for 192 lanscaping your yard and two touchdowns - Chan Luu
by rahpsu92 on Jan 25, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
His name is where it should be
On the library.
by speedomike on Jan 25, 2012 10:28 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
I'm not a fan of renaming the stadium.
The Paterno legacy is more than just football. This is why it’s more fitting that the only building on campus named after Paterno is a library. However, I would be fine if one of the streets were named after Paterno.
by psu2007 on Jan 25, 2012 11:15 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
How about Beaver Stadium at Joe Paterno Field?
"I guess we had a couple of Catholics praying for US!" - JVP, after the down to the wire win over Notre Dame in 1987
How about
Joe, PA?
"In every life there have to be some shadows. Look at me. My life has been filled with sunshine. A beautiful and caring wife. Five healthy children. I got to do what I loved. How many people are that lucky?" THE Joseph Vincent Paterno.
by jman07 on Jan 25, 2012 12:21 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I've been saying that for years
But that would probably be really expensive. Those interstate signs are expensive!
I’m more in favor of re-naming Park or University. If I was Mr Curtin’s great-great-great whatever, I’d be pissed. And that would also be kind of a slight against Bellefonte. If anything, that guy deserves to be more well known.
Curtin was from Bellefonte and the governor of PA during the Civil War. He was on the platform during the Gettysburg address, instrumental in the war effort, and later served in congress and as ambassador to Russia. Nothing to sneeze at. Granted, he does not have any Division 1 wins to his name, but I doubt Joe would want to knock him out of our memory.
Likewise, Beaver was a general. Then again, Beaver has a lot of other stuff named for him.
I wouldn’t name the college of liberal arts after him now. I’d leave that open to attract another big giver looking to aggrandize themselves. I’m sure Joe would appreciate that shrewd fund-raising move.
by reedjohnmiller on Jan 25, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Gotta keep the name of James A. Beaver alive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Beaver
On 16 June 1864, he was again wounded while leading his brigade in the first assault upon the works at Petersburg. Returning to duty before his wound was fairly healed, he rode to the battlefield of Ream’s Station in an ambulance, and had scarcely reached the front and assumed command at the advanced line when his right leg was shattered by a rifle ball. Amputation of the right leg followed, and, although his life was saved, the 26 year old was no longer capable of active military service. He was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers, 10 November 1864, and mustered out of service at his own request on 22 December of that year, refusing to remain in the army on light duty as he was urged to do. He repeatedly declined promotion that would have taken him away from his own regiment, feeling bound to remain with the men whom he had enlisted
I've been downhearted baby, I've been downhearted baby, ever since the day we met . . .
by Joe 96alum on Jan 25, 2012 12:37 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
That is really bad-ass
Is that on a plaque somewhere near the stadium? It ought to be.
I see Jimmy Beaver playing Hero for PSU, if he could have, or maybe a scrappy slot receiver.
by reedjohnmiller on Jan 25, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Nah.
Fullback all the way.
If they ever tell my story let them say that I walked with giants. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat, but these names will never die. Let them say I lived in the time of Bradley, tamer of offenses. Let them say I lived in the time of Paterno.
Would you attack Beaver up the middle?
or go long and deep?
thanks rambler
We have little tranquility but tons of tranquilizers.
by mikeissurreal on Jan 25, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I read up about James Beaver
when, after repeated trips to Pittsburgh, one of my colleagues from Houston kept asking me why things in Pennsylvania were named “Beaver.” I knew it was after James Beaver but I never looked up the man until that day.
Honestly, the stadium needs to remain Beaver Stadium. Joe wouldn’t have wanted to play in Paterno Stadium and that’s good enough for me.
December 1864...
and it was a mere 60 years later to JoePa’s birth …
God Bless you JoePa.
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Jan 25, 2012 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
The quintessential Joe
Joe was not only about football and playing by the rules. He demanded that athletes get an education so they were prepared to enter life after college and make contributions to society. Penn State has Smeal College of Business and the Eberly College of Science we should have the Paterno College of Liberal Arts.
by OldeSCFan on Jan 25, 2012 2:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agree with "The Paterno Way" Idea...
But would also like to see the stadium renamed for Joe (or “Paterno Stadium” as a tribute not only to Joe but his family) if only so that game announcers would have to mention Joe’s name at least once during a telecast.
I absolutely hate the "So and so field at such and such stadium"
What next? Say BOB becomes the next great coach? Do we have the Bill O’Brien Endzone at Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium? It just sounds so bad to me, like, “hey, we like your accomplishments a not, but not enough to rename the stadium after you, here’s the next best stadium related thing we can think of associating with you”
I’m a huge proponent of the Joe, PA, idea just because of how original and virtually impossible it is to recreate.
I’m also a big fan of The Paterno Way stretching along Curtin Rd either from the Library to the stadium, or connecting Rec Hall/the Lion Shrine to the Stadium. Heck, Sue was a Paterno and she has her own legends associated with the shrine.
Wasn't the original Beaver Field/Stadium over by Rec Hall?
I think it would be fitting for road that leads from where it used to be to where it is now be called “The Paterno Way”. The fact that it would pass the library and spiritual center is also very fitting.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Jan 26, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Yep - if you check on the PSU site and look up history, etc., the field/stadium names etc. are there.
And yes, New Beaver Field (that was second instar) was in that neck of the woods near present parking deck.
Joe said he did not want a stadium named for him
I like “The Paterno Way”
"There are too many Irish guys on this team"
Joesph Vincent Paterno
April, 2010
I don't have a problem keeping Beaver Stadium as the name.
But at no point in the future should it ever be considered to change the name of the stadium to something else. This also goes to corporate sponsorships if for some reason they ever build a new one. If we’re not doing it for Paterno, we’re not doing it for anyone else either. I fully support “The Paterno Way”.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Jan 26, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
This is a stretch, and it would really involve some legwork,
but to honor Curtin, rename Park Avenue Curtin Road in that Park Avenue is not named after anybody. That way the Curtin name is kept alive. Or rename University Drive Curtin Road. It doesn’t matter.
I really do think the most appropriate street to rename THE Paterno Way would be Curtin Road. With no disrespect to the late governor, Curtin runs right down the middle of the campus, through the heart of what Joe built, past the library bearing Joe’s name, to the stage where Joe gained his fame and influence to help build the university.
For what it’s worth, I do not agree with Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium. Too long. Too windy. And to me, to mention one man’s name in the same breath as another does not do either of them justice.
by Ab4PSU on Jan 26, 2012 12:10 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You could re-name the Curtin section beyond University from the BJC corner to Porter.
That puts the BJC & stadium on The Paterno Way and you don’t have to change a gazillion addresses. maps, gps,
I think that feels like a cop out
He deserves more than just 1/4 mile of a street to be named after him. If your choice for the street to be renamed is Curtin, go all out, from Atherton to Porter.
Paterno College of Liberal Arts and Humanities
I think makes the most sense. Maybe endow the “Joseph Vincent Paterno Chair of Classical Literature,” or something like that.
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