We're Number One!!!

Well, maybe not Number One, but we're a heck of a lot better than we used to be. As I write this we're 3-0 going into next week's game against Iowa.

Penn State 40 - Nebraska 7

My nephew, Sean McHugh, a highly recruited fullback out of Chagrin Falls High School, made the wise decision to accept Penn State's offer two years ago. He is now Number 42, the starting fullback in Penn State's resurgent new offense. Kevin, his proud pappy, through yet another of his widespread connections was able to rent a nice little house for all the home games this year. That's it above.

Friday Night, September 13, 2002

For the Nebraska game there were nine of us at the house, plus the occasional visits of Sean and his girlfriend Ashley. Above L to R: Debbie (my daughter) & Elise (my niece); Sean and Kevin; Lauren (my niece), Jason (her friend) and Mike Filling, my son-in-law.

L to R: Ashley & Jon; The McHugh kids, Lauren, Sean and Elise; Ashley, Lauren, Lorri, Elise & Debbie; Ashley & Sean (actually taken the next night)

Saturday, Game Day, September 14, 2002

It was to be a long and exciting day because the game didn't start until 8 PM and we started our tailgate marathon at the parents' parking lot at about 10:30 AM with champagne, mimosas and smoked salmon with all the trimmings.

Here is the group of nine as we started the day.

At the parents' parking lot we met Zack Mills' parents, among others. That's Zack's dad, Erik, with Kevin. Mike and I coincidently wore our San Diego Chargers "throw back" tee-shirts, so we had to get a photo.

Next we drove the van up to the parking space that Debbie had secured when she got tickets for the game from her friend Bridgette, a PSU Alum. We could have easily crawled to the stadium, it was so close. In fact, later that night I think I did see several happy Penn State fans crawling, staggering and rolling by. Those were the ones, unlike us of course, who failed to sufficiently pace themselves for the long day.

This is what it looked like when we got there. Not bad, eh? That's Debbie, Mike, Lorri and me on the right.

We soon went over to Ashley's parents tailgate party where the gang was assembling. Here we were sitting around passing the time playing music trivia. Mike Filling was very helpful in making the time pass by taking so long to complete his turn.

Of course there are many ways to pace one's self. One of which is catching a little shut-eye. On the left, Kevin seems to have found a cozy spot between a couple vehicles while comfortable chairs seem to have done the trick for Lois and Mike, Ashley's mom and step dad.

Not wanting to miss any action, we went back to where the van was parked to see how things were progressing with Debbie's friends, and were just in time for some fine BBQ'd cuisine.

Sometime later we went to the game and then did a lot of celebrating but I didn't bring my camera.