Penn State vs. Kent State

Weekend of September 20, 2003

Just in case anybody looking at this website doesn't know, here is some background on my Penn State connection. I attended and graduated from Penn State way back when Joe Paterno, was cutting his teeth as head coach and establishing Penn State's football program as one of the premier programs in the country. I've been a loyal Penn State fan ever since.

Sean McHugh, number 42, was on the cover of the game program for the Kent State game.

Growing up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, my sister's kid, Sean McHugh, played four years of stellar varsity high school football and was recruited by and offered full scholarships to Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State, among others. Much to my delight, he chose my alma mater! This is his senior year and he's having a great season as the starting fullback and a team leader. I'm having the time of my life rooting for Sean and the Nittany Lions.

We arrived at the "Penn State House", the house that Kevin, Sean's dad, rents for the season, on Friday, September 19th and were joined by Kevin, his daughters, Elise and Lauren and Elise's hubby, Jon.

Saturday was a perfect day, a little warm for football maybe, but bright and clear and sunny. There we all are tailgating before the game.

Kevin talked his way into the players locker room and Jon & I followed. On the left is the weight room which covers about an acre and has PSU's championship banners on the wall. In the middle Kevin and Jon stand in front of Sean's locker and on the right, I'm holding Sean's game jersey. The players obviously hadn't arrived yet. They spend Friday night together off campus then are bused here to get in uniform and then bused to the stadium for the game.

Locker room shots. Note the "S" on the right. Thou must not step or walk on the S.

Lorri, Lauren and Elise on the way to the stadium.

Waiting for the players to file through the "tunnel".

Lorri with Mount Nittany, home of the legendary Nittany Lion, in the background.

The Penn State Blue Band performs prior to the game.

The team takes the field. The view from our seats.

Sean's face on the scoreboard, bigger than life.

Final score: Penn State 32, Kent State 10

After the game Sean joined the tailgate party as did Dave Kimball, one of Sean's roommates, number 95, the kicker who, more often than not, booms kickoffs through the end zone. At the Nebraska game he kicked one through the uprights. I checked his kicking leg for kryptonite or steel or special muscles or something, but it looked normal.

That's Elise, Jon and Ashlee, Sean's girlfriend, in the photo on the left.

It was a great day and a good victory for the home team.

Saturday Night:

Later, back at the house, we relaxed and had a few beverages.