More than Just a Coach
At the age of 82, Joseph Vincent Paterno has been the Penn State Nittany Lions head football coach for the past 43 years. Throughout this time, he has accumulated 383 wins, is one of four active coaches inducted into the college football hall of fame, has won 2 National Championships, and has more bowl victories than any other coach. Following the 1986 championship season, Paterno was the first college football coach named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated magazine. Joe Paterno credits his success to his hate to lose mentality and belief that there is more to the game (life) than the score. He is a teacher who prepares his players not just for a season but for life. These values and a tenacious work ethic have created the success that makes him one of the most highly regarded coaches in America.
More important than his accomplishments on the football field, Joe Paterno has used his success to become the most prolific face of any college institution. In addition to his coaching accolades, he is highly regarded for his contributions to academic programs at Penn State. He has been leader in a major effort to raise millions of dollars to enhance Penn State’s academic programs. In 1966, Coach Paterno began his commitment to academic excellence by spearheading an effort to mend athletic and academics in the collegiate environment. As a result, Penn State's players have consistently demonstrated above-average academic success compared to Division 1-A schools nationwide. Teaming with Dr. Bryce Jordan in 1988, the two created a 5 year campaign which raised over $200,000,000, which expanded the educational oppertunities at the university.
While many marvel at what Joe Paterno has done for the Nittany Lions on the field, what he has done for his players off the gridiron will take them much farther in life than football ever will. Players from Penn State teams during coach Paterno’s tenure have been imbedded with exceptional values and have been subjected to sincere passion, which will have a lasting impact on their lives. I chose Joe Paterno as the focus of this assignment because of his ability to lead with unwavering values, his commitment to give back to his community, and his timeless passion for his chosen career. The mark that he has made on the Penn State community parralles with my goals for my educational career; inspire youth to maximize potential, improve the overall educational environment of our district, and foster a strong relationship between all residents in our school district and our stakeholders. All in all, Joe Paterno is a leader who inspires me to lead by example and take action.
References
Asbell, B (1989). Paterno By The Book (1st ed.). New York, NY:Random House.
Wikipedia (n.d.). Joe Paterno. Retrieved February, 10, 2009 from, Wikipedia Foundation, Inc Web site: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JoePaterno.
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I am not much of a spectator, so Joe Paterno, although a famous Pennsylvania name did not initially strike me as an incredible leader. At least, that was the case until I read your blog. I admired his tenacity but now I understand there is so much more to Paterno than just football strategy. His devotion to the development of the University and its students is truly inspiring. That is the main likeness I see between Paterno and my leader, Patsy Mink, they both had a tremendous devotion to a greater good beyond themselves. Now when I see his name I will know there is a true leader behind the guise of a football coach. I am curious, how does it make you feel when you hear people call for his retirement?
ReplyDeleteBeing a Notre Dame fan, I had much followed Joe Paterno, I just new he was taking Penn State a lot further than Charlie Weiss. His abilities and perserverance amaze me, I find him an inspriation for many to do what they love, no matter there age. He is a motivator and his dedication to the sport and his committment to his team is truly awe inspriring.
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