Several weeks ago, a reader wrote that Joe Paterno should be replaced as Penn State University’s head football coach. I disagreed with the writer, and pointed out that Paterno’s team was still in the top twenty, and that he accomplished his magnificent record without the academic scandal that has affected virtually every other top footballprogram.
Over the weekend, Coach Paterno’s team beat a good University of Illinois team. The win brought the team to a 8-1 overall record, and a league-best 5-0 record in the Big 10. They are currently ranked 15th in the country. After his last victory, Paterno’s 409th, the old coach surpassed the all-time Division I wins of former Grambling coaching legend, Eddie Robinson. It was the post-game speech that underscored the greatness of Paterno.
After the hard-fought win, the 84 year-old Paterno not only graciously acknowledged Robinson, but he also paid tribute to Alonzo “Jake” Gaither, the former Florida A&M, head coach. Both Robinson and Gaither were black coaches. Said Paterno: “Those two men opened up the doors for the black athlete.” At a time when the spotlight was on Paterno, he, with customary class, put it on others.
You don’t find people like this more than once a lifetime. And you don’t push them out until they’re ready to go.
