***This is a mock press release intended for educational use only.  Please read the references cited at the bottom of this post for more information on Joe Paterno's death.***

University Park, Pa-It is with great sadness that the University announces the passing of Joe Paterno. Although Paterno was released from the University on November 9, 2011 amid questions of his responsibility in an ongoing investigation, his commitment to the school and the athletic department should not be questioned.

Paterno joined the Penn State athletic family in 1950 where he served in the assistant coaching role for sixteen years. In 1966 he became the head coach for the Nittany Lions. His first season was a draw, but he followed it with two undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969. For the next 32 years he dedicated himself to the Lions. Paterno is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) leader in career victories and one of only three coaches in NCAA history to post 400 career wins, an honor received on November 6, 2010 at home in Beaver Stadium when the squad made an impressive comeback to defeat Northwestern.

Paterno was college football’s all-time leader in bowl victories (24) and appearances (37). His tenure included two National Championships (1982, 1986); five undefeated, untied teams; 23 finishes in the Top 10 of the national rankings; 5 AFCA Coach-of-the-Year plaques; and more than 350 former players who signed NFL contracts. Penn State is one of just eight teams with 800 wins all-time, and Paterno has been a member of the Lion staff for 513 of them.

His dedication was not just to the athleticism of his players, but also to their role as students. He determined as a young head coach that his team would be comprised of young men who would graduate and make significant contributions to society upon their graduation. Paterno and his staff built a model program, evidenced by nearly 50 Academic All-America selections. The team regularly posted high graduation rates; they were ranked No. 1 academically out of the top 25 football teams in 2009 and 2011 by the New America Foundation’s Academic Bowl Championship Series. "Coach Paterno's commitment to achieving success on the football field with players who competed just as intensely in the classroom was unwavering and unparalleled," former Nittany Lion standout Todd Blackledge, a first team Academic All-America and 2001 Academic All-America Hall of Fame inductee, said of his college mentor. "He was a teacher first and a coach second, and his legacy should never be measured by wins or championships, but by the thousands of well-rounded contributors to society that he helped to mold and develop."

JoePa, as he was affectionately called, and his family have given more than $4 million dollars to the advancement and growth of University programs. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family has asked for donations to be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn State-THON.

Joe Paterno leaves behind his wife, Sue, five children, and 17 grandchildren.

Facebook Post

 January 22, 2012

It is with great sadness that the Nittany Lions announce the passing of legendary coach Joe Paterno. JoePa spent most of his life and the entirety of his career here in Happy Valley. He settled here at the age of 23, starting a family and a legacy. His contributions to his community and his players both on and off the field will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends during this time.

 

Joseph Vincent Paterno. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 11:33, Aug 03, 2014, from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584

Junstrom, J. (2012, April 25). Joe Paterno, 2012 Dick Enberg Award recipient. Retrieved from http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/4/25/2974927/joe-paterno-2012-dick-enberg-award-recipient

Penn State's legendary Joe Paterno passes. (2012, January 22). Retrieved from http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012212aap.html