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The Origins of "We Are Penn State"
WE ARE! PENN STATE!
That chant and slogan resonates through Happy Valley year round. But where did it come from? Thanks to Lauren Boyer at the Centre Daily Times we now know. And you may be pleasantly surprised.
The year is 1947. Racism and segregation continue to run rampant throughout the country. And yet this was the time when Penn State's most iconic battle cry was born. The 1947 Nittany Lion football team - coached by Bob Higgins and not one Joe Paterno - was undefeated and headed to the Cotton Bowl to take on Southern Methodist. Despite the feeling towards African-Americans around the states, the 9-0 Penn State teams was united. This 1947 squad contained two African-American players, Wally Triplett, who was the first African-American to be drafted and play in the NFL and Dennie Hoggard. And they were part of the team, in every sense of the word. Prior to the Cotton Bowl (played on New Year's Day, 1948) rumors swirled that SMU wanted to meet with Penn State in regards to their black players playing in the game. The University and football team wanted no part in this meeting. It was at this time that Triplett says "We are Penn State" came to be.
"We are Penn State," Triplett recalled Suhey saying. "There will be no meetings."
Suhey is offensive guard and team captain Steve Suhey. Penn State's unwillingness to leave their black players at home is admirable. And what was their reward for standing up for what they believe in? The Dallas hotels around the Cotton Bowl would not admit them due to the presence of Triplett and Hoggard. Did the Nittany Lions ship them off by themselves? No. The team drove 14 miles outside of the city and bunked at the Naval Air Station.
The game was played as scheduled, with no more problems revolving around race. Though SMU may disagree. Triplett scored the decisive tying touchdown and the game ended in a tie, 13-13.
Triplett is ever grateful for Penn State and his former teammates.
Most of [his] success Triplett attributes to "that team" from Penn State - a school that he says doesn't get the credit it deserves for advancing civil rights.
"That team" that stood up for him and did the right thing. "That team" spawned - in all its glory - the everlasting phrase: WE ARE PENN STATE.
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How and when did the chant We Are Penn State originate?
Apparently it's been around for a while. Check out this post: http://nalgenegirladventures.blogspot.com/2008/10/we-are-penn-state.html
What is Penn State in?
Penn State is in the STATE of PENNSYLVANIA. Hence, Penn. And State.
Who was the best Penn State player of all time?
If Rudy played for Penn State, he would have been the best player to come out of that school. Need i say more?
Out of 100 people how many are accepted to penn state?
100, penn state is a school with a poor, poor education. Not very many people come out of that place successful.
How did penn state get its name?
Penn State is short for Pennsylvania State. It named after the state which is named after William Penn.
How many times has Penn State won the Fiesta Bowl?
As of the 2008 season, Penn State is 6-0 in Fiesta Bowl games. 1977 - Penn State 42, Arizona State 301980 - Penn State 31, Ohio State 191982 - Penn State 26, USC 101987 - Penn State 14, Miami 101992 - Penn State 42, Tennessee 171997 - Penn State 38, Texas 15
What is Penn State Altoona's motto?
The motto of Penn State Altoona is 'This is My Penn State Altoona, Make it Yours'.
Did Penn state win today?
Hell YES!!! We are Penn State!!!
Is every college such as Penn State located in that state capital city?
penn state's campus is not in at state capital. pennsylvania's staet capital is harrisburg, penn state is in state college.
Has penn state ever won at Iowa in football?
As of the 2008 season, Penn State and USC have played 8 games and each has won 4 times. 1923: USC 14, Penn State 3 1982: Penn State 26, USC 10 1990: USC 19, Penn State 14 1991: USC 21, Penn State 10 1993: Penn State 21, USC 20 1994: Penn State 38, USC 14 1996: Penn State 24, USC 7 2000: USC 29, Penn State 5
How many championships does penn state football have?
Penn State- 9 Championships
When was Penn State Hazleton created?
Penn State Hazleton was created in 1934.
