PA Congressmen Honor Joe Paterno

Washington, D.C. — Members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation including U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5), Charlie Dent (PA-15), Jim Gerlach (PA-6), Bill Shuster (PA-9), Mike Kelly (PA-4), and Lou Barletta (PA-11) today joined on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the life of Coach Joe Paterno. The Members delivered their remarks during a special order speech following the conclusion of legislative business in the House.

“Joe Paterno’s accomplishments as a teacher and a coach rank him among the very best, most especially his push for higher academic standards for both high school and college athletics,” said Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “He was a man, but his legend continues. With the passing of Joe Paterno, we are all Penn State, and we mourn his loss. Thank you Joe Paterno.”

“While many Americans will remember coach Paterno for his unparalleled success on the field, Penn State students, alumni and fans will never forget his love for the University and contributions to its development,” said Rep. Charlie Dent. “A truly exceptional man, Joe Paterno helped shape the lives of his players and colleagues, as well as countless individuals who found inspiration in his remarkable dedication and distinctive modesty. As a proud Nittany Lion, I will miss Joe’s extraordinary humility, unique spirit and contagious smile.”

"What set Coach Paterno apart was that he demanded excellence from his players every day of the week,” said Rep. Jim Gerlach. “Success with honor was what Coach Paterno expected whether his players were performing in front of 100,000 fans at Beaver Stadium or taking an exam in a classroom. Football was the means by which he molded players into leaders and forever transformed a university. He prepared his players to be winners in life -- not just on Saturday afternoons."

"Joe Paterno is a legend not just because of what he did on the football field, but for the lasting impact he had on the development of his football players and the community of Penn State," said Rep. Bill Shuster. "Coach Paterno strived for excellence in education and success with honor in life. With his passing, we mourn his loss but we also celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishments and count ourselves lucky to have been alive to witness a legendary coach and teacher in action."

“The thing I remember most about Coach Paterno, he had the ability to inspire you to do things that maybe you didn’t think you could do,” said Rep. Mike Kelly. “He had the ability to get you to go beyond being tired into being better.”

“Joe Paterno loved coaching at the college level because he loved preparing young men to succeed in life,” said Rep. Lou Barletta. “He saw all of these young men as his sons, and he wanted the best for each and every one of them. Joe Paterno’s personal life was humble. His humanitarian life was remarkable. And his professional life was legendary.”

To view Rep. Thompson’s remarks, click here.

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