Joe Paterno, lovingly called "JoePa"by adoring fans and all who knew him, died Sunday morning at a State College, Pennsylvania hospital. After a coaching career at Penn State spanning 62 years, 45 as head coach, he was diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer in November. Son Scott announced the news on November 18 last year. Two weeks later he broke his pelvis when he fell. Complications from cancer treatment caused his hospitalization January 13th.
His family released the following statement earlier this morning. "His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."
Paterno has been recognized as the greatest coach of all time. His record of 409 wins, 136 losses, and 3 ties tells the story in numbers. He won national titles in 1982 and 1986 and achieved four additional undefeated seasons. The Nittany Lions played in 37 bowl games and Paterno's coaching prepared more than 250 players for their ascension to the NFL.
Paterno built a program based on the credo of winning with dignity. His players behaved with integrity and sportsmanship under his leadership, a testimony to his belief that character came first and championships second.
The Jerry Sandusky sex scandal signaled the end of his career at Penn State. The stress he endured after the university fired him and the questions surrounding the handling of accusations against Sandusky which occurred years before must have affected his failing health. Ham on Wry believes his reputation as a coach of principle will remain at the forefront of his legacy.
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