Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/79325
FOOTBALL Former Nittany Lion assistant coach dies Former Penn State assistant Joe Sarra died July 19 in State College at age 75. During his 16-year coaching career with the Lions, in which he coached the linebackers and interior defensive line, Sarra helped Penn State earn 15 bowl berths, nine bowl wins and a national championship in 1986. He also was a member of the staff that coached the 1994 Rose Bowl champi- ons, owners of a perfect 12-0 record. Following his coaching career, Sarra assumed an administrative role in 2000, serving as an assistant to the head coach for special projects. He retired in 2004 after a 20-year career with the university. "Coach Sarra was a unique individ- ual," said Bob White, a co-captain on the Nittany Lions' 12-0 title team in 1986. "He incorporated humor and enthusiasm in his style of coaching and teaching, and it was very much welcomed by the players he coached. I will miss him and being around him." FOOTBALL Lift for Life event smashes record They pushed 15-passenger vans, flipped 680-pound tractor tires and stacked 50-pound sandbags, all the while raising $110,374 to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. With more than 2,500 fans in atten- dance at the Penn State Lacrosse Field, the football team staged the 10th Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes Lift for Life event July 14, breaking the chapter's 2011 record of $100,930 raised. Eighty-one players brought in at least one donation. Junior offensive lineman Eric Shrive of Scranton, Pa., led the way, raising $31,868. llad CrabSa ra Sandwichke the h ab CCakice men ww wwww.nittan ylioninn.psu.edu 814--8 865--8 8580 OPINIONS BLOGS THE MONTH I N. . . Beards, mustaches, shoulder-length hair – it was all on dis- play at Penn State's media day. Excessive hair has long been banned at Penn State, but that isn't the case under O'Brien's new regime, and several of the players are taking advantage of it. Matt McGloin was sporting a new beard and was happy about it. "It's just something that's fun," he said. "Camp's hard, and this is just a way to have a little fun." Backup quar- terback Shane McGregor, along with Mauti and Zordich had hair that was heading toward their shoulders. Zordich said he hadn't cut his hair since October and said he didn't plan on cutting it anytime soon. MARTY VALANIA THE NITTANY LIONS DEN A vicious, explosive head-to-head crack on a defenseless play- er is one thing, and standing over the victim and taunting him mercilessly is equally repugnant, but this was worse than both acts combined. And Mark Emmert wasn't even wearing a football uniform. The NCAA president did everything at the Penn State sanctions announcements [July 23] but thump his chest and strike an Incredible Hulk pose. There are way too many aspects of Penn State's situation that are disgusting be- yond measure, but Emmert's actions as endorsed by the NCAA seemed almost intent on at least forcing another meas- urement. GENE COLLIER PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Linebacker U. took a hit when potential starter Khairi Fortt transferred to Cal. But don't feel too sorry for this Nittany Li- ons' unit, which still boasts All-Big Ten big hitter Gerald Hodges and veteran Michael Mauti, who just needs to stay healthy to be a star. Glenn Carson was sturdy in the middle as a starter last year as well. Experienced depth is the only real question. adies & gen emenentle me ...men... the BRIAN BENNETT ESPN.COM