UNIVERSITY PARK, CENTRE COUNTY - It will be an early morning for hundreds of Penn State fans Tuesday, as they cheer on Penn State football players.
For eight months, the Nittany Lions have been under the huge shadow of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. As the team heads into training camp next week, some former football players are rallying Penn Staters to show the team support.
Penn State football fans will be showing all tradition and no turmoil.
The effort was not setup by the university or the athletic program, instead two lettermen started it through their show called "The Goon Show," which airs online.
As two former players, Keith Conlin and Tim Sweeney want Penn Starters to finally show support for the football team. The goal is for as many people as possible to rally outside Holuba Hall on the University Park campus around 7 a.m.
The effort is also a way to say thanks...
"This is a way for everybody to come out here see these kids without football pads on not on a "Gameday Saturday" and say you know what, it's early, you've been working out everyday this summer. Thank you for staying, we got your back," said Conlin.
The NCAA sanctions announced a week ago have created doubt with some current and future Nittany Lions about whether they want to be in the program. Rob Bolden and Silas Redd are just two big names considering other options. Conlin played on the undefeated 1994 Nittany Lion squad. He believes the core of the Nittany Lions will stay together.
"I don't know what it is about Penn State and it was the same when I was there and it's the same it is now and that's the bond that you grow, with your teammates, that you don't want to break, you feel horrible if you let these guys down," said Conlin.
Students like Vick Sapara are going. He's still upset about the NCAA sanctions and that 40 scholarships in total were cut.
"It's just not fair to any of them, so it's best if we support them and just ignore everything that's out there, support our team," he said.
More than 1,000 people on Facebook say they're going. Lettermen hope more go and let the team know they'll be cheering them on this season.
The Blue Band will be there. Giveaways will be offered and WTAJ will cover the rally LIVE.
For eight months, the Nittany Lions have been under the huge shadow of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. As the team heads into training camp next week, some former football players are rallying Penn Staters to show the team support.
Penn State football fans will be showing all tradition and no turmoil.
The effort was not setup by the university or the athletic program, instead two lettermen started it through their show called "The Goon Show," which airs online.
As two former players, Keith Conlin and Tim Sweeney want Penn Starters to finally show support for the football team. The goal is for as many people as possible to rally outside Holuba Hall on the University Park campus around 7 a.m.
The effort is also a way to say thanks...
"This is a way for everybody to come out here see these kids without football pads on not on a "Gameday Saturday" and say you know what, it's early, you've been working out everyday this summer. Thank you for staying, we got your back," said Conlin.
The NCAA sanctions announced a week ago have created doubt with some current and future Nittany Lions about whether they want to be in the program. Rob Bolden and Silas Redd are just two big names considering other options. Conlin played on the undefeated 1994 Nittany Lion squad. He believes the core of the Nittany Lions will stay together.
"I don't know what it is about Penn State and it was the same when I was there and it's the same it is now and that's the bond that you grow, with your teammates, that you don't want to break, you feel horrible if you let these guys down," said Conlin.
Students like Vick Sapara are going. He's still upset about the NCAA sanctions and that 40 scholarships in total were cut.
"It's just not fair to any of them, so it's best if we support them and just ignore everything that's out there, support our team," he said.
More than 1,000 people on Facebook say they're going. Lettermen hope more go and let the team know they'll be cheering them on this season.
The Blue Band will be there. Giveaways will be offered and WTAJ will cover the rally LIVE.
