In this day and age, I realize that there are few sports figures that a person can look to as a role model. Either driven by greed or self-indulgence, many extraordinary coaches and athletes have proven to be less than reputable citizens. Joe Paterno, on the other hand, is a leader who has dedicated himself to developing young athletes and students into upstanding and educated individuals. Without his guidance, perseverance, and loyalty, I do not believe that the Pennsylvania State University would be as highly regarded of an educational institution. Joe Paterno has created one of the most successful programs in college football history, while at the same time fully dedicating himself to his community, political views, educational beliefs, and most importantly, his family.
As head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Joe Paterno has guided his team for forty-three years, with an additional sixteen years as an assistant coach prior to 1966. He has the most wins of any coach in major college football history, and continues build upon his coaching records at the age of 82 (Nardy, 2007). Joe Paterno has played an intricate role in maintaining the integrity, sportsmanship and academic standards of college football and its athletes. Along with his illustrious coaching career, he and his wife , Sue, have personally contributed over $4 million dollars to Penn State University and have assisted in raising millions more (Nardy, 2007).
The reason I chose Joe Paterno for my leader is because I see admirable, conscientious, and noble traits in all he does. He not only motivates his players to compete at the highest level of competition, he also energizes millions of fans who support the institution and want to become apart of, or more involved in the success he breeds. I have a great respect for his educational, community, and family values. I also admire his perseverance to continue coaching at an age which most Americans have long since retired. He loves his job and has made it an obligation to make those around him better so that they, in turn, may do the same for others.
References:
Thalman, L.B. (2000). Quotable Joe: Words of wisdom by and about Joe Paterno, college football's coaching icon. Nashville, Tennessee: Towle House Publishing.
O'Brien, M. (1999). No Ordinary Joe: The biography of Joe Paterno. Nashville, Tennessee: Rutledge Hill Press.
Nardy, V.J. (2007). Joe Paterno. Retrieved February 10, 2009, from http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/
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Matt, I am amazed at the number of years that Joe has been coaching at Penn State. This alone is a feat in itself. Commitment such as this I feel has helped him create a community of loyal followers such as your self. Do you feel that a person that has been invloved in sports develops or increases their own leadership skills? Many of the administrators that I know have been either an athlete or a coach.
ReplyDeleteIts also great that he has contributed that much money. The values that you state about Joe are valuable not only for himself, but also ones that can be instilled in his athletes, allowing them to be a productive citizens in life.
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ReplyDeleteI am also a big fan of JoPa. Rather than using Penn State to launch his coaching career, he uses coaching as a teaching tool. His players all know that academics come first. He also tries to instill moral fiber into his players. Paterno will not tolerate any drug use by his players, and has benched star players for violating rules while other coaches would have given them a slap on the wrist.
ReplyDeleteI wish that more coaches would follow the standard set by JoPa. I believe that his type of leadership have a long reaching affect on today’s youth, and more leaders of his caliber could perhaps reshape the culture of America’s institutions of higher learning into stronger communities. He sets a clear standard of right and wrong and will not make exceptions for it.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI must also comment on the number of years Jo e is coaching...I am not even alive that long. It is amazing how he can still earn respect form others after all this time. New coaches, old coaches, players , and parents, etc. hold the upmost respect for him. It is amazing how he can still work a crowd!