I Bleed Blue and White

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team has been a part of my family longer than I have existed or was even thought of. Since the moment I was born I had no choice but to "bleed blue and white" as the rest of my family members did. Ever since I could remember my sister, dad and I would drive from Narragansett, RI, my home town and drive nine hours for every, single, home game. 

My Father Jeff Dentler, is originally from Milton Pennsylvania, which is approximately two hours away from "Happy Valley", more commonly known as Penn State University. His parents, my grandparents, have been season ticket holders for more than 48-years; we all sat in the same section, same seats, at every single game. 

To our family Penn State football was not just a team or a hobby that acquired over time. It was where my family came together from all over the county to share one common passion, the love of football. Having my parents been divorced since I was two-years-old, Penn State football is one thing that brought everyone together. The minute traditions that held tremendous value started when my sister and I became die hard fans by the age of eight. 

Every time Penn State had a home game we knew exactly what to do. We would pack our bags on Thursday night and load the car up, so the three of us would all be ready by the time school was let out on Friday afternoon. Ashley, my sister, would always get to choose which movie cassettes we were allowed to watch on the nine hour car ride just because she was four and a half years older than me. Each weekend my dad would strap the old nine-inch Sony TV to the middle of our 1996 Volvo, swearing throughout the whole process each time because he thought he would have it down to a science by now. 

As Ashley and I watched endless amounts of Toy Story, Lady and The Tramp and Parent Trap, my dad always stopped at the same "New Jersey" rest stop every single trip. He would always get chocolate TCBY and Ashley and I always got pizza.

When we finally made it to Milton, PA, my grandmother was always waiting up for our arrival and insisting that she was only “resting her eyes”, not sleeping. The following morning we would be up at the crack of dawn, drive to Dunkin Donuts for our pumpkin muffins and hot chocolate and drive the two hours to Happy Valley. "Having these traditions are what made these trips so memorable" Ashley said. 

The tailgate was always my favorite part. There was venison chili my cousin Matt always made, two hand touch football games with my whole family and undeniable excitement in the air.

The games were always exciting as my dad tried to call all the plays. "Overall the chance to toss a football with my girls in the tailgating section was very key for me" my dad said. 

The Penn State Nittany Lions football games were a Dentler family tradition that we thought would never die, until tragic information filled the headlines.








Click here to watch how the Dentler tradition was formed...





The History of Penn State Football 

The Penn State Nittany Lions football program is not just a team that was formed to have school comradery. It has united the residents of the state of Pennsylvania together as one since their first official game was played November 12^th, 1887.

Their first official game was played against Bucknell, a small Pennsylvania school where Penn State ended up winning 54-0. About a week later on Nov. 19^th, Penn State played their first home game, in a grassy field against Bucknell, winning 24-0, which resulted in forming Penn States first rival team.

Penn State University has a long history of football excellence. The first Penn State football champions were crowned in 1892 winning the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Foot-ball Association.

Yes, there once was a time before Joe Paterno, also known as “Joe Pa”, took the roll as head coach. The Pennsylvania State University has only hired 14 head football coaches throughout the entire schools history.

With those 14 coaches Penn State has accumulated 38 bowl game appearances and hold a 12-5-1 record in the major bowls (Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, and Cotton).

Their ten bowl appearances from the 1998-2011 seasons were revoked due to the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.

The current coach is Bill O’Brien, who was hired to replace Paterno. He will be the 15^th head coach of PSU football. 

FAQ

Q: What does Penn State Football mean to you?

A: “It was a place where I could bring my girls and show them where my side of the family came from. Yes, the football was great, but that was not what it was all about for us. It was a teaching moment as a parent. Penn State football games were where my girls learned to throw a football or learned the meaning of sportsmanship. You and your sister took those small lessons with you throughout your athletic careers.”

Q: Since the sex scandal was released has the meaning of Penn State football changed for you?

A: “Yes, Tremendously. Before the release of the sex abuse, Penn State stood for it’s athletic and academic excellence in their athletes. That is what I took pride in and wanted to demonstrate to my girls. They were roll models on and off the field and it was a fun way to learn the important lessons in life. Once this all happened, I felt let down and extremely discouraged because it has been something that I have been proud of my entire life.”

Q: Have any of your traditions/ rituals changed since the release of the child sex abuse?

A:  “Yes. I do not wear Penn State paraphernalia anymore or place outside decorations on game days. I was ashamed and embarrassed for a long time due to living in a small town and making it known I was a loyal supporter for many years. I also changed my license plate that read PENST8.”

Q: Do you still attend Penn State Football games?

A: “I have not been to a game since the sex abuse was released, but that was not the sole reason why. After the 2010 season ended we had sold our season tickets that we had for 48 years due to renovations at Beaver Stadium. They increased our prices and moved our seats. To me, it was not worth. The follow season is when Sanduski and Paterno started being in the spotlight.”

Q: Do you watch Penn State football on television?

A: “I like to watch them occasionally. I do not blame the players for what happened. I did support Penn State “Football”, not Paterno, Sanduski, or any of the administration that was involved. I enjoy football and grew up with the team.”

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the wins being revoked from the team from 1998-2011?

A: “I do not agree because with that you are punishing the players. Those wins were earned far and square. Those kids had pride in those wins and most of them will never play football again. It is a shame to take that away from kids.”

Q: Do you think Penn State footballs reputation will ever recover?

A: “I do believe people will be able to look past it due to O’Brien taking over, I do not think that will forget per say, but they will move on.”

Q: Do you think you and your family will ever return to a Penn State football game?

A: “I am not sure. I hope one day as one last final game. When it’s appropriate.”

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

On Wednesday, Nov. 28th at 5 p.m., the College of Charleston community came together for its 27th Annual Sottile House Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Sottile House Tree lighting is not your ordinary christmas tradition. This tree represents a developmental milestone as the first tree in South Carolina to have electric lights. This milestone is remembered by using reproductions of the original ornaments dated back to 1921.

Children from the N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center, part of the College's School of Education, Health, and Human Performance, had the honor of lighting the tree. Many CofC students, members of the Jewish Student Union, and faculty volunteered by serving a hot meal, sugar cookies, apple cider, chocolate covered pretzels and candy.

This Holiday event also added a nice touch by having The Concert Choir and Gospel Choir sing Christmas Carols throughout the lighting ceremony. The Sottile House Tree Lighting was a perfect way to get the College of Charleston community into the Holiday spirit. 

The Ballots Are In

     On Wednesday Nov. 7th 2012, there was a certain feeling in the air as the electoral votes announced  late the following night that Barack Obama would conintue his position in office. This 2012 election was said to be the closest race in history.

     Obama, who was running for the democractic party, won 302 electoral votes, as Mitt Romney, the republican canadiate, feel short with 206 electorial votes.

     This election was a tight race early in the night and many were unsure as to who was going to come out on top. Living in South Carolina, a republican state, I was nervous about the reactions locals would have to outcome of the election. Click the video below to see what some students had to say. 

Superstorm Sandy Leaves Her Mark

     On Oct. 29th, 2012 superstorm Sandy made her mark by devistating many beach front commnities, restaurants and natural habitats. Having under estimated Sandy's strength, many Rhode Islanders, including my parents, have experienced power ottages, fallen trees and mass distruction to their homes.

     Rhode Island was not the only northern state who eas effected by this superstorm. New Jersey and New York have also experienced high devistation levels. New York's subways were shut down for several days due to flooding and wind damage. Meanwhile, New Jersey's Shoreline has been completely swipped out to sea leaving many people homeless and with little food.

     Many personal friends of mine have lost their homes or have massive amount of distruction to their property. My best friend Maja Decker, 21 who is studying abroad in Spain this semester, posted on Facebook saying "I hope I have a house to come home to?" Later that day she then was told the devistating news that her house was distroyed.

     After multiple phone calls with my parents they repeated said, "We are so lucky, we are so lucky, we only lost power and have a tree down in the yard, we escaped by the skin of our teeth." Many popular land marks in my hometown of Narragansett were not as lucky as my parents.

     The Dunes Club, which is located on Narragansett Town beach where I have lifeguarded for 5 years experienced significant damange, as well as our sea wall.

The Ballots Are In

     On Wednesday Nov. 7th 2012, there was a certain feeling in the air as the electoral votes announced  late the following night that Barack Obama would conintue his position in office. This 2012 election was said to be the closest race in history.
     Obama, who was running for the democractic party, won 302 electoral votes, as Mitt Romney, the republican canadiate, feel short with 206 electorial votes.
     This election was a tight race early in the night and many were unsure as to who was going to come out on top. Living in South Carolina, a republican state, I was nervous about the reactions locals would have to outcome of the election.

Gibson Pitts Beneath the Surface

      Gibson Pitts, 21, may seem like your ordinary Charlestonian, but little do you know that she is a world wide traveler and Oscar enthusiast. Pitts is a Folly Beach native who shares a passion for the ocean, videography and photography.

     One of her other interests that was inspired by her father is traveling. Her father who works for Spawar, which deals with electrical engineering for the navy, is currently living on base in Naples, Italy with her mother and two brothers, Joseph and William.
     This situation is not foreign for Pitts. She lived in Naples when she was in grade school for two years and also lived in London for one and a half years when she was eight due to her fathers job placements.
     One detail to this situation Pitts has not adjusted to yet, is her ability to see her family. "I haven't seen my family in over a year, but I did visit about a year ago" Pitts said.
     She is currently living with her Aunt and Uncle on James Island to have family comfort and to still enjoy the local Charleston feel.
     Pitts has a passion for going to the beach, kayaking, writing and going out on the weekends with her friends. Her two closest friends are Mackenzie from Syracuse, NY and Hayden, who is from Austin, Texas. Mackenzie, Hayden and Gibson like to eat at the Lost Dog on Folly Beach and go to Midtown Bar on the weekends.

     One of the more discrete passions Pitts indulges in is her love for video production. "My dream is to win an Oscar for best director, screen play or film." Pitts said. She has a niche for video editing and plans on making her dream a reality.
     While discussing her dreams she also explained her fear of heights. Pitts has decided that because she has a fear of heights she is going to make herself go skydiving to face her fear.

     From talking with Pitts it is undeniable that she is a go getter and is willing to face her fears and make her dreams a reality.

Lindenburg's Words of Wisdom

Keith Lindenburg, the chairman of the College of Charleston's Department of Communication Advisory Council, spoke in our class this past Friday sharing key advice for future communication scholars.

The advisory board is compiled of a wide variety of communication professionals, with the purpose of mentoring communication undergraduates in choosing a career and exploring the different communication fields.

Lindenburg has excelled in corporate communications for almost 30 years and has worked in many different settings. He previously served as managing director for Deloitte, a national public relations company. According to the council's website, "In his role, Keith led the external communications function in the U.S., including media relations crisis communications, and executive eminence." Throughout his career he worked in PR, corporate communication, strategic planning, reputation managements, executive counsel, business development and internal and external communications.

From his many years of expertise, Lindenburg shared valuable words of wisdom for our class for those who are seeking a profession in communications. He touched upon three major points.

Lindenburg said "The first thing you should do is develop a relationship with your clients, relationships are the number one and most important thing in communications, you must network yourself. 

The second point that I think is very important is the ability to tell and write a story. Also, to be able to create your own by line...The third key element is to have interpersonal skills. Create and learn to have an elevator pitch. Ask yourself what can you do for the company?"

Lindenburg honed in on these three major point throughout the majority of his talk. He also gave other small valuable pieces of advice, for instance, "Do your research and distance yourself from the other competitors; have passsion". Passion was a key element to success in Lindenburg's eyes because he would much rather higher someone with natural ability and talent, than someone who looked impressive on paper.

Towards the end of his presentation many students had asked what little steps we should be taking at this moment he responded with, "Linkedin". Linkedin would not only help us right now, but to create future contacts.

Lindenburg's words of wisdom not only benefited future communication applicants, but young professionals as a whole. The advisory council at the College of Charleston is an impressive aspect of the communication department that every communication major should take advantage of.