Ah yes, this feels familiar.
Friday evening in downtown State College. In the fall. Ahead of the football home opener.
Has it really only been 18 months? It feels longer. No difference, that’s not important. What is important is that we’re less than 24 hours away from a fresh season of Penn State football, and along with it, the Blue Band, the Nittany Lion, Penn State Cheerleaders, Lionettes, 107,000-plus fans roaring at Beaver Stadium, and so much more.
The aforementioned spirit teams kicked off the weekend in style, dazzling Penn Staters on Fraser Street during an early-evening pep rally. I can’t recall if this is something new or if the Friday downtown pep rally was done before, though if it becomes a tradition ahead of every home game, that’s just fine with me.
In addition to men’s and women’s hoops coaches Micah Shrewsberry and Carolyn Kieger, Penn State football All-American linebacker Brandon Short also welcomed the crowd. He and his family are back living in Happy Valley, where he remains committed to Penn State by serving on the University’s Board of Trustees.
Before the cheer teams performed at the pep rally, they greeted visitors and drivers along College Avenue. Horns honked, cheers were heard, and the Nittany Lion delighted pretty much anyone nearby. Check out the photos and videos below. They tell the story best.
For everyone in town this weekend: safe travels, enjoy the game, and let’s also enjoy celebrating being in Happy Valley together once again. It’s been far too long.
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