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Football Letter
January 3, 2000 Vol. 62, No. 13

ALAMO BOWL: Penn State vs. Texas A&M on December 28, 1999

"Remember the Nittany Lions" read the Mellon Bank button worn by many Penn State fans in the Alamodome in San Antonio the night of Dec. 28.

The slogan drew upon the theme inspired in 1836 by the valiant defenders of the Republic of Texas at the historical mission after which the Alamo Bowl is named. And the button urged all not to forget the achievements of the 1999 Penn State football team that fell just 15 points short of playing for the national championship.

The record crowd in the Alamodome that night and those who watched on ESPN as the Lions shut out Texas A&M, 24-0, will not soon forget the team that Aggie Coach R. C. Slocum insisted should have been playing in the Sugar Bowl for the national title. "They're that good," Slocum said after watching the team led by Defensive MVP LaVar Arrington and Offensive MVP Rashard Casey plunder his Big 12 aggregation in their home state, just three hours from the A&M campus and three blocks from the spot where the 19th century heroes defended their fledgling republic.

"Penn State is one of the best teams in the country," said the Aggies' 265-pound running back Ja'Mar Toombs, who was held to an average of just 3.7 yards on 19 carries against the tough Lion defense.

The Nittany Lions, who had let a shot at a third national championship slip through their paws with narrow losses in their last three regular season games, gained a measure of redemption by hanging a doughnut around the necks of the 1998 Big 12 Conference champions.

It was the first shutout by the Nittany Lions in a bowl game since they stopped Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide, 7-0, in the 1959 Liberty Bowl. And it marked the first time Texas A&M was stumped in a post-season game since Southern Cal turned the trick, 20-0, in the 1975 Liberty Bowl.

"We wanted to get the doughnut for Jerry," claimed those playing under defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who had announced before the season that he would retire at its end. And when the final whistle sounded, they doused the 32-year veteran coach with the ice bucket, then hoisted him to their shoulders for a wet ride to the center of the field, where a stage had been set for awarding the Alamo Bowl trophies.

The game trophy was accepted by the winningest bowl coach in history—Joe Paterno—and the senior players he called to surround him on the stage.

"I was concerned about winning for the seniors," Joe said later. "They were too good to go out with four straight losses. . . . This team played with tremendous emotion all season. They never dogged it."

The Offensive Player of the Game trophy was presented to junior quarterback Rashard Casey, who, in his first start, passed for one touchdown, ran for another and directed the drive to the final field goal, while giving Lion fans a glimpse of what they can expect next year.

"That was the best Rashard Casey has looked," said Paterno after the game. "I was pleased that Rashard took the bull by the horns. . . . He made good decisions. He hit the hot receiver. He took some intelligent shots."

The Defensive Player of the Game trophy went to junior Lion linebacker LaVar Arrington, who amassed 14 tackles, a quarterback sack and three forced interceptions in his final game in a Penn State uniform. (The two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-American and Butkus and Bednarik Award winner announced three days later that he would forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft.)

"There's nothing left for me to prove at the college level; I think I've done all that I can do," Arrington said at a press conference announcing his decision. Arrington said he had been told he was likely to be one of the top three picks in the pro draft next spring. Paterno wished him well.

Two seniors who have been important to Penn State's success were unable to play in the Alamo Bowl because of injury. Fullback Aaron Harris had a foot injury added to the sore knee that has bothered him since the surgical repair of the torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the Minnesota game in 1997. Paterno hopes the man who was a star running back for the Lions in 1996 and 1997 will be able to play in the Hula Bowl on Jan. 22 to show his talent to the pro scouts.

Quarterback Kevin Thompson, who started every game for the past two years, suffered a rotator cuff injury and had not practiced for the last five days before the game. The man that Paterno called "a driving force behind this team" was throwing the ball with some pain during warmups, and Paterno said he probably could have played "in an emergency." But Casey, who had seen plenty of playing time throughout the season, took over command and directed the team with aplomb.

Paterno said he did not want to risk aggravating Thompson's injury and jeopardize his future, but he did ask the senior whether he wanted to get into the game in the fourth quarter. Thompson diplomatically deferred, saying it was Casey's team now. But in the locker room after the game the emotion flowed, as Thompson said, "It was hard watching from the sidelines in my final game. . . . I've given everything I have, my heart and soul, to this program. It was tough, but I'm proud to be a part of this team. I think you saw what Rashard's going to do next year."

And when Casey was given a game ball for his performance, he turned and handed it to Thompson. "Kevin always helps me out, and I am going to miss him," Casey said. "A lot of people tried to make us enemies and all that, but that couldn't happen because we're too close. . . . He wished me well and told me to bring home a victory for the team."

Casey ran for 27 yards and one touchdown and completed eight of 16 pass attempts for 146 yards and another touchdown with one interception on a pass that was so long it served the same purpose as a punt.

With the convincing win in San Antonio, the Nittany Lions won 10 games for the 18th time under Joe Paterno. In the 30th bowl game in his 34 years at the helm, Paterno broke Bear Bryant's record of 29 bowl appearances and extended his record for bowl victories to 20. Those wins have come in 12 different bowls of the 13 to which he has taken the Lions. Again, both are records.

The Penn State seniors finished with a record of 39-11 in the last four years or 48-14 in the last five. Penn State closed out the decade with a 97-26 record—the fifth best in the nation. Texas A&M was sixth for the decade with a 94-28-2 mark. The Lions had entered the Alamodome 11th in the Bowl Championship Series rankings with Texas A&M 14th. The AP had Penn State 13th and the Aggies 18th. USA Today/ESPN had A&M 13th and State 17th. The Lions could wind up in the Top Ten in at least one of the polls for the sixth time in the decade.

The win was particularly important to the Penn State defense, which wanted to send Sandusky out on a winning note. For the second time in his career, Jerry received the national Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

"He taught me and a lot of other people about a lot more than how to play football," said Co-captain Brandon Short, who wore a T-shirt with Sandusky's name on it under his game jersey. "Coach Sandusky taught me how to be a man."

"Jerry's a tremendous coach and a tremendous human being," said Short, who became Sandusky's 10th first-team All-American linebacker. "He cares about each of us like sons. He's a good friend."

Sandusky, who described his 32 years on the coaching staff as "a fantastic ride," said, "The outpouring of appreciation and gratitude from all of the Penn State people has been special. In our darkest moments, even my boss has been nice to me. I told him to be careful. If he keeps saying all these nice things about me, he'll have every coach on his staff retiring." Sandusky plans to devote his time to the Second Mile, an organization he founded that is devoted to the welfare of youths at risk and has touched more than 100,000 children in the last two decades.

Meanwhile his 73-year-old boss emphasized that he plans to stay in the job for several more years.

"I have absolutely no plans to retire," Paterno said in answer to a question from a Texas reporter at a press conference the day after the game. "I enjoy coaching, and I'll coach until I feel I can't do a good job or my health doesn't allow me."

Penn State took an early lead in the sev- enth Alamo Bowl game, when strong safety Derek Fox, maligned since Minnesota and Michigan completed fourth- quarter passes in his territory, picked off the first of his two interceptions and threaded his way 34 yards through the Aggies for a touchdown. It was the first interception return for a score by any Penn Stater in a bowl game.

State struck quickly for its second touchdown in the second quarter when the fleet-footed Casey scampered 17 yards on a bootleg around left end on a 3rd-and-11 situation, then tossed a 45-yard strike to wide receiver Eddie Drummond on a fly pattern to the end zone.

The Penn State defense, which had intercepted Texas A&M quarterback Randy McCown on the Aggies' first two possessions and limited the Maroon to 27 yards rushing and 50 yards passing in the first half, had a momentary lapse at the beginning of the third quarter, when McCown moved his team to the Lions' 14-yard line. But once again Arrington came to the fore. Blitzing the quarterback, he hit McCown's arm as he was trying to pass. The ball fluttered in the air and was intercepted by Lion linebacker Ron Graham at the PS-8 and A&M's best chance to score was snuffed out.

Late in the period the Aggies' All-American punter Shane Lechler launched a 59-yard boot, but Penn State rookie Rod Perry made a nifty return 21 yards to the PS-28, from where Casey directed a precision march to the Lions' third touchdown. Wide receiver Chafie Fields took a handoff from Casey on an inside reverse and gained 12 yards. Then Casey rolled right and hit tight end John Gilmore about 15 yards downfield. The burly sophomore broke three tackles and rambled for a 34-yard gain. Two plays later Casey rolled out again and connected with tight end Tony Stewart on a 20-yard pass to the A&M 4-yard line, as the third quarter expired.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Penn State lined up with a full-house backfield, but Casey faked a handoff left and rolled right on a bootleg for the TD.

The Aggies' Bethel Johnson fumbled the ensuing kickoff when he was blasted by Askari Adams, and Shawn Mayer recovered for State at the A&M 23. Four plays later Travis Forney booted a 39-yard field goal to complete the scoring.

The four interceptions picked off by Penn State tied an Alamo Bowl record and were the most by an A&M quarterback in a bowl game since 1987. That year was also the last time Penn State had more than four interceptions in a bowl game Ð when the Lions' picked off five against Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde in the Fiesta Bowl, while upsetting Miami for the national championship.

The five total turnovers forced by Penn State were the most in a bowl game since the seven it forced against Miami that year.

Despite losing 25 seniors plus Arrington from the team, Paterno was upbeat about the 2000 season. He noted that in 1981, 10 Penn State players were drafted by the NFL, but the Lions still had enough talent left to win the national championship the next year. "We have some good football players who have been waiting for their shot," he said.

For the glory,

John Black

Notes from the Cuff
Seniors Brandon Short, David Macklin and Chafie Fields were scheduled to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 22, while senior Aaron Harris was slated to play in the Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, the same day. These games provide opportunities for college seniors to show their talents to professional scouts as well as national television audiences. . . Placekicker Travis Forney and offensive guard Jordan Caruso were named GTE Academic All-Americans for their combination of play on the gridiron and performance in the classroom. . . .Consensus All-Americans Arrington, Short and Courtney Brown were honored at the State College Quarterback Club banquet on Dec. 5. At that time Brown also received the Hall Foundation Award as State's outstanding senior, John Blick got the Richard Maginnis Memorial Award as the outstanding offensive lineman, Forney and punter Pat Pidgeon shared the John Bruno Memorial Award as outstanding special teams players, Andrew Stewart received the Nittany Lion Club Academic Achievement Award, and Maurice Daniels got the Ridge Riley Award for "sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship." . . . This was Penn State's sixth win in its last seven bowl games. The Lions lead all Big Ten teams in bowl wins, appearances and winning percentage. . . . The Big Ten is now 4-1 against the Big 12 in the Alamo Bowl, which matches the fourth or fifth pick from the Big Ten with the third or fourth pick from the Big 12. The Alamo and Citrus Bowls were the only two non-BCS games matching two schools in the final BCS Top 15 rankings this year. . . . Penn State takes a 2-1 series lead over Texas A&M. The Aggies beat the Lions, 27-14 in Beaver Stadium in 1979, but State spoiled A&M's inaugural of the new Kyle Field in 1980 with a 25-9 triumph. Texas A&M's only previous visit to the Alamo Bowl resulted in a 22-20 victory over Michigan in 1995. . . . One long-time Penn State fan—Myrtle Fenton—was especially pleased with the Lions' win on Dec. 28, because it came while she celebrated her 90th birthday with her family in Philadelphia. She considered it her best gift, and her Penn State alumni sons—Bill and Harry—felt it was worth giving up a trip to San Antonio to watch the game with her on TV. . . . While the bowl fever that gripped Penn State fans at the end of October faded rapidly 24as Lion losses mounted in November, those who made the trip to San Antonio found it to be a most delightful location to spend a holiday vacation. The Riverwalk, Mexican market, Sunset Station, Hemisphere Park and the Alamo itself are all conveniently located within walking distance of each other in downtown San Antonio. And the Alamodome was a most comfortable venue in which to watch a game, located just a 10-minute walk along a paved path that led under the freeway from the Marriott Rivercenter, headquarters for most Penn Staters. . . . Penn State is now 4-0 in games after three consecutive losses under Paterno. . . . State's only loss in 30 non-conference games since starting Big Ten play in 1993 was to Florida in the 1998 Citrus Bowl. . . . Paterno paid tribute to the Texas A&M fans, who cheered their team to the end and refrained from any jeering of the Lions. A&M is indeed unique with its traditions—the spirited "yells" that only Aggies can translate from the semaphore-style signals given by their all-male cheerleading corps, the marching drills of their military-style band, and even the gigantic bonfire that turned so tragic this year with the death of 12 and injury to 27 more. The Aggies were trying to win for one of their assistant coaches also—quarterback coach Ray Dorr, who was diagnosed in the spring with Lou Gehrig's disease. Coach Slocum said he told his disappointed players in an emotional locker room after the game that "Coach Dorr is a living example of dealing with a bad thing in a positive way" and that was the most valuable lesson they could learn from this season.

OTHER SPORTS
In only its sixth year as a varsity sport Penn State's women's soccer squad advanced to the NCAA Final Four, before losing, 2-0, on Dec. 3 to North Carolina, a team that won its 15th national title in 18 years, but a team that the Lions had upset, 3-2, in Chapel Hill on Sept. 12.

Coach Pat Farmer's team advanced to the Final Four for the first time after stopping Hartford, 2-0, at Jeffrey Field Nov. 27 in the Regional finals.

State's sophomore goalkeeper Emily Oleksiuk, and freshman forward Christie Welsh earned first-team All-America honors, after leading the Lions to a 21-4-1 record and their second straight Big Ten championship. Oleksiuk has already set the school record for shutouts (18.45) and wins (41). Welsh tied for the national scoring title and set Penn State season records for goals (27), assists (13), points (67) and game-winning goals (9). She set game records for goals (4), points (8) and assists (3). Farmer was named Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year.

The men's soccer team set a school record for wins, completing its season with a 19-4-1 record and advancing as far as the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, three of the Lions' four losses came to defending national champion Indiana. The Hoosiers ended Penn State's season with a 3-0 conquest on Dec. 5 on their way to another national title.

Coach Barry Gorman's squad had advanced to the Elite Eight by defeating St. John's, 2-1, on a goal by two-time All-Big Ten midfielder Derek Potteiger in the third overtime on Nov. 28.

Junior forward Ricardo Villar, who led the Lions with 35 points on 13 goals and nine assists, including seven game-winning goals, became the first Nittany Lion to earn first team All-America honors since Lou Karbiener in 1982. Gorman was named Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year.

In field hockey State's Tracey Larson was named Player of the Year and first team All-America after leading the Lady Lions to a No. 7 national ranking and a 17-5 record that included Coach Char Morett's 250th victory.

The women's basketball team was ranked No. 6 in the country with a 10-2 record that included victories over nationally ranked Auburn, ACC foe Clemson and Pennsylvania rivals Pitt, St. Joe's and LaSalle.

Coach Rene Portland's charges, a pre-season pick to win the Big Ten title, beat Iowa, 80-63, and Northwestern, 114-49, in their first two conference contests. The Lady Lions' 65 points in the first half and 114 total against the Wildcats were records for the Bryce Jordan Center. Their losses have been to top-ranked UConn and No. 10 Duke.

Balance has been the key for Penn State, with center Andrea Garner averaging 13.9 points and 9.6 rebounds, forward Maren Walseth 14 points and six rebounds, forward Lisa Shepherd 11.9 points and 4.8 boards, point guard Helen Darling 10.5 points and 5.8 caroms, and guard Chrissy Falcone 9.2 points and 2.7 rebounds. The Lady Lions have also gotten excellent play from sophomores Rashanna Barnes and Katrena Carr and freshman Ashley Luke off the bench.

The men's basketball team had an 8-3 slate heading into its Big Ten schedule. Coach Jerry Dunn's aggregation posted wins over Lehigh, Loyola, Boston College, Clemson, Penn, George Mason, Bucknell and Manhattan, while falling to Villanova, Temple and Arizona State (in the finals of the Fiesta Bowl Holiday Classic). Power forward Jarrett Stephens carried the scoring and rebounding load with seven double-doubles, averaging more than 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. The guard brotherhood of junior Joe and freshman Jon Crispin also carried a heavy share of the scoring load.

The Lions maintained their perfect record in non-conference games in the Bryce Jordan Center, where they have captured all 24 to extend their home non-conference winning streak to 45.

In December action the wrestling team lost to Edinboro, 19-14, and Penn, 22-16, then defeated Navy, 20-13, before three Lion grapplers won crowns at the Wilkes Open during the holidays. Scott Moore won the title at 133, Jason Betz won at 141, and Mark Becks took the 174 crown.

Jeremy Hunter, ranked No. 1 at 125, had a perfect 13-0 record including eight falls, which moved him into third place on Penn State's all-time list with 29 pins.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The third time was a charm for the Penn State women's volleyball team, which smashed Stanford in three games to capture the 1999 National Championship on Dec. 18, after losing to Stanford and Long Beach State in the championship games the previous two years.

The Nittany Lions, who posted 27 sweeps while compiling a sterling 36-1 season record, were pushed to five games for only the third time this fall by the University of the Pacific, before winning the semi-final matchup, 14-16, 15-5, 15-6, 7-15, 15-12, on Dec. 16.

Two nights later, before another huge crowd in the same Stan Sheriff Arena in Honolulu, Coach Russ Rose's squad slammed Stanford, 15-2, 15-10, 15-7 to make Penn State the first school east of the Mississippi to ever win a national title in women's volleyball. The Lions are only the fourth non-California team to win the championship since 1981, and it took them four trips to the Final Four to do so. They lost in the championship game to Long Beach State in 1993 and 1998 and to Stanford in 1997, before finally earning the title for Coach Rose, who built the Lions into a national power over the past 20 years, while dominating Eastern and later Big Ten volleyball.

All-Americans Lauren Cacciamani and Bonnie Bremner and co-captain Carrie Schonveld, all seniors, led the Lions throughout the season, as they won their fourth straight Big Ten title, ran their conference winning streak to 49 and their home court victory skein to an NCAA-record 80.

Cacciamani shared National Player of the Year honors with Kerri Walsh of Stanford and was named the Most Valuable Player in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. Bremner and Schonveld joined her on the All-Tournament Team to make it a sweep for the seniors, who compiled a 136-7 record in their four years of wearing the Blue and White.

Cacciamani and Bremner were selected also to the GTE Academic All-America team for the second straight year, and Bremner was named Academic All-American of the Year for the second consecutive time.