Local coaches remember Joe Paterno, reflect on coach's legacy

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Word of Joe Paterno's death this morning was not a complete surprise to Penn State fans and alum, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

Matt Evancho, an alum of Penn State's Class of 1997, played for the Nittany Lions defense under Paterno and was bracing himself for the news.

"It's hard to put into words what's going on. It's definitely like losing a family member," Evancho said. "The fact that he was ill, the fact that he was sick -- it doesn't make it any easier."

Paterno's family announced the death this morning of the winningest major college football coach in history. The 85-year-old succumbed to rapidly spreading lung cancer after taking a dramatic turn for the worse during the weekend. Family members and close friends were called to his side Saturday at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pa.

Phil Rohm, former Phillipsburg Stateliner head coach, spent 25 years at Penn State University summer football camps and got to know the late coach over the years. Rohm, who is originally from central Pennsylvania, said he has a hard time imagining another coach who could ever fill JoePa's shoes.

"He took the time for people. That's just the kind of person he was," Rohm said. "You just don't see people like him anymore. It would be very hard for someone to come along and be like him."

Evancho, who is now head football coach at Saucon Valley High School, where he also teaches math, said he learned a lot from his former coach.

"He would never really show satisfaction in what you'd done. He wanted you to feel that you could give more," Evancho said. "I want my players to know that while what they're doing is great, I want them to go further than what they ever thought they could. That's what (Paterno) wanted for all of us."

JOE PATERNO DIES AT 85:
• Joe Paterno, the most successful coach in major college football history, dies at 85
• Post your condolences and memories of Joe Paterno
• Full statement from the Paterno family
• Joe Owens: Joe Paterno's lasting legacy will be one of greatnessPaterno's death came a little more than two months after he was abruptly dismissed from his coaching post in the fallout of sexual abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator for the university's football program. Sandusky has been charged with 40 counts of sexually abusing young boys over a 15-year period.

Days after Sandusky's arrest, the Penn State Board of Trustees fired Paterno, who had been head coach in Happy Valley for 46 years.

Rohm said Paterno's legacy as phenomenal football coach, dedicated mentor to students and generous benefactor of Penn State will outshine whatever indirect taint the scandal has wrought.
"It won't be the whole picture," Rohm said. "It won't be a tenth of the picture of what he accomplished."

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/local_coaches_remember_joe_pat.html