Penn State Freshmen React to First Football Experience
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State freshmen got their first taste of Beaver Stadium and Penn State football during a variation of the 15th annual Blue-White game. This was the first time this year that fans could attend an event at Beaver Stadium.
Thirty minutes before the practice began, Blue Band director Gregory Drane introduced the freshmen to many traditions, such as the Seven Nation Army chant, among other traditional Blue Band songs. Other Penn State sports figures such as women’s basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger, men’s basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry and public address announcer Dean Devore were present.
The practice began with Sean Clifford leading the offense down the field for a field goal, which brought the crowd to life early in the game. That drive was then followed up by a pick-six by freshman cornerback Kalen King, adding to the early game excitement.
Then the practice went routinely until Devyn Ford returned a kick for a touchdown and brought the entire stadium to its feet.
Sarah Strent, an education major, enjoyed her first experience in Beaver Stadium.
“It was my first time in Beaver Stadium, and I was with my best friends, and we were having a really great time,” Strent said. “I really got to see what the Penn State experience is and how much spirit this school has, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
Ryan Clarke, a biology major, added that it was a surreal experience.
“Going to Beaver Stadium was fun,” Clarke said. “Growing up in Denver, I used to always like to go to sporting events like Nuggets and Broncos games, and those games were just exciting. Even though not everyone was at Beaver Stadium, you got that same feeling of excitement and energy just being there, and it will be a lot better next semester with everyone at the games.”
James Morrison is a freshman majoring in communications. To contact him, email jpm6920@psu.edu.
