Penn State - University Park Fans

With their Football team being founded in 1887, Penn State has kept it's spot in the ranks of the elite in sports. They have a rich history and numerous traditions, at Penn State students have a number of ways to pass on Penn State pride.

History

The Nittany Lion is the mascot of the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania and its athletic teams. It refers to the mountain lions that once roamed near the school, and to Mount Nittany, a local landmark. The name Nittany, is a name said to be derived from Indian words meaning a protective barrier against the elements.

The mascot was the creation of Penn State senior H. D. "Joe" Mason in 1907. Mason had been embarrassed that Penn State did not have a mascot. He fabricated the Nittany Lion and proclaimed that it would easily defeat the Princeton Bengal tiger. The Lion's primary means of attack against the Tiger would be its strong right arm, capable of slaying any foes (This is now traditionally exemplified through one-armed push-ups after the team scores a touchdown).

During the 1940s, seeking a place to hold pep rallies and victory celebrations, students launched a campaign for a lion shrine. As a gift to the university, the Class of 1940 voted to give the amount of $5,430 to pay for the construction of such a shrine. It now stands between the Recreation Building and Beaver Stadium, with the lion framed against a natural setting of trees, grass, and shrubs. The sculptor was Heinz Warnecke, he carved the lion from a thirteen-ton block of limestone. The sculpture was formally unveiled on October 24, 1942. The shrine has come to be one of the most visited and photographed sites, not just by students and grads, but by visitors and residents of the state.

For those interested in becoming the official Mountaineer, it's no easy task.

Traditions

• A recent tradition started in the last several years at Beaver Stadium has the student section hopping and singing in unison to the thumping dance number "Zombie Nation."
• Camping out before games to obtain prime seating has also become a tradition. "Paternoville," as the campsite is called, increased in population during the winning 2005 season.
• Sporting the Colors: Blue and white. Show you Nittany Lion Spirit on your clothes or better yet a school messenger back or iphone case!
• Singing the Fight Song : The Nittany Lion
  HAIL! to the Lion, loyal and true. HAIL! Alma Mater, with your white and blue. PENN! STATE! forever, molder of men (and women), FIGHT! for her honor — FIGHT! — and victory again.