Every university has its hidden treasures, and Penn State is no exception.

Nestled in a modest room adjacent to the football offices in the Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex lies the fascinating Football Hall of Fame.

Mike Sharp (sophomore-athletic training) and Dave Frankland (freshman- engineering) stumbled upon the place after coming in a wrong door searching for a sporting event.

"I didn't even know they had one of these -- I don't think a lot of people know it's here," Sharp said, admiring the display featuring memorabilia from the 1986 National Championship season.

But items from the 1986 season make up just a small section of the entire room -- mementos of the first football teams are also featured.

In a 1901 team photograph, the players appear helmetless with nothing more than shirts, pants and wooden cleats -- a pair of which are on display as well.

Original admission tickets have been preserved from games like George Washington vs. Penn State, November 10, 1928.

Joe Paterno paraphernalia comprises a good portion of the awards kept in the hall. Coach of the Year plaques given by various football writers' associations from '68, '69, '78, '83, '85, '86 and '89 are exhibited along with a typed letter from President Bush and a hand-written letter from Gerald Ford to Paterno.

A main attraction stands in the center of the room.

Unbeknownst to many, John Cappelletti's 1973 Heisman trophy is housed at the Hall of Fame. The trophy is not enclosed in glass or secluded on a high pedestal, but rather sits at eye-level and within arm's reach.

"I've never seen one of these before," said Victor Sanvido, a State College resident who, like Sharp and Frankland, happened upon the hall accidentally.

"I was waiting for my daughter who is ice skating downstairs," he said.

The question still remains as to why the hall is not better known throughout the community. John Bove, compliance coordinator for the athletic department, said the hall of fame does not receive enough publicity on campus.

Not only does the hall house University treasures, but it's inexpensive as well.

"There is no admission fee and it gives visitors a chronological display of the history and tradition of Penn State football," Bove said.

The Hall of Fame was founded in 1981 when the indoor sports complex was erected. The hall was created not simply as a place to put all the football awards, but for a variety of reasons.

"Instead of closets and rooms all over campus, it (the Hall of Fame) puts the trophies and awards in a setting where the fans can see them," said L. Budd Thalman, sports information director.

In addition to the Heisman, trophies from the Liberty Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Aloha Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Holiday Bowl and many others are featured in glass cases bordering the room.

Mel Capobianco, football office secretary, said football season and summer are the busiest times for the hall.

The Hall of Fame is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends except during term breaks. During football season the hall operates on an alternate schedule.