When you think of Penn State football, you immediately think of tradition and the epitome of class. These are qualities that many programs dream of and attempt to emulate. I, along with a small group of Southern Miss fans, had the fortune of experiencing just that when we entered Happy Valley in 1998 for the first ever meeting between the schools.

During that visit, we were privileged to observe the PSU pre-game pep-rally, and walk around the campus. We were able to soak in the tradition of Penn State without one derogatory comment about us, our university or our team. That was not the case this time.

From the moment we parked our car in lot #13, we received a hostile welcome. Since we were unwelcome there, we proceeded to the stadium/coliseum area. There we were met with similar hostility. We were subject to vulgar and lewd comments about our university and our team. This was a 180-degree turn around from the way we were treated in 1998. These actions, although not indicative of all PSU fans, are disheartening -- especially in lieu of the tragic events of Sept. 11.