Last night at the Penn Stater, the Penn State football team held its senior banquet that recognized its graduating players and also awarded the individual achievements of its upperclassmen.

The night was highlighted by a speech from former Nittany Lions' running back Charlie Pittman, who was awarded with the Alumni Athlete Award for both football and academic excellence. Pittman, who played from 1967-1969 and was both an Academic All-American and a first team All-America selection, talked about the responsibility that comes with playing for the Lions.

"I haven't scored a touchdown in 34 years, and people still know who Charlie Pittman is," Pittman said. "I am more thankful for what I learned as a student here."

He left the seniors with some words of advice. Specifically, he spoke about how an education is the top priority in college, and playing football is secondary.

"Most of you will not play in the NFL," Pittman said. "The few of you that do won't play for long. You have to realize that and get on with your life. This institution and football program has taught you how to fail, but to fail forward."

Pittman ended his speech with two simple sentences.

"You will always be remembered for your last worst act," he said. "Always remember to do the right thing."

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno closed the banquet with a few words about his graduating seniors as well as the outlook of Lions' football.

"You guys gave it a heck of an effort, all of you," Paterno said. "I didn't do as good of a job as I should have in a couple of games, but you guys always played hard."

The Penn State patriarch appeared jovial in the send-off.

He joked that he would miss all of the seniors who would be moving on with the exception of cornerback Rich Gardner, who has been one of the more vocal players on this season's Penn State roster.

Several Penn State football players took home awards on the night, including Damone Jones who garnered the Ridge Riley Award that honors "a senior for sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship."

Center Dave Costlow was presented with both the Richard Maginnis Memorial Award and the Nittany Lion Club Award which recognizes the team's most outstanding offensive lineman as well as the senior with the highest grade point average, respectively.

Costlow graduated Penn State with a 3.65 GPA, including finishing his last four semesters with a 4.0.

The John Bruno, Jr. Award presented to the "outstanding member of special teams" went to senior David Kimball, while the Hall Award for the "outstanding senior player" went to Sean McHugh.

The last honor of the night went to Scott Shirley who was given the Walk-on Award.

The award is given to a walk-on player who "represents and exemplifies total commitment, loyalty, hard work and courage."