Just as students banned together to create a "whiteout" at the Ohio State game, a cabinet of student leaders is hoping to white out poor sportsmanship, harmful behavior and irresponsible drinking beginning at this weekend's game against Purdue.
White T-shirts are being distributed with "We Are #1 Fans" written on the front in blue writing and part of Penn State's alma mater on the back, reading "May no act of ours bring shame."
For the more than 100 student organizations involved, 150 of these shirts will be available for free.
Anyone else may purchase the shirts at the Penn State Bookstore in the HUB-Robeson Center for $10. All proceeds will benefit a student activity fund.
No decision has been made about which student activity fund will receive the proceeds because it is still so early in the workings, said Christina Pillot, administrative assistant to the vice president for student affairs. The decision should be made by next week, she said.
These shirts will be worn leading up to the Purdue game this weekend and for the last home game next week to remind fans that Penn State students do care about good sportsmanship, said Ryan Bennington, Off-Campus Student Union president and Undergraduate Student Government multicultural affairs director, who is leading the effort.
"I think any small measure you do will help. All our efforts will hopefully shine through ... It will make at least a small difference," he said. "Penn State's about civility."
Bennington said they chose the color white for the T-shirts so students can wear them for any other whiteouts.
This weekend, however, has not been declared a whiteout by the Penn State Athletic Department, said Guido D'Elia, Penn State's football communications and branding director.
These efforts are in direct response to the controversial fan behavior at the Ohio State game, which "tarnishes the whole university, even if it's just a handful of drunken idiots," said Tysen Kendig, Penn State spokesman.
For example, some students disrespected Ohio State's marching band during and after the game, Bennington said.
Kendig also said that although night games are more notorious for these types of behavior, he hopes these efforts launched by students will keep that from happening again.
"I think an effort like this does work because it shows a commitment by students to show respect ... They realize 'Hey, we're all in this together,' " said Penn State spokesman Geoff Rushton.
Shirts went on sale at the Penn State Bookstore yesterday and will remain until they are sold out, said General Manager Tom Bauer.
Bauer said he believes the shirts will sell and help reduce poor sportsmanship.
"It's a start," he said. "You have to take baby steps."
