I'm a sucker for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

So, naturally, when I make my way through the line at the University Creamery and up to the cashier, I often order mint chocolate chip. Maybe because it's green. Maybe because it has just enough of those flecks of dark chocolate or because it makes my tongue tingle.

Something about that smooth flavor just makes me want to scream -- that's my kind of ice cream.

But I also like tradition.

Penn State has a long line of tradition: football, JoePa, excellence in research education and its own ice cream -- particularly, Peachy Paterno.

One group of students -- Out with Peachy Paterno -- recently tried to curb tradition with a campaign to oust Peachy Paterno ice cream by saying, "This sickeningly sweet confection fails to live up to the expectations of these loyal students -- just like the coach whose name it bears."

Ouch! That's gotta hurt.

This beloved flavor has been around these parts since 1988 -- that's 18 years of peachy delight.

According to the University Creamery's Web site, out of 100 flavors, Peachy Paterno makes the top ten.

Other creamery hall of famers also include Cherry Quist, Keeny Beany, WPSX Coffee Break, Palmer Mousseum and Alumni Swirl.

And what about JoePa?

Paterno has been the head football coach since 1966. He's like the grandfather of Penn State, and quite frankly, he deserves a flavor in his name.

I think it says a lot for a man of 79 to run onto the field at Beaver Stadium with his players before home football games. He even goes as far as to talk to a star-struck student on the street (that would be me).

Despite the legacy of the coach and his flavor, Out with Peachy Paterno held a "vote" Wednesday for students ... to only vote against the flavor. Group representatives said 266 people voted to replace the flavor.

Along with a vote, the group served an alternative apricot-flavored ice cream for people to sample and suggest a name.

Atherton Apricot, anyone?

For those who proclaim themselves to be fans of the flavor and the coach -- have no worries.

According to Susan Watson, supervisor of the Creamery, the flavor will never be discontinued, and only the dining halls and the Creamery manager are able to decide what flavors to keep.

So, when I stopped by the Creamery for a scoop of Bavarian Chocolate Raspberry (sometimes I like to spice it up a little), I couldn't help but smile -- next to the entrance of the store was the flavor of the month -- Peachy Paterno.

While I waited for my after-school treat, I heard a concerned student ask if Peachy Paterno would be discontinued.

Two hundred and sixty-six votes may seem like a lot, but not when you think about the number of students and alumni who make up the Penn State family.

The turnout from Out with Peachy Paterno's faux vote doesn't mean a thing. It's not going to change the way the Creamery makes its ice cream.

So, this scoop is for you, JoePa, and all of you crazy Peachy Paterno lovers. Although, I opt for the minty flavor, I feel the peachy love.

Bottom line: If you don't like it, don't eat it. Don't deprive others of their tastebud fancies.