As an alumnus and current employee of Penn State, I am truly disgusted to hear about the continued "savage" behavior of some of our fans during big home football games in, "Penn State fans 'savage' during contest with Illinois" (Sept. 30). From the beer can-throwing incident with the Ohio State fans last year to the latest abuse of Illini fans during the past weekend, I have one comment for the folks involved: GROW UP!
These folks are not our mortal enemies; they are college football fans, just like yourself. They just happen to cheer for the other team. Most PSU fans treat visitors to Happy Valley with decency and respect. We invite them into our tailgates, share food and beverage with them and wish each other a good game. But a small number of idiots seem to think that spitting, throwing objects, swearing at and generally abusing the visiting teams fans is okay. Make no mistake, it is not. Remember the last verse of the alma mater:
"May no act of ours bring shame, to one heart that loves they name."
Folks, that's just what you are doing; bringing shame to our school and its fans. And think about this: If you are ever lucky enough to go to an away game or bowl game, it that how you want to be treated when on foreign soil? Grow up, and return the honor to Penn State that it deserves.
Curt Speaker
Class of 1982
