Joe Paterno’s Grand Experiment consisted of recruiting young men who could excel in the classroom and on the football field at the highest levels of competition.
The initial group of young men selected by Paterno in the fall of 1966 validated his belief that the Grand Experiment he envisioned was possible.
In 1967, many of these first recruits became the nucleus of the team that would finish 8-2-1. Paterno added quality young men the next two years to this nucleus, and the 1968 and 1969 teams finished with 11-0 records. These teams had collegiate All-Americans, an Outland Trophy recipient, future NFL and CFL Pro Bowlers, NFL Hall of Famers and Grey Cup and Super Bowl winners. More importantly, more than 90 percent graduated from Penn State.
Something else was unique about these athletes and their coach: Their moral compass was in focus. They could have played for a national championship in 1969. They were invited to participate in three major bowls.
Paterno asked the squad to vote on the bowl of their choice. The decision was made in deference to many of our black teammates who were uneasy about the racial climate in Dallas during that period. The vote was cast and a return to the Orange Bowl was the selection.
This group was more than just about football; it set the high standards of those who followed. And that is why we are ... Penn State.
Steve Smear Annapolis, Md.
