How Penn State got it's "We Are Penn State"
Wally Triplett played for Penn State in the 194os, and was one of the first African-Americans to play varsity football. At this time, much of college football was still segrated, and Penn State even canceled a game against Miami in 1946 because they weren't allowed to bring their African American players. Two years later in 1948, Penn State was invited to play at the Cotton Bowl, and there were rumblings of having meetings to discuss if Penn State should send their African American players to the game. Triplett's teammate and future MVP of the 1948 Cotton Bowl, Steve Suhey put an end to any meetings before they could start. "We are Penn State" he said, "There will be no meetings". The full team traveled to Texas, and Triplett scored the game tying touchdown. Check out Wally Triplett's account above.
I enjoyed that. Nice to know the cheer stems from something nobler than a drunk guy at a kegger.
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Just goes to show why Penn State is such a prestigious school. GO STATE!
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Horseshit story, not true!!!!
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Who writes something like this in response to a story like that, true or not. Get some class!
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Wally Trivett's story is, in fact, true. Whether Steve Suhey's comment was the true origin of the cheer is a matter of debate. There are probably numerous reasons why the cheer became so popular, but it is plausible that this story could have been one factor.
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I graduated from Penn State's Abington campus in Abington, Pa in the year 2000 and I have always loved the cheer "We are Penn State" and now that I know the origins of it, I love it even more. I am Puerto Rican and I am proud of the fact that even in 1947, Penn State was attempting to break race barriers. Sincerely, Nilda Medina
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hey! the vedieo is quite amazing one,
thanks and regards to all.
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Forwarded this to some friends, appreciate your advice
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