Letters

Coach Paterno says, "I don't know why, God, but you've been good to me." I wonder how many of his former players think the same thing every night?

Don Rindfuss, Jamesville, N.Y.

As a high school social studies teacher and a varsity soccer coach, I was moved by your story on Joe Paterno (Top of the World, Pa!, Oct. 26). He demonstrates how a true educator must always be conscious of the impact he has on young minds. When my day comes and I am no longer on earth, my hope is that a former student or player will walk up to my son and tell him about the positive impact I had on his life. When that day arrives for Coach Paterno, there will be a very long line.

Thomas M. Lockhart Jr.

La Mesa, Calif.

Molte grazie for the Paterno story. I have been a fan of Penn State since the 1970s. And it hasn't been easy rooting for the Nittany Lions for the last two years here in Hawkeyes country. To this orphaned Italian-American male, he's like a father figure—even if I am 51 years old!

Tom Sacco, Des Moines

While it is difficult to argue with the proposition that Paterno has been a good role model, I struggle with the contradiction of a man who is supposedly so generous yet refuses to share the wealth. How many aspiring Penn State head coaches have been deprived of their opportunity because Joe's 43-year tenure has blocked their way?

Sanford Rubin, Rochester, N.Y.

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