Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions are the athletic teams of Pennsylvania State University, located in State College, Pennsylvania. The school’s name is a reference to the mountain lions that once roamed Mount Nittany near the campus and also serves as a symbol for strength and resilience.

Penn State participates in NCAA Division I (FBS for football) as part of the Big Ten Conference. The university sponsors varsity sports teams each year with more than 800 student-athletes on 31 intercollegiate squads including basketball, cross country running, fencing, field hockey, football golfing lacrosse soccer softball swimming & diving tennis track & field volleyball cheerleading ice hockey rugby union wrestling and beach volleyball.

Notable alumni include NFL quarterback Kerry Collins; Pro Football Hall of Fame member Jack Ham; NBA player Calvin Booth; defensive end Cameron Wake; golfer Jeff Daniels Jr.; Olympic gold medalist swimmer Nate Dusing; wrestler Ed Ruth; sprinter Brianne Theisen Eaton; professional wrestlers Kurt Angle and Jonathon Gruener among others who have gone on to success beyond their collegiate careers at Penn State.

Football has been an integral part of life around Happy Valley since 1887 when Penn State first fielded its varsity team under head coach George Hoskins who guided them through two undefeated seasons before leaving after 1889 season due to health reasons. Since then there have been numerous coaches from Hugo Bezdek (1906–1917) Joe Paterno (1966-2011), Bill O’Brien (2012–2013), James Franklin(2014 – current). During this time period PSU has won or shared 10 National Championships along with 6 conference titles while boasting some all time greats like John Cappelletti Heisman Trophy winner 1979 named college football MVP 4 times by AP poll during his career 1973 – 1974 . Other notable names such Chuck Fusina , Todd Blackledge , Ki Jana Carter , Larry Johnson , LaVar Arrington just scratch surface what PSU history holds prior entering modern era which began late 1990’s when they became one most recognizable programs US winning Big ten title eight times 2000 ‘ s alone despite scandal sanctions involving former coaching staff members 2011 resulting significant amount fan base backlash reluctance support program financially terms donations ticket purchases etc.. This didn’t stop Lions roaring back onto national scene 2016 claiming 8th outright championship becoming only 3rd big ten school win multiple titles same decade Ohio state Michigan joining exclusive club accomplishment …

Today Lion Nation continues grow larger ever thanks new recruits passionate boosters alike showing level commitment loyalty surpasses any other rival universities making it clear why so many choose call themselves proud supporters these Scarlet White warriors!