The father son relationship is often a strong one. The son looks to the father as the prime example as how to live his life. The father is honored by the son's devotion and takes more pride in his son's accomplishments than his own. This story is lived every year throughout the United States, but in the world of college football no place sees the father son story more than Penn State. The family connection runs very deep at Penn State. A person looking at a current roster for the Nittany Lions will recognize some of the last names.

The two most prominent names are Suhey and Shuler. The Suhey family is well adored at Penn State. Current fullback Joe Suhey's father, Matt, played for the team in the late 1970s. Matt's brothers, Larry and Paul, also played for the Nittany Lions. Matt, Larry, and Paul's mother's maiden name was Ginger Higgins. Ginger Higgins married Steve Suhey who played for Penn State coach Bob Higgins. Bob Higgins was the head coach between 1930 and 1949. And added bit of fun to the Suhey family story is when Joe Paterno first came to Penn State as an assistant coach he rented a room from the Suhey family. Even though he lives in the greater Chicago area, do not expect to see Matt being wheeled away to a Chicagoland assisted living center any time soon. He is very happy pacing the Penn State sideline to see the Suhey legacy play on.

Another dad enjoying the Penn State sideline again is Mickey Shuler, Sr. Mickey, Jr. is the Nittany Lions' tight end. The Shuler story is a little similar to the Suhey story. Both sons are playing their dad's positions. Perhaps, Mickey, Jr. can follow dad's footsteps into the NFL. If he does, we hope, like his dad, he can avoid having to use Chicagoland healthcare when he plays against the Bears.

The one man who is not only a father in this Penn State story, but also a father figure, is Joe Paterno. Although Joe has been head coach for 44 years he will not be visiting a Chicagoland hospital soon. He is very content coaching. Expect to see him coaching more sons of former players in the future. We can understand the devotion his players have for him through an answer he gave after winning the national championship in 1986. Joe was asked if it was the best team he had ever coached. Joe responded by saying that the reporter should tell him where his players were in 25 years, then he would answer. Joe understands that college football is game, but the education that Penn State provides is a means to a good and productive life. This is why so many fathers entrust their sons to the Penn State football program.