In the last seconds of the game, an interception in the end zone sealed Penn State’s victory over Ohio State. Hundreds of screaming idiots -I among them- at Bill Pickle’s pub danced, shouted, chanted and high-fived each other. As soon as we could hear each other, Josh said something like,” let’s go riot!” Soon four of us were running down Beaver Avenue along with several thousand other happy, screaming idiots. By the time we got there – maybe fifteen minutes after the end of the game- the police had already closed off several blocks. I thought that was a good idea, and then went back to screaming like an idiot. Three people near us were shotgunning bud light, a guy tried to climb a lamp post and fell off, and a few rolls of toilet paper flew from balconies along Beaver canyon. People were taking pictures and videos with their phones, and when Scott called me -he was still at the bar watching the Phillies game- I said, “I’m rioting, I’ll have to call you back.” It was kind of a silly riot, and our old asses were thoroughly enjoying the mayhem.
Suddenly, hundreds of people behind me were pushing me forward and I had a flash of panic as I started to lose my footing. As soon as I regained my balance, there was a billy club in my back, and I was shoved toward the sidewalk by a police officer. I couldn’t see over the people around me, I was getting pushed around, and starting to get a little scared, when a friend grabbed the back of my coat and pulled me up onto the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, I could see a line of officers clearing the street by pushing the thousands of people onto the sidewalks. Someone tried to run out into the street and was maced by an officer. A group of people tore down a lamppost. It was getting ugly, so we got out there as fast as we could and went back to the bar to watch the Phillies game.
Now, Graham Spanier is disappointed in the students for their uncivil conduct in celebration:
School spirit needs to be civil
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 By Graham Spanier
University and State College Borough Police anticipated that a victory over Ohio State Saturday night could lead to public celebrations. Unfortunately, many individuals among those celebrating destroyed property, jeopardized the safety of bystanders and police, and refused to disperse after police orders to do so.
We expect students to do better. Is it asking too much to expect civility and social responsibility?
I have asked Penn State police to assist State College Borough Police with their investigation. I also have asked Penn State officials to engage in increased educational and preventive efforts so that such disturbances can be avoided.
It goes without saying that those who commit criminal acts will be held responsible. Moreover, students will be held accountable for their actions by the University’s Office of Judicial Affairs.
With more games and victories ahead we have an opportunity to demonstrate the pride and class for which Penn State is known. Collectively, we must ensure that such destructive behavior does not recur.
University and borough officials, as well as student leaders, will meet to discuss the situation and will identify more responsible ways to celebrate and support our team. Surely we can find ways to make all Penn Staters proud of our success and traditions.
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This is a bit misguided. My old, sober ass was THERE and what my old, sober ass observed was that aside from three open container violations and flagrant misuse of tp, everyone was happy and well-behaved until they started getting billy clubs in the back and mace in the face. I’m not blaming the police; they were doing their jobs, and I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be faced with being one of a dozen people responsible for herding thousands of revelers, but the university is completely unrealistic about how to handle this. Had they done nothing other than close off Beaver Avenue, the whole thing would have burned itself out in forty-five minutes when everyone had to pee. Preventive measures? Please. People run out onto Beaver Avenue to celebrate and support the team after an away game because there is nowhere else to go – no concourse, no tailgate, etc. If the university wants to avoid destructive behavior, it can give people a place to go. Close of Beaver Avenue for two hours after an away victory, sell pretzels, and make it a rally. And for heaven’s sake, don’t club people in the back.
