Penn State Football Players Enjoy Beach Vacation Despite Missing Christmas

Strategic Insights -

Most of the Penn State football players appeared to take the university's decision to keep them on a beach vacation in Florida over Christmas in stride. Coach Joe Paterno had brought the team to the state on December 20, nearly two weeks before their Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State. While some players missed being with their families, others saw the opportunity as a welcome break from their grueling preparations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Coach Joe Paterno brought the Penn State football team to Florida on December 20, ahead of their Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State, where they spent Christmas.
  • Most players did not celebrate the holiday in any special way, instead spending time on the beach or in local restaurants.
  • The team had a tough but productive practice at Barry University on Wednesday, with some players noting that they were eager to get going after a break from competition.
  • Freshman wideout Derrick Williams, who had broken his left arm two months ago, appeared to be cleared to play in the Orange Bowl, and was practicing well according to teammate Ethan Kilmer.
  • The team has been trying to avoid focusing on the high-profile matchup against Florida State and coach Bobby Bowden, instead focusing on preparing for the game.

Statistics:

  • The Penn State football team had not played a game since November 19, prior to their Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State.
  • The team spent nearly two weeks in Florida before the game, having arrived on December 20.
  • Derrick Williams had been out for two months with a broken left arm before returning to practice, and appeared cleared to play in the Orange Bowl.

Sources:

  • " Joe Paterno stole Christmas. Not that the Penn State football players care." - The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 2005
  • "We just hung out at the beach. We didn't do anything special at all." - guard Tyler Reed, as quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • "It was funny coming out of the water and laying down in your beach chair and having people come up to you and say, `Hey, have a Merry Christmas.'" - defensive tackle Scott Paxson, as quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • "In Delray Beach, we had two days where we went twice a day. We went at it pretty good. (Wednesday) we had a tough practice, a good practice." - guard Tyler Reed, as quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer