Penn State Bowl Tour Report
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
As we did in 1999 during the aftermath of Penn State's 24-0 victory over Texas A&M in San Antonio's Alamo Bowl, our hope was to provide various news media summaries of our beloved Lions' victory over the Auburn Tigers. Alas, it was not to be. And because it was not to be, we believe it would be pointless to rehash the news accounts and personal feelings associated with the team's disappointing 13 - 9 setback to Auburn.
What we'll do instead is conclude our Capital One Bowl Tour coverage by providing selected pictures of people and bowl tour activities during December 31st and January 1st. So, without belaboring the obvious, on to the photos . . .
One of the premier events of the Bowl Tour was the Kickoff Luncheon at the Renaissance Orlando Resort on the day before the game. Here's Joe bantering with Sean McDonough, of ABC Sports, after the luncheon.
Our very own Nittany Lion mascot was seen cavorting and leading cheers for the team during the Parade of Teams prior to the more formal luncheon activities. We were unable to get a good shot of him during his antics in front of the crowd, but he favored us with this pose shortly after exiting the auditorium.
Janie and I were on one of the last buses to reach the Renaissance Resort and had a tough time finding a table with two side-by-side seats. But Phyllis Bambee, pictured here with Janie, graciously invited us to sit down with her. Phyllis hails from the Allentown area.
We owe a debt of thanks to Mark Fletcher for two of the pictures on this page. Mark is a Penn State fan from Southampton, NJ, and works for Lockheed Martin. Mark was on vacation over the holidays and spending time in Orlando with family.
Pictured here are Joan and Bill Kemmerer, who are friends of Phyllis and also from Allentown.
Charlie and Isabel Seymour were also seated at our table. They're steadfast Penn State fans from Media, PA.
Is this a great-looking group or what? Thanks to Janie and the Penn State cheerleaders for this photo op.
One of the really nice features of the luncheon was the opportunity to meet some of the Penn State players. David Detrick (left) and Robert Price (right) were seated at our table. David is from Chambersburg, PA, is a freshman, wears No. 57, and is an offensive lineman. He's undecided as to what his major will be. Robert is from Cleveland, OH, is also a freshman, wears No. 60, and plays center. He's majoring in finance, and his girlfriend attends Wittenburg.
A few hours after the Kickoff Luncheon we attended Joe's Pep Rally at the Orlando Convention Center. Here we see Sabrina and Andy McCleaf, a very amusing young couple with unbridled Penn State enthusiasm.
You'll immediately recognize Chapter Vice Prez John Glaser on the far left, next to his friend Bob Puskar (a frequent visitor to the Fox and Hound for Penn State games). Next to them are our new friends Sally and Glenn Kilburn.
Something is really holding John's and Bob's interest. Maybe they're responding to a "We are . . . Penn State!" cheer.
We don't know how much of the pre-game and halftime activities you saw on TV, but here's a glimpse of the Blue Band prior to kickoff.
