BLOOMINGTON, IND - We did it!  Yes, we actually did it!!  With all due respect to our beloved Nittany Lions who actually fought the good fight down on the field, there can be no doubt the sustained, boisterous cheers of our Dayton Chapter members and friends, and other loyal Penn State fans, was the deciding factor in Penn State's 22 - 18 victory over Indiana.  Led by the indefatigable Deej, our cheers approached the 120 decibel level as the Blue and White defense made a heroic goal line stand to preserve the Lions' first Big Ten win of the 2004 season.

There were 44 of us who made the trip to Bloomington on November 13, 2004, and there were some moans and groans about the need for a 6:00 AM bus departure from the Meijer parking lot.  But none regretted this slight inconvenience in return for the food, beverages, and conviviality of our odyssey into Hoosier territory, not to mention the thrill of witnessing a PSU football victory.  And what a day for football!  Although the  weather was clear, chilly, and windy, it didn't take long for the folks bedecked in blue and white to warm up to the possibility of a "W."

And once again it was through the efforts of Edie Kreider that a myriad of details was taken care of to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip.  Thanks, Edie.  And thanks, too, go to Vic Folwarczny for obtaining the tickets and to John Glaser for his on-the-bus MC duties and providing a video of Nittany Lion football.

It is still dark outside as the bus rolls west on IH-70.  Here we see Deej in her traditional role as hostess with the mostest as she serves up Bloody Marys, a crowd favorite.  As everyone knows, Bloody Marys are made with tomato juice or V-8 and vodka.  We like them because they build you up as they tear you down.  Whiskey Sours were another potent potion Deej dispensed.  Ask Janie Gehman just how potent they were.

Dawn finally came and went, and by this time were were nearing Indianapolis.  Everyone is comfortably ensconced in their seats, and Deej continues to serve beverages and her own unique culinary treats.  The picture on the right is Marvia Bradley, modeling attractive metallic football earrings designed and crafted by — who else? — Deej! 

As the bus disgorges its cargo of people and food, everyone is eager for the tailgate party to begin. 

Debbie Downs and Janie Gehman are enjoying each other's company as well as their tailgate lunch.  Janie has wisely refrained from downing any more sours.  On the right, we responded to a photo-op with Vic Folwarczny and his daughter, Kristin.  This was Kristin's first trip with us, and it was apparent she enjoyed herself immensely.

Lucky Joel Basinger and Jon Gehman got a chance to pose with three pretty Penn State cheerleaders.  The cheerleader in the middle is Joel's fantasy bride.  The photo on the right shows Vic and Laura Rich, Bob and Edie Kreider, and Sonia Leach "on-stage" in the Alumni Association's tent.  Unfortunately we were a bit too late to participate in the activities.

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Although the Indiana University Marching Band tried its best to rally the Hoosiers, it was no match for the likes of Deej and her megaphone.  Here we see her working the Penn State crowd to a fever pitch of excitement.

Taking a brief respite from her cheerleading chores, Deej poses with the Nittany Lion.  We were pleased the lion spent considerable time in our section during the second half of the game.

And here is where our cheers helped the Nittany Lions win the day.  Deej challenges us to shout and cheer the Lion defense as it repulses four Hoosier charges at the goal line in the waning minutes of the game.

Does this picture tell it all or what?  With Penn State's first Big Ten victory secure we had a joyful bus ride back to Dayton.