One of the most popular cheers at Penn State home football games is when half the stadium yell "I say JoePa," followed by the other half saying "You Say Terno." Nittany Lion fans have had a lot of practice with this over the years, as Penn State football coach Joe Paterno is completing his 43rd season at the helm.

I think it's safe to say that no major college football program will ever again have a head coach for more than 40 years. Despite being 82, Paterno is showing no signs of slowing down. He's led Penn State to an 11-1 record this season, and a spot in the Rose Bowl.

Although Paterno underwent hip replacement surgery this week, he vows to run out of the tunnel with his players before the first game next season, and I wouldn't bet against him. As a Penn State graduate and fan, and someone who got to know Paterno as a reporter in the mid 1980s, I'm continually amazed he's able to keep it going both on and off the field. His teams have been very successful, and his teams are always near the top in terms of gruduation percentage, a rare combination these days.

Whether he coaches for one, three or five more years, he will be nearly impossible to replace, and will be truly appreciated once he retires. My guess is that Beaver Stadium will someday be renamed for the feisty Paterno, who taught me several life lessons while covering the team for the Penn State student newspaper.

There will never be another coach like him.

Posted by Chris Lindsley at 10:51 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

With Thansgiving right around the corner, it's a good time to give thanks to all those people who make youth sports possible. This includes the following:

• Our kids who play youth sports.
• All those who volunteer their time to coach, officiate, organize leagues, etc.
• Good youth sports parents, including ourselves, who set a good example for our kids.

Participating in youth sports as a player, sports parent and coach has been a great experience for me, as well as for my kids. If you feel the same way, let those who make this possible know you appreciate their efforts -- especially your children. Few things are as rewarding, or motivating, as sincere thank yous recognizing one's contributions.

Posted by Chris Lindsley at 12:12 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I've been writing this blog for more than two years, and this is my 100th post. In looking back at my previous posts, I realized that I've learned a lot about being a youth sports parent, primarily from my kids.

I was very into playing sports as a kid, and assumed my kids would be as well. They have been, but they've chosen the sports they want to pursue, and, with the exception of basketball, they are not the so-called traditional sports.

This bothered me initially, but I quickly realized that the kids' motivation and interest are essential to their enjoyment, and that I was better off to support and encourage their interests.

I also have a tendency to be a hands-on coach, offering instruction at every opportunity. Here again, I came to understand that while my kids take instruction willingly from other coaches, they don't want it from me.

My approach now is to introduce them to as many different sports as possible, and to make sports fun. The kids enjoy sports much more if they have some say in what they do and when they do it, without constant coaching or urging to play a particular sport from dad.

I feel I've become a much better sports parent thanks to this blog, which has largely focused on my experiences with my kids. I've also learned how to ride a RipStik, witnessed the benefits of karate and gymnastics firsthand and figured out how to coach my kids in a way that works for all of us.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of my learnings in my next 100 blog posts.

Posted by Chris Lindsley at 04:27 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

When Barack Obama won the presidential election on Wednesday night, that meant, among other things, that come January 20, 2009 the new presidential sport will be basketball.

I, for one, think that is a good thing.

I play basketball with a group of guys my age on Wednesday nights, and it's one of the highlights of my week. The reasons I enjoy hoops are many, but here are a few:

• It gets my competitive juices flowing, as you need to win to play the next game.
• To be successful you need to work together/function as a team.
• It's a great workout.
• It takes my mind off of whatever else I was thinking about before stepping onto the court.

I suspect Obama likes basketball for some of these reasons, and others as well. Given the pressure and demands of the presidency, an activity like basketball can help him stay relaxed and sharp both on and off the court.

And if he's ever looking for another player for a pickup game, I'm just a few miles away.

Posted by Chris Lindsley at 09:05 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)