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.