Swine Flu Doesn't Scare Paternovillers

The threat of the H1N1 virus (also known as Swine Flu) is not steering students at Penn State away...

In anticipation for Saturday's game against Temple, students are camping in line outside of Beaver Stadium (this is called Paternoville) in order to get front row seats. Officials at Penn State have been warning students of the risks that they are taking for themselves and others by doing this.

Dedicated students don't seem to care about the dangers associated with sleeping outside in the cold and the H1N1 virus going around.

The athletic department debated on prohibiting Paternoville so that viruses wouldn't spread or intensify. Instead, Health services at Penn State have been generously donating hand wipes, sanitizers, etc. to Paternovillers to prevent the spread of germs.

Students were very surprised and pleased to hear this. Paternoville has been an ongoing tradition for many of the loyal Nittany Lion fans.

Now a senior, Ben K. stated that he had been doing Paternoville every single year since he was a freshman. "The flu or the Swine Flu risk isn't going to stop me from being out here. If you're sick, you should know what your body can handle and what it cannot. If you're too sick, then go home!"

Although the threat of Swine Flu is serious (an H1N1 virus policy was even placed into every syllabus for every class at Penn State), many other students agreed with Ben.

"It's the love of the game and Penn State that drives me to do this. I love to be as close as possible to the field during a roaring game," says Gian Duffy (Paternoviller).

Being a senior, I was also interested in doing a Paternoville this week for the Temple game. It would have been much easier than doing one for a game in October, but I decided that the risk of me getting sick was too great.

The Nittany Lion team has been known to make appearances and sign autographs at Paternoville a night or two before a game to show gratitude for the undying dedication from the fans. No team member was seen thus far in the 2009 season.

I'm sure that we will be seeing many more Paternovilles this year, even despite the risks of becoming ill.