Like Cory Giger, I was misled at first to believe Joe Paterno looked haggard and had no energy in his voice at the Big Ten Media Day.
But then Cory got a different look while spending some time with Joe in the hotel lobby. We all know and have come to believe Joe says a lot but gives away very little.
Here is my take on a few things as we get ready for the 2010 Big Ten season:
n I would like to see the 2011 Big Ten title game played outdoors in the elements (cold and snow appeals to me) in December rather than at Lucas Oil Stadium (indoors in Indianapolis).
n Penn State's new rivalry will be the Cornhuskers of Nebraska as the last game of the season to be played on the first Saturday in December or the last Saturday following Thanksgiving.
n No later than 2013, Big Ten expansion will go to 14 teams with the likes of Pittsburgh, Boston College, Maryland or Syracuse.
n Cory Giger's initial division alignment takes top prize.
n My best prediction for Penn State in 2010 is 9-3 but feel more comfortable with 8-4. By the end of season Kevin Newsome will be first-string quarterback with Paul Jones and Robert Bolden coming on strong pushing to start next year ahead of Newsome.
n Penn State will go to either one of the new bowls in Jacksonville or the new bowl in Arizona this year.
Les Hart
Duncansville
A special event
During 1977, Iron Masters Country Club started a golf tournament called the Iron Masters Classic.
The format was a two-man match play until it was changed to medal play approximately eight years.
I was a graduate of Clarion University in May 1977 and began playing in this tournament that year with my partner, Kevin Feath of Hollidaysburg.
Although I relocated from the Cove in 1977 to Maryland and subsequent cities in Florida, Texas, and my current residence of St. Augustine, Fla., I have played in all 34 tournaments with the same partner, Kevin Feath.
This tournament was started by my father, James Hummel, and other individuals associated with Iron Masters.
I always enjoy coming back to the Cove area each and every July to play in this outstanding tournament and look forward to many more years with my golf partner and best friend, Kevin Feath.
John S. Hummel
St. Augustine, Fla.
