The Penn Cambria community was shocked and saddened to hear of Mrs. Patricia “Patsy” Felus’ death on Sunday, Jan. 11. Considering her my mentor in the athletic world, I have been shaken all week by this news. Throughout my college years, Mrs. Felus taught me how to run the clock for athletic events and recruited my assistance in scheduling and event management that sparked my desire to be an athletic director.

Anyone involved in high school athletics across the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference from the 1990s through the 2010s likely knew and/or interacted with Mrs. Felus. The woman who kept all of Penn Cambria’s athletic directors together for many years was a dedicated professional. Serving as the athletic secretary and equipment manager, she was the heartbeat of Panther athletics.

If there was an athletic happening at Penn Cambria, Mrs. Felus was most likely selling or collecting tickets or serving as the game manager. If the teams were away, she ensured the buses ran and the coaches and teams had what they needed. She did the ordering, scheduled the officials and game personnel, and ensured Penn Cambria athletes were well-cared for every time. She had lots of experience with athletics from her own family as her husband, Michael, served as a longtime PIAA official, and sons Carmen and Nicholas, were both successful football coaches.

Felus not only served as the athletic secretary, but also worked as a secretary at Penn Cambria High School. She knew how to put a smile on our faces when she begged for help finding her keys, and she kept everyone entertained when she used the school’s phone system — I’m still waiting for her to say goodbye before hanging up. After retiring from Penn Cambria, her impact was definitely missed, and she devoted time as a secretary at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Catholic Church in Lilly.

Tasteful and classy in all her interactions, and known for her kindness to others, Mrs. Felus was a “proper” woman who was extremely dedicated to her family and community. She loved to talk to anyone she could about her family — and when her son Nicholas was behind the recent Penn Cambria football success, she cooked delicious Italian meals for the team. No matter where her sons were coaching, near or far, she was keeping up with their games and seasons — still getting nervous for each and every game they prepared for.

No matter when you saw Mrs. Felus, she had a hug for you and her beautiful smile. I’m so blessed I was able to see her just after Christmas to let her know again how thankful I am to have been impacted by her in my life. She was always kind and motherly, providing words of encouragement while also helping me to gain skills that I would use throughout the career I love.

Patsy Felus was synonymous with Penn Cambria Athletics — with kindness, with small town pride and with family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. I’ll never forget her kind heart, her beautiful smile, or the dedication she had to our school district and community.

Joe Skura, Gallitzin

Campbell-Smith will be good team

Both good and bad things generally happen for a reason.

The initial offers to coaches for the Penn State head football job were all turned down. Most of those were an instant relief.

And while Terry Smith would have been a good choice, the selection of Matt Campbell seems to be one of those “good things come to those who wait.”

The coaching team of Matt Campbell/Terry Smith is a winner. It may take a bit for the Nits to gain traction, but Penn State football will survive sooner than later.

Ron Springer, Ebensburg