Central Florida Chapter Notes
Penn State 42, Michigan State 14
The Nittany Lions (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) finished their regular season with a resounding road win, trouncing the Michigan State Spartans 42-14 and retaining the revered Land Grant Trophy. It will adorn the trophy case at the All Sports Museum for yet another year.
As usual this season, the Lions got off to a slow start, but they finally came alive in the third quarter, scoring four unanswered touchdowns in that period.
Daryll Clark had a career day, passing for 310 yards and four touchdowns. He also set a Penn State record with his 23rd touchdown pass this year, as well as a career record with 42. Evan Royster ran for 114 yards. The offense combined fror 512 total yards.
That's all we have room for here. However, if you do want to rehash this game some more, please see The Nittany Turkey.
The Nittany Lions are #13 in the BCS standings this week. In order to be eligible for a BCS bowl, they have to be in the top 14, so one part of the equation is in place, as is Penn State's reputation for traveling well (i.e., bringing lots of fans who spend lots of money). So, there is still an outside chance of getting a BCS slot, presumptions presently pointing to either the Orange of Fiesta Bowls. If not, then we're looking at New Year's Day in either Orlando or Tampa. Where Iowa goes plays a big part in that. Hold tight, because we will probably have to wait until after December 5 to know for sure!
2009 Chapter Cornhole CHUMPION Crowned!!!!
Just prior to Penn State kicking off its football season, the Chapter hosted a Cornhole Tournament in the parking lot of the Winter Park location of Miller's Ale House. Although it was blistering hot outside, many members stopped by to cheer on their favorite cornhole player and enjoy a little parking lot breakfast tailgate. Justin Ecker (pictured at left) beat out Kristen Kitsmiller and was crowned this year's Chapter Cornhole Chumpion! More importantly, the Chapter was able to raise monies for our scholarship fund, including a $150 top bid for one of the custom-made cornhole games during halftime of the football game. Thanks to all of our members for their participation and support!
Photos from the cornhole tournament are available at the Chapter Photo Gallery.
Scholarship Committee Activities
This year we received nine scholarship applications from local students. However, we were only able to award one scholarship. The award went to Nathalie Such of Ponte Vedra. We would like to increase both the number of annual scholarship awards as well as the amount of the annual scholarship. Please help us. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund, please go to our Chapter Store and donate on-line via PayPal™. You may use a credit card through PayPal™ (and you don’t even need a PayPal™ account). Any donation over $500 will be given naming rights to the scholarship award for next year. This year we were lucky enough to receive a donation over $500 towards the 2010 scholarship by Don Desjardins. In addition, our Chapter has made a 5-year commitment to annually fund scholarships totaling $12,500. This means that starting in 2010, we are able to increase our scholarship award to $2,500 per year for the next five years. We could have done this only with your continued support!
For further information about Nathalie and the Chapter's scholarship program, please go to the Scholarship Program page.
New T-Shirts for 2009!
For the 2009-2010 season we have a brand new chapter T-shirt design. WE ARE Penn State Proud of this new edition! Act quickly, as quantities are limited (particularly in sizes S and M). Visit the Chapter Store for details.)
It's Time to Renew!
As we round the corner into the dog days of summer, our sweaty Central Florida brains begin to float toward reveries of cool fall Saturdays in State College. Can Penn State football come soon enough? It'll be here before you know it, so get ready for the season by supporting your local chapter and its many benefit offerings. You'll be pleased to know that in spite of poor global economic conditions, our dues remain at a very reasonable $15 and $18 for individual and family memberships, respectively. You can pay your dues conveniently and safely on-line at our Chapter Store. Join or renew now!
Annual Newsletter
Our most recent annual newsletter is available here now, henceforth and always.
And Now, A Word from Our Sponsor...
