Thoughts

By BOB URBAN

rurban@tnonline.com

If you care too much about what other people think you will always be their prisoner ... unknown

The Penn State situation has certainly taken its toll. It will go down as perhaps the biggest sports scandals in history. But, if you're looking for a glimmer of light in this dark episode, then consider this.

Last weekend, new coach Bill O'Brien met with six of the top recruits who committed to attending Penn State after they graduate from high school next year.

Faced with the prospects of not having the opportunity to play in a bowl game for four years, or playing for a Big Ten championship. Plus the fact that their ranks will shrink with 10 fewer scholarships per year, no one could have blamed any of these blue chip prospects from backing out of their commitment and searching for another school in which to display their talents.

Penn State is looking at some difficult times in the next four years, yet all six candidates, led by quarterback recruit Christian Hackenberg, reaffirmed that they were honoring their commitment to the Nittany Lions and they would be on board with the program next season.

In case the name Hackenberg seems familiar, you're right. The Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia star is the son of Erick Hackenberg, the former Marian star who later played at the University of Virginia and Susquehanna. And Christian's mother, the former Nicole Miller, was an all-state performer in volleyball at Marian.

Christian's grandfather is a former Coaldale High School teammate of mine, Dr. Richard Miller. And I'm sure he's proud of, not only his grandson's accomplishments to date, but the loyalty he showed in honoring his commitment to the Penn State program.

I haven't always been the staunchest Penn State football fan, but I'll be rooting hard for them to endure the next four years, hoping they'll succeed in the face of all this adversity. After all, it wasn't the fault of the players or the new coaching staff that brought down the wrath of the NCAA on this program.

Best friends They know how crazy you are and still choose to be seen with you in public.

DISTRACTED WALKING The term has to do with the dangers of people walking while talking of texting on a cell phone, This habit can lead to all kinds of dangerous problems. And it's a term we never heard of until a short time ago.

We never really grow up. We only learn how to act in public.

Never thought I'd be watching water polo and woman's kayak racing. But I have to admit, the two sports did attract my attention in the Summer Olympics. And, aren't you confused with the delayed broadcasts of most of the events? The evening news announces the results of the competition, and an hour later we get to watch events where we already know who won. It certainly takes away a lot of the suspense.

To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

The administration was quick to come in and save the faltering automobile industry. I can't understand why it hasn't stepped in to assist the financially strapped Postal Department.

And, finally, you do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.