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  • ‘It’s more than a football game’ | The legacy, evolution of Penn State’s annual White Out | Penn State Football News

    ‘It’s more than a football game’ | The legacy, evolution of Penn State’s annual White Out | Penn State Football News

    True freshman wide receiver Derek Moye dressed for the very first time in Beaver Stadium, ready to take on Notre Dame in 2007. He knew he’d be met with an electric crowd dressed in white, but Moye couldn’t even begin to imagine the lasting impacts of the first full-stadium White Out.

    Penn State’s student section had put together a few White Outs of its own in the three years prior, starting with Purdue in 2004, when the athletic department asked the university’s students to wear white in an attempt to draw a crowd for the 2-3 Nittany Lions. 

    It wasn’t until that 2007 contest against Notre Dame, though, that the entire crowd donned white. Moye said his teammates had told him how “crazy” the student section White Outs were, but no one knew what was ahead.

    “It was mind-blowing,” Moye said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but when I got in the stadium it was kind of like, really just ‘wow.’ Everything kind of seemed brighter. The energy was just so high … It was a really crazy experience thinking back on it.”

    Moye, who ranks seventh all-time at Penn State with 2,395 career receiving yards, played in four more White Outs, but there was one specific moment the receiver can picture to this day, which came against Iowa in 2009.

    “It was a rainy day, but the crowd was still full, didn’t care about the rain at all,” Moye said. “At this point in time, I don’t know if I’d heard it at all, or I just wasn’t overly familiar with the song, but they started playing ‘Don’t Stop Believin,’ and literally the whole crowd was singing as the rain was coming down. It was just one of those things I still envision in my mind perfectly to this day.”







    PSU Football V. Iowa, Nittany Lion Mascot

    The Nittany Lion hypes up the crowd at the White Out against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions swept the Hawkeyes 31-0.




    The Nittany Lions ended up losing that game to the Hawkeyes, but the dedication of the fans Moye saw that night in Beaver Stadium is the epitome of what makes the White Out special. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has referred to the Happy Valley faithful as “the best fans in the country” multiple times, including last week when College GameDay was in town. 

    Former Penn State running back Evan Royster felt the love of Penn State’s fans for years during his time as a Nittany Lion, with one of the more iconic signs made by Nittanyville being for Royster. The banner featured a play on words of the band Blue Öyster Cult, and the running back remains thankful to the fans all these years later. 

    “I think that’s what makes the Penn State experience so great. Having fans that truly care about the team is priceless,” Royster said. “The Blue Royster Cult —  they gave me that sign, and I still have it in my house right now, so some of the best memories that I have are because of fans at Penn State, so I hope that continues for every class to go through after me.”

    As the years have gone on, those same supporters have continued to show up, rain or shine, and break attendance records — half of the top-10 most attended games in Beaver Stadium history were White Outs. 







    PSU Football V. Iowa, Fireworks

    Fireworks light up the stadium to start off the White Out against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions swept the Hawkeyes 31-0.




    Those are the games the players remember, especially Royster, who broke Penn State’s all-time rushing yards record in front of a sea of white in a win over Michigan in 2010. He said the White Outs “always, always, always” stand out in his mind, despite many games running together now for the 36-year-old.

    Moye specifically made an effort to take in the environment and key in on the crowd during the White Outs, saying he would take a few seconds during warmups to “look up.” 

    “I took a few more seconds during the warmups … (when) you have a free second, whether it’s watching the defense play or whether it’s in between TV timeouts, you just kind of look up and see everything that’s going on,” Moye said. “You try to look at specific people and what they’re doing, and then also just kind of taking it in as a whole … Now it’s like, I look back and I go to the game, it’s like, damn, I used to play here.”

    During his return to Happy Valley for the Minnesota contest in 2022, Moye saw firsthand how far the White Out has come since that win over Notre Dame, citing Herbstreit’s claim about Penn State fans as a significant reason for the spectacle’s growth.

    “Kirk Herbstreit made the comments that he made, and it just took (the White Out) to a whole nother level,” Moye said. “Since Coach Franklin has gotten there, it’s really just gone from, I would say, from just the crowd being excited, wearing white, to actually, like a full-out event … The level that Coach Franklin has taken to is amazing. It’s more than even a football game. The White Out itself is an event.”

    As Moye alluded to, the White Out has grown to unprecedented heights. Not only is it an event Penn State fans get excited for, it’s something the national media and college football fans everywhere turn their eyes to and have on their bucket list. 







    Penn State Football vs. Minnesota, pregame tunnel

    The team waits for their entrance during Penn State Football’s annual White Out game on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions won 45-17.




    Analyst Rece Davis has been to a few White Outs, and said the atmosphere might not be the “best” in the country, but there are “none better.”

    “When everything around you is white, there’s an eeriness to it, and it’s exhilarating,” Davis said. “I think everybody that walks in there for the White Out is fired up, and if you don’t have a tingle running up and down your spine when you walk into a White Out game, you probably don’t have a spine.

    Washington will experience that “tingle” for the very first time Saturday as the Huskies travel to Beaver Stadium for their inaugural visit, where they’ll be met with the iconic fireworks, dark sky and sea of white.

    Huskies coach Jedd Fisch said in his weekly press conference he’s “not concerned” about preparing his team for the White Out crowd after experiencing it as a member of Michigan’s staff.

    “I showed the guys what it looks like a little bit on Sunday night. I showed them some clips of, you know, playing at Penn State at the White Out. We did it when I was at Michigan … talked about that a little bit. … Showed them some clips of just the energy and the passion to expect,” Fisch said.

    While Washington may be unbothered, Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions are excited for the annual event as Penn State looks to bounce back from its first loss of 2024.

    “The White Out is, I don’t even know how to describe it really, it’s insane. I’m honored to be a part of a team that gets to play in an environment like that,” Allar said. “The energy that the crowd and fans bring to this game, and really, all games in general, is unmatched across the country, in my opinion. It’s super special to be a part of it, and as players we don’t take that for granted, we soak in these moments, because you only have one a year, and so many in your career … It’s going to be fun to just be in that type of atmosphere again this weekend.”

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  • ‘Love and trust yourself’ | Giancarlo Esposito inspires Penn State students in lecture | Lifestyle

    ‘Love and trust yourself’ | Giancarlo Esposito inspires Penn State students in lecture | Lifestyle

    Penn State students filled Heritage Hall with excitement and anticipation as acclaimed actor Giancarlo Esposito took the stage Friday evening.

    The event was organized by the Penn State Student Programming Association (SPA), which has been known for bringing influential speakers and entertainers to campus. SPA’s efforts allowed students to hear directly from Esposito, whose career and life experiences have inspired millions.

    From the moment he entered, Esposito energized the room by leading a “We Are” chant that united the audience with Penn State pride.







    SPA Moderator Haley Jacobs with Giancarlo Esposito

    The Student Programming Association hosts actor Giancarlo Esposito for a conversation with moderator Haley Jacobs at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in University Park, Pa.




    Esposito, known for his unforgettable role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” as well as his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Boys,” has become one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

    Esposito began the lecture by recalling stories from his life and career. With roots in Broadway, where he began performing as a child, Esposito’s journey has been shaped by the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entertainment industry as a Black and Italian man. This unique background, he explained, profoundly influenced his approach to acting.

    Reflecting on his upbringing and early career, Esposito stressed the importance of staying true to oneself, urging students to “love and trust yourself.”

    He added, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” His words resonated with students, many of whom came to the lecture not only as fans of his work but also as aspiring professionals seeking guidance on their own careers.

    Among the attendees was Otávio Pinheiro, who was dressed in costume for the event. Pinheiro has a deep admiration for Esposito’s role in “The Mandalorian.”

    “I’m a big ‘Mandalorian’ fan – I bought a costume before he even announced he was here, so when I saw the notification, I had to go,” Pinheiro, a fourth-year studying neuroscience, said.

    For Pinheiro and many others, Esposito’s presence on campus was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from a beloved actor who has moved countless viewers.

    Brendan Santore spoke about Esposito’s impact on him through his portrayal of Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad. “

    “‘Breaking Bad’ was the first thing I watched that had him in it, and he was such an impressive actor. He conveyed his presence there, and I wanted to come out to see what he had to say today,” Santore, a second-year studying aerospace engineering, said.

    Lily Weber, who has a background in musical theater, was equally inspired by Esposito’s talk.

    Weber, a first-year, said she came out to see Esposito because he’s in “Breaking Bad,” and was interested in learning about his experiences on Broadway and acting on camera.

    “I didn’t know too much about him, but I was inspired by a lot of the things he had to say tonight. I learned a lot, and it was a really good experience – I’m glad I came,” Weber said.







    SPA Moderated Conversation with Giancarlo Esposito

    Moderator Haley Jacobs speaks to actor Giancarlo Esposito during the Student Programming Association moderated conversation event at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in University Park, Pa.




    Esposito delved into his process for character preparation, describing the rigorous research he undertakes to bring each role to life.

    For him, embodying Gus Fring was a “monumental experience” that required meticulous attention to detail. He explained how he sought to avoid stereotypes by portraying Gus as a fully multifaceted character.

    He also discussed the importance of imagination and courage in his craft. He encourages students to find their own voices and pursue their dreams with conviction.

    Esposito’s words left a lasting impression on his audience. He moved them to approach life and work with passion and authenticity.

    For Penn State students, the night was more than a lecture – it was a call to embrace their own identities and strive for excellence. His visit left the audience inspired and entertained, but it was his final moments that truly captivated the room.

    Just before leaving, he flashed a mischievous grin and slipped into character as Gus, delivering the infamous line from Breaking Bad: “I will kill your wife. I will kill your son. I will kill your infant daughter,” sending a wave of laughter and applause through the crowd.

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  • No. 20 Penn men’s soccer secures spot in Ivy League tournament with win over Dartmouth

    No. 20 Penn men’s soccer secures spot in Ivy League tournament with win over Dartmouth

    The Quakers celebrated senior night by securing coach Brian Gill’s 50th career win.

    By Samantha Wickham

    18 hours ago


    10-26-24-m-soccer-vs-dartmouth-zach-rodger-2

    Penn men’s soccer celebrates after a goal against Dartmouth on Oct. 26.

    Credit: Zach Rodger

    In a clash of colors, the Red and Blue prevailed over the Big Green with a 3-2 triumph on senior day. In fitting fashion, it was three seniors who made the difference on the night. No. 20 Penn men’s soccer’s (11-2-1, 5-0 Ivy) win over Dartmouth (5-6-3, 2-2-1 Ivy) protects its perfect record at Rhodes Field during regular season play. 

    The Red and Blue got off to a quick start with the first goal scored just two minutes into the match when a Penn corner deflected off the Dartmouth defense and found senior forward Stas Korzeniowski. Korzeniowski was able to hook the ball cleanly into the back of the net for his 11th of the season. 

    “I’m so glad that I was able to put my stamp on the game as early as I did, and that also builds confidence in the group to keep chasing another goal,” Korzeniowski said. 

    Dartmouth gained some momentum with dangerous positioning in the box in the 8th minute, but were unable to capitalize. Another opportunity for the Big Green arose following a pass between Penn defense that was intercepted, but the shot went wide. After more back and forth and few shots on goal, the silence was broken when a cross reached Penn sophomore Jack-Ryan Jeremiah in the box, but the following shot was parried by Dartmouth goalie Costi Christodoulou. 

    With 20 minutes remaining in the half, Penn offense picked up speed with a series of threatening possessions in the box. A chaotic few minutes of Quaker control ended with nothing to show for their efforts, when a foul called on Penn senior midfielder Brandon Curran cut the Big Green a break allowing them to clear the ball from further dangerous opportunities for the Quakers. 

    In response, a dangerous cross found Dartmouth forward Trenton Blake, but Penn sophomore goalie Phillip Falcon III was able to secure the save.  

    The game slowed down momentarily, with both team’s defensive efforts preventing any threatening opportunities despite the back and forth and physical nature of the game. 

    Penn’s patience paid off when a yellow card on Dartmouth defender Sebastián Mañón, drawn by Korzeniowski, resulted in a free kick for the Quakers. With just under five in the half, the kick found freshman forward Romeo Dahlen who was able to dish it to senior defender Leo Burney inside the six for a shot that extended the lead for the Red and Blue. 

    The second half started slow, with possession by both teams but little activity near goal. There was no doubt, however, that Dartmouth was looking to increase intensity and make up their deficit. The first shot of the half came from Penn junior forward Jack Wagoner, missing wide. On the counter, Dartmouth forward Douglas Arveskär got off a shot on goal that Falcon was fortunately able to get a hand on. 


    Credit: Zach Rodger

    Junior defender Oliver Pratt prepares to get on the field in the game against Dartmouth on Oct. 26.

    The Red and Blue were not as lucky with the next Dartmouth shot though, when Dartmouth forward Vasilis Moiras was able to find the back of the net from far out in the 54th minute. Just ten minutes later, a quick shift to Dartmouth possession and slight breakdown in Penn defense meant Moiras was again able to take advantage yet again, tying the game for the Big Green with a second goal. 

    With 25 minutes left in the match, the Quakers offensive efforts again were rewarded when a perfectly placed corner found Penn senior midfielder Brandon Curran who was able to finish from the center of the six. 

    The Big Green attempted to retaliate with another shot from Moiras headed for the top center of the net, but Falcon was able to protect the Quaker lead with another save. Minutes later, Moiras tried again from far left, but the shot went straight to Falcon. 

    Penn dropped back with under ten minutes left, and the Red and Blue defense was able to hold off the last ditch efforts of the Big Green. In the last three minutes, the Quakers regained control of the ball and were able to comfortably finish the game, defending their undefeated record at home and clinching coach Brian Gill’s 50th career win for the program. 

    “5-0 [in Ivy Play] is as good as it can get five games in. And we want to host the Ivy League tournament here, so we also want to go and win the regular season,” Korzeniowski said. “Our approach is the same as it has been every game, taking one game at a time, slowly climbing the mountain, and hopefully we find ourselves in the position that we’ve been aspiring to.”

    The Quakers have lofty goals and have two more Ivy battles to conquer, with a game at Yale on Saturday next up. 



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  • Two former Penn State football players are facing rape charges

    Two former Penn State football players are facing rape charges

    STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Two former Penn State football players facing felony rape charges are free on bond while they await their next hearing.

    Kaveion Allen Keys and Jameial James Lyons, both 19, are accused of raping a 17-year-old Penn State student at their on-campus apartment in early July. A second student who was present that night said she awoke with her pants removed and that Lyons “digitally penetrated” her, according to the criminal complaint.

    Penn State coach James Franklin declined to answer questions about the charges against Lyons and Keys following practice Wednesday.

    Both players were placed on interim suspension over the summer to deal with what Penn State officials called a “personal matter.” By early August, both were removed from the roster. Franklin has declined to discuss their statuses.

    They were arraigned Wednesday by District Judge Don Hahn, who set Keys’ bail at $400,000 and Lyons’ at $500,000. Keys and Lyons were not required to post bail unless they violate bail conditions. Their next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

    According to the complaint, Keys denied knowing “Victim 1” and engaging in sexual contact with any of the women in the apartment that night.

    Lyons, according to the complaint, acknowledged having sex with Victim 1 and said he had Keys’ cellphone during the encounter, although he denied making a video recording. Lyons said the sex with Victim 1 was consensual but added that he believed Victim 1 would “likely report the situation to the police,” the complaint read.

    Both Lyons and Keys’ cellphones were examined. A short video showing “indecent contact” with Victim 1 was found on Keys’ camera roll, according to police. There also was a witness, referred to in the complaint as Witness 1, who was in the apartment that night.

    Keys was charged with forcible rape (first-degree felony), sexual assault (second-degree felony), aggravated assault without consent (second-degree felony) and indecent assault without consent (second-degree misdemeanor).

    Lyons was charged with forcible rape (first-degree felony), voluntary deviate sexual intercourse (second-degree felony), aggravated assault without consent (second-degree felony), indecent assault without consent (second-degree misdemeanor) and invasion of privacy (second-degree misdemeanor).

    ___

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  • Priore wins 50th career game as Penn football downs Bucknell 31-21

    Priore wins 50th career game as Penn football downs Bucknell 31-21

    Coach Ray Priore picked up his 50th career win for the Red and Blue.

    By Justin Lee

    2 hours ago


    10-12-24-football-vs-bucknell-davis-ellis-annie-liu

    Credit: Annie Liu

    The rodeo between the Quakers and the Bison was a one-sided affair as Penn football wrangled Bucknell 31-21 to secure coach Ray Priore’s 50th career win. 

    The Quakers (2-2, 0-1 Ivy) stampeded the Bison (3-3, 1-0 Patriot) for nearly 400 yards of total offense en route to a season-high 31-point performance. Neither side punted the ball the entire game, a product of Bucknell’s own efficient attack that was plagued by poor special teams play. The win also marked Priore’s 50th career victory as a head coach, all of which have come at Penn.

    Entering the game, Bucknell wide receiver TJ Cadden led all college players with three special teams touchdowns, and it didn’t take long for Cadden to get involved today as he opened the game up with a 40-yard kick return. The Bison offense carried that momentum before being interrupted in the red zone, where Penn’s defense made its first stand of the afternoon to force a turnover on downs.

    On offense, the Red and Blue flipped the field quickly as senior quarterback Aidan Sayin connected with junior wide receiver Bisi Owens for a 44-yard catch-and-run. Sophomore running back Jamar Bing Jr. then paid off Owens’s big play with a 27-yard run of his own, shortly followed by his first collegiate career touchdown to put the Quakers on the scoreboard first.

    “Our offense took the ball, drove the football, [and] scored,” Priore said.

    When in doubt, Bucknell quarterback Ralph Rucker IV leaned on the screen game. Three consecutive screens to wide receiver Eric Weatherly drove the Bison down the field, while running back Tariq Thomas ran the ball into the end zone to tie the game at seven.

    On the ensuing drive, the Quakers broke the tie with a field goal from junior kicker Sam Smith, who has been perfect over the last two weeks after missing field goals in each of Penn’s first two games.

    “[It’s] great to see our kicking game come alive,” Priore said.

    The Bison were given the chance to tie the game up as kicker Matt Schearer lined up on the 44-yard line to tie the game up. Fortunately for the Red and Blue, the kick ended up drifting wide right. Less than three plays later, a slip from junior wide receiver Alex Haight on his outward cut gifted Bucknell its first interception of the game. 

    With 20 seconds left on the clock, Schearer was given a chance at redemption. The snap and hold looked good until the referees blew the play dead — Penn had decided to use its last timeout of the half to ice the kicker. While the debate on whether or not icing the kicker works is an ongoing conversation, in this case it was a success, with Schearer missing wide right and giving Penn a 10-7 halftime edge.

    The third quarter consisted of Hosley leading Penn’s explosive offense. Shortly after the quarter’s start, Hosley found a hole in Bucknell’s defense for a 32-yard score. The Quakers kept up the momentum, with Hosley scoring again on the following possession.

    “I think the biggest thing is just the energy today. [We’re] excited to play together,” said Hosley, who finished the game with 146 yards. “It couldn’t have been done without the guys around me.”

    Hosley has now rushed for over 100 yards in six of the last seven games. Following a Bucknell touchdown by wide receiver Nate Anderson, all eyes were on the Quakers to respond. They delivered, with Sayin passing to junior wide receiver Jared Richardson for a 49-yard touchdown reception. 

    Shortly after the start of the 4th quarter, Rucker went down with an injury. As he was carted off the field, he flashed a thumbs up to Bucknell fans, who gave their starting quarterback a standing ovation. Though Bucknell was able to deliver another late touchdown, a series of missed passes and another missed field goal from Schearer ultimately allowed Penn’s defense to see the game out. 

    “We stayed confident with each other,” Priore said. “It’s all about these kids. They’re so tight, they understand what the standard [is] to be successful.”

    Following this victory, the Quakers will welcome Columbia to Franklin Field next Saturday with kickoff set to be at 1 p.m.

    “One. One game at a time,” Priore said. “There’s going to be some great battles. We control what we can control.”



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  • In his last season, Penn men’s soccer defender Leo Burney has high hopes

    In his last season, Penn men’s soccer defender Leo Burney has high hopes

    The three-time first team All-Ivy selection has played a huge role in the team’s success.

    By Lucas Milgrim
    and Erica Jiang

    10/06/24 9:29pm


    dsc-4162

    Senior defender Leo Burney poses at Rhodes Field on Sep. 22.

    Credit: Weining Ding

    As Penn men’s soccer senior Leo Burney steps into his last season with the Quakers, he has continued to receive recognition for his critical role on the team as a captain and centerback. After being named first team All-Ivy in his past three years on the team, his first accolade of this season was a nomination to the United Soccer Coaches Defenders to Watch list in early August, with more to come.

    Penn men’s soccer sophomore goalkeeper Phillip Falcon said that no one on the team was surprised to see the nomination. “Everyone knows that Leo is the dominant player he is,” Falcon said. “It was earned.”

    Born into a tennis family, with his father and older brother both playing in college and his mother picking up a racket when she met his father, Burney became the first soccer player in the family.

    “Tennis was my second sport until I was 12, when it was clear that I was way better at soccer,” Burney said. “I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m ever going to be as good as my brother,’ so I charted my own path.”

    At 12 years old, Burney dropped tennis and fully committed to the sport that would bring him to Penn only a few years later. When exploring colleges four years ago, Burney knew he wanted to go outside of his hometown of Seattle. After getting to know the coaches and players at Penn men’s soccer, he knew Penn was the right fit for him. 

    “In high school, [the coaching staff] was always reaching out to me and I felt like it would be a place I’d be wanted and could contribute right off the bat — and I was able to do that,” Burney said. In addition to the high caliber of academics offered at Penn, Burney emphasized the importance of being with the right people in his decision to become a Quaker.  

    When Falcon first played with Burney two years ago, he was taken aback by Burney’s presence on the field. “The first time playing with him, I was just in shock at just how dominant he was on the field and how good of a leader he was, to not only me as a freshman, but even people in his class and older than him,” Falcon said. 

    So far this season, the team has played eight games, with a 7-1-1 record. The team played a number of difficult games in the spring, notably against Georgetown University and the University of Denver, Burney said, which tested the players and helped them figure out that “[they] just need to work incredibly hard and build trust in each other.” In addition, Burney credits a lot of the team’s success to the players’ close relationships. 

    “We enjoy hanging out with each other outside of the field, and I think that definitely helps our togetherness,” Burney said. “You can see it on the field in tough moments of the game, where we’re always supporting each other…it just feels amazing to go out there and compete with this team and get results.” 

    Falcon says that Burney has taken up a big leadership role for the team altogether. “He’s very vocal in his communications and very personable and easy to talk to,” Falcon said. “If there’s any problems, on or off the field, he really is a steady rock for everyone on the team to go to.”

    As a center back, Burney leads the Quakers’ defensive unit alongside the other defenders. 

    “I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some great guys who were some of my best friends,” Burney said. For the past three years, for example, Burney has played right next to Penn senior Ben Do. “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with, so it’s just a pleasure every time we get to step on the field.” 

    Burney has also gotten close with the younger players on the team like Penn sophomore defender Connor Dawson and Falcon. “We’re always communicating with each other, and everyone seems to know exactly what to do at the right time. It’s great to see young guys mixing with older guys and just being such a tough unit to play against,” Burney said. 

    While Falcon calls Burney the rock of the defense, he also has a large impact on Penn’s attack. “He’s almost like a quarterback in a way, where he’s making the big play, like the big slide tackle, but then he’s getting up and giving the ball to the attackers to score,” Falcon said. “He’s definitely the most well-rounded player I would say I’ve had the opportunity to play with in my time here.” 

    Burney has also helped shape the team’s practice sessions during his time on the team to be as game-like as possible. “You don’t get to be that good or that dominant on the field without being a hard-nosed, hard-working guy,” Falcon said. “Leo is one of the reasons why our practices are the way they are.”

    So far, Burney has played every minute possible in his last season with the Quakers, tied with Falcon to lead the team at 810 minutes. “A lot of the time he makes my job way easier,” Falcon said. “He’s winning one vs. one battles that you don’t see other people winning in this country, or conference, or anywhere really.”

    When asked about this being his last season, Burney responded, “I’m just trying to take it a day at a time and get the most out of every single day.” Though time has passed quickly, Burney has tried to savor every moment. “I’m just trying to enjoy everything and take stock in the little things, like getting meals with the guys, or just hanging out.”

    “[Leo] will be missed heavily within our program,” Falcon said. “I will miss having him back there, obviously, he’s a good guy to be around and good for our locker room, so Leo Burney will be missed.”

    Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Burney has high hopes for the team. 

    “I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think if this team keeps focusing on little things and keeps pushing each other, we can have a great season,” Burney said. “I think we can get all of our goals, but we have to keep being diligent and training hard.” 

    After closing out his time with Penn men’s soccer later this year, Burney is looking to play at the professional level. 

    “Hopefully I have a pretty good season this year, and that can lead to professional opportunities next year,” Burney said. “I want to see how long I can keep playing.” 



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  • Penn men’s soccer picks up 1-0 win in first Ivy League game against Columbia

    Penn men’s soccer picks up 1-0 win in first Ivy League game against Columbia


    09-28-24-mens-soccer-vs-columbia-darren-saito

    Junior defender Oliver Pratt receives the ball from a teammate in a game against Columbia on Sep. 30.

    Credit: Darren Saito

    Penn men’s soccer’s quest for a three-peat atop the Ivy League regular season standings is underway with a 1-0 league-opening win against Columbia.

    On a cloudy Saturday evening, Penn (6-1-1, 1-0 Ivy) bested Columbia (0-7, 0-1). The bright lights of Rhodes Field illuminated the mist falling onto the players and field, creating slippery playing conditions throughout the evening — so much so that Columbia and Penn players were both sent sliding toward the Ott Center. 

    When asked about the conditions, coach Brian Gill explained that “it’s certainly a concern” but that “they tried to not overthink too much of that.” 

    Despite the rain, the fans were in full force, some of the loudest being the elementary schoolers who walked out with the team during player introductions. Cheering on the players, they proudly chanted, “Let’s go UPenn!”

    By the end of the first half, the score remained even at 0-0, but Penn was considerably more dominant with the ball. Aside from one or two Columbia half-chances, Penn was swift — at almost every opportunity — to win the ball off the Columbia dribblers, limiting the Lions’ chances to score. Columbia, who has only scored once across its previous six games, did not get off a shot attempt in the first half. 

    “You can look at the team and say that it’s really just this back four and a goalkeeper, but it’s really much more than that. The responsibility is shared over the entire team when they’re out there,” Gill said. “I think about so many plays that were made by central midfielders, outside midfielders, and our front two. The effort that they put in to put the opposition under pressure[made] play predictable for us and [made our] jobs a little bit easier in the backfield.”

    With 11 shots in the first half, Penn had no shortage of quality chances. The attempts included a strike from sophomore midfielder Jack-Ryan Jeremiah that glanced the bottom of the crossbar and just barely bounced in front of the goal line. Columbia goalkeeper Alexander O’Brien had to make a handful of quality saves to preserve the first-half clean sheet. Senior forward Stas Korzeniowski did well to drive into the defense and then cut away to get shots off, but the final product fell short.

    Korzeniowski, who was drafted with the No. 53 pick in the 2023 Major League Soccer Draft, felt the pressure every time he entered the enemy territory. The Lions swarmed him each time he got possession, applying tight, physical pressure. Korzenioswki was not the only one to feel this; senior defender Ben Do had a Lions player jump on his back and knock him to the grass. 

    Penn had two good looks early in the second half, with back-to-back well placed free kicks from Jeremiah. One header attempt missed wide right while the other sailed over the crossbar.

    But the score finally came after 52 minutes of play. Freshman forward Romeo Dahlen floated a kick that soared over O’Brien’s head, scoring the first and only goal of the night. This is only Dahlen’s third game of his collegiate career, and his first goal. He was assisted by junior midfielder Patrick Cayelli, who notably had both assists in last week’s game at Villanova.

    “It feels awesome,” Dahlen said of his goal. “I just trust myself and my abilities in that moment. And it’s just instincts that took over to finish.”

    Down by a score, Columbia tried to claw their way back into the matchup, but the Penn defense stifled the Lions on every attack. The Lions finally got a shot attempt off, but it came after 85 minutes and was easily saved by sophomore goalkeeper Phillip Falcon III. 

    One Ancient Eight team down, six more to go. The road to claim the top of the conference throne may have started tonight, but there is still much work to be done over the course of the season. 

    “We’ve had a great past couple years, and so we know we have a target on our backs. We’re fine with that. We’re gonna take every game, game-by-game, step-by-step, we know that we can beat every team that comes here or we go and travel to,” Dahlen said. 

    Next week, Penn will attempt to carry its momentum into a road matchup at Harvard.



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  • Penn men’s soccer’s Stas Korzeniowski is all about the team

    Penn men’s soccer’s Stas Korzeniowski is all about the team

    The senior has enjoyed plenty of individual success, but he hopes to leave an even greater impact.

    By Neema Baddam

    22 hours ago


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    Senior forward Stas Korzeniowski poses next to the goalpost on Sept. 17.

    Credit: Weining Ding

    On the evening of Dec. 19, 2023, Penn men’s soccer senior Stas Korzeniowski was standing in his kitchen with his family awaiting the results of the MLS SuperDraft 2024. He refreshed the website, and “Philadelphia Union” came up on the page — followed by his name.

    “It was just a surreal feeling,” Korzeniowski recalled. “It’s one of my favorite memories because going professional never felt like a tangible thing that I could reach for.”

    For Korzeniowski, it was the culmination of years of hard work: He had played soccer ever since his “little body was able to function like that.” Although he grew up playing a variety of sports, including swimming and ice hockey, he ultimately chose soccer because of his natural love for the game. But that love did not always translate to attention from others.


    Credit: Weining Ding

    Senior forward Stas Korzeniowski poses with a ball on Sep. 17.

    Korzeniowski’s recruiting journey fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, and although he had gotten looks from several Ivy League schools before the pandemic hit and ultimately was able to commit to Penn, college ball wasn’t always in the cards for him. As a freshman in high school, he recalled being “on the shorter side” and not playing as much as he wanted to.

    “Sophomore year, I kind of burst and started to figure myself out, soccer-wise,” Korzeniowski said. “I started to get bigger and started to figure out how to use my body and how to adapt to my position and got faster and stronger. College became more of a legitimate option for me, and it really helped me and put me in a better position to strongly consider Division I soccer.”

    When he arrived at Penn, however, Korzeniowski found the team in “rough” shape. He explained that the culture of the group was not very inviting, especially for an intimidated freshman trying to find his feet.

    Over time, however, Korzeniowski and his teammates changed the dynamic — a shift that also resulted in a change on the field.


    Credit: Weining Ding

    Senior forward Stas Korzeniowski poses on Sep. 17.

    “During my freshman spring, the group really came together in a really good way that allowed us to start winning games and to really enjoy each other’s company,” Korzeniowski said. “We fostered a really inviting, warm culture that also bred success — tangible success.”

    The Quakers were champions of the Ivy League during that 2022 season, culminating in clinching a win over Princeton when the Quakers stormed the field and celebrated in each other’s arms, an emotional moment that Korzeniowski said “showed how much it meant to [them].” 

    After starting all 18 matches as a sophomore, Korzeniowski was named second team All-American, Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year, and first team All-Ivy — a barrage of awards that only signaled the further success to come.

    The summer before his junior year, Korzeniowski made a name for himself in the semi-professional league United Soccer League Two. While playing for Ballard FC in Seattle, he scored 19 goals in 16 games and — along with Penn soccer seniors Leo Burney and Charlie Gaffney — won the national championship for the summer league.

    “That also helped me get some good exposure,” Korzeniowksi said of the experience. “I started to build a brand for myself, started to build an image and I think that had quite an impression that stirred up some interest amongst these professional teams.”

    He was right: Halfway through his junior year, Korzeniowski was drafted as the No. 53 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft to the Philadelphia Union.


    Credit: Weining Ding

    Senior forward Stas Korzeniowski poses with a soccer ball on Sep. 17.

    “Being drafted showed me there is some potential for me in this career path,” Korzeniowski said. “I was like ‘yeah, this is something I really want, and I’m very hungry for.’”

    Although he didn’t reach some of his personal goals during his junior year due to a wrist injury that left him in a hard cast for the whole season, Korzeniowski still praised the year Penn men’s soccer had: not only winning the Ivy League regular season title, but also the continued improvement in team culture that kept growing and becoming “really connected as a family.”

    Despite the injury, he received a list of accolades last year, including being named to the second team All-Ivy. But when he looks back on his career, it’s the change in Penn’s culture that Korzeniowski feels proudest of.

    “I’ve been a part of the process where I’ve seen it at its worst, but I’ve also seen it at its best,” Korzeniowski said. “That’s just been an incredibly rewarding thing to witness firsthand: to know the change that we’ve implemented, to know that we’ve affected the legacy of this program and hoping that it carries the change forward moving forward.”

    “The care, the kindness, the thoughtfulness, the generosity, the work ethic … I love that balance of having great quality relationships with them but then also taking care of business on the field going to war.”

    So far this season, Penn men’s soccer is 5-1-1 and sits at No. 20 in the national poll. With the experience and leadership he’s gained from the past three years, Korzeniowski is ready to make his last year in the Red and Blue count.

    “I want to go out with a bang senior year and to leave it all out there,” Korzeniowski said. “No regrets, to feel fulfilled, to know that I gave it my best and helped this program during the time I was here — leave a legacy.”



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  • Does Penn State play today? Nittany Lions’ Week 3 college football schedule

    If nothing else, Penn State’s 2024 football season hasn’t been predictable.

    The Nittany Lions entered the year with lofty expectations, with a preseason No. 9 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll and bolstered by the promise of a 12-team College Football Playoff and Big Ten expansion no longer forcing them to play both Ohio State and Michigan every year.

    James Franklin and his team opened up the season emphatically, going on the road to pummel West Virginia 34-12 in a game in which the Mountaineers were a trendy upset pick. After a shaky sophomore season, Drew Allar impressed in his first game with new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, throwing for 216 yards and three touchdowns on just 17 passes.

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  • Is Julian Fleming’s Mother a Former Athlete? Everything To Know About Penn State WR’s Family & His Athletic Roots

    Is Julian Fleming’s Mother a Former Athlete? Everything To Know About Penn State WR’s Family & His Athletic Roots

    The team comes above everything: A common yet superlative motto that has been shaping the reality of a lot of football phenoms, including Penn State football’s high-stakes transfer, Julian Fleming. The former Ohio State receiver made a pivotal choice to land on the transfer portal as the future looks only sweeter for him and the collective. Despite starting on a lackluster note and not contributing much to the Nittany Lions’ impressive victory against the Mountaineers on the season opener last week, Flaming rightfully became the centerpiece of the night, not breaking off-the-record pre-season hype. Coach James Franklin sees it on a quite positive note, considering how he did everything that was needed for the team.

    While we are bracing up to see better use of the talented receiver in the rest of the season, let’s take a quick trip to his upbringing and the influence of his mother Betsy Fleming.

    Meet the ‘lady’ of Julian Flaming’s life, Betsy Fleming: 

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    The former Ohio star underwent a distinct childhood with an absent father who abandoned him and his mom when he was just a toddler. The Richmond But that doesn’t mean it made him any less emotionally sound than any other kid in the community because mom Betsy didn’t let him feel the void father. Once, in a candid chitchat, Flaming explained how the negligancy of his dad didn’t bother him at all, rather it worked as a fuel to do better in life, and in his career, making his mom’s struggle worthwhile. So, when the crowd on the ground used to mock him chanting, “Where’s your dad-dy?, the kid had the maturity to not pay heed even at his 16. But his mom did. “My mom doesn’t like it. I had to calm her down after the game.”, he noted revealing Betsy’s sentiment toward that humiliating racial overtone. However, it’s also his mom who later tamed down the bitter taste of racism from his heart with a ”let them think what what they’re gonna think” approach.

    Coming to the prodigious lady, Betsy Fleming chose his kid over everything ever since her husband left him in the dark. She had a deep profound impact on his son’s life both as a mother and father figure. But the most salient thing about her was she was an eminent athlete. Despite not pursuing the sport as a career, possibly due to the responsibility of her child, Betsy was widely popular as a hockey and track star in the community during her high school days. 

    But she picked up the sporty gene from her father, Flaming’s grandfather, Mick Fleming, the central male figure of the Penn State sensation.

    How did Mick Flaming shape the childhood and early life values of his grandson?

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    Mick Fleming, an esteemed Southern Columbia basketball coach, provided little Julian a father-like care. The beloved pop-pop (the adorable nickname given by Julian Flaming) to the star receiver of the Nittany Lions, taught him the basics about the sport. He also upskilled in bike riding just at the age of three and a lot of other activities, including tractor running and tree planting, to name a couple.

    But the most important lesson the kid gathered from his noble grandfather was how to be a man of virtue, a man of higher value in life, guiding the future generation to the right path. Mick helped an innately competitive Julian to be friendly and sporty with other kids on the field when the competition faded out.

    It will be interesting to see how the new tenure with Penn State treats the phenom going forward and how he shines through his career even more, doing justice to his instilled family values and care.

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