Sold-Out 'Caravan' Brings Nittany Lion Coaches to Penn College
Published 05.07.2013
A sold-out lunch at the Penn College Field House kicked off the second week of the Penn State Coaches Caravan on Tuesday morning. Nittany Lion football coach Bill O'Brien, who is headlining the bus tour on all 12 of its stops, was joined in his local visit by Char Morett, field hockey coach, and Mark Pavlik, coach of the Penn State men's volleyball team. More than 2,100 Nittany Nation alumni and fans attended last week's first six stops of the caravan, held in conjunction with the university's nationally recognized, 31-sport "One Team" academic/athletic program. The event included availability to the media in the Thompson Professional Development Center.
– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer
... joined by coaches Char Morett (field hockey) and Mark Pavlik (men's volleyball).
Coach Bill O'Brien fields a question in the Thompson Professional Development Center ...
O'Brien points out that the most successful teams that's been involved with have always worked together.
Lenore G. Penfield, director of special events and the Madigan Library gallery, accompanies coaches O'Brien (left) and Pavlik.
The coach signs a football helmet during his walk across campus.
President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien to campus.
Coach O'Brien tells members of the crowd that their support is more important than ever.
The blue-and-white faithful were among the guests for Tuesday's meet-and-greet.
A proud alumna, who earned her Ph.D. and master's degrees in health education from Penn State, President Gilmour offers opening remarks.
Roger L. Williams, executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association (an event co-sponsor with the Nittany Lion Club) introduces the day's guests.
A standing-room-only crowd attends Coaches Caravan lunch in the college Field House.
Coach Morett notes that next year marks the 50th anniversary of women's athletics at Penn State.
Coach Pavlik encourages his audience to attend Penn State athletics and "be loud" so the student-athletes know "they are playing for more than themselves."
A standing ovation for coach O'Brien
Bill O'Brien emphasizes that all Penn State student-athletes are "students first."