Angelo Di Maria’s use of differing elements in Joe Paterno’s monument suggests the man was not just an exceptional coach, but also an exceptional human being. The seven-foot tall, bronze monument on the east side of Beaver Stadium was dedicated to the success of the long-time coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football program. Centered in the monument, Joe Paterno was displayed smiling and running, presumably onto the field, with a bas-relief of players following behind him. The action of the coach pointing his hand and index-finger up toward the crowd reflected his will to win and dominance throughout the years. Illustrating how Paterno led his players onto the field year after year, in culmination with the career list of the games he coached engraved on the right side of the monument, Maria made it apparent that Paterno was mainly a successful coach. Yet, through the use of Paterno’s iconic quote and three bold adjectives located to the left of Paterno’s statue, the sculptor showcased that Paterno was much more than that. Written as an, “Educator, Coach, (and) Humanitarian”, the words outshadow Joe as just a coach. Backed by the legend’s quote of, “They ask me what I’d like written about me when I’m gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach”, emphasis is placed on the coach as a caring and loyal individual, whom helped Penn State grow, both on and off the field. Going back to the four players from Joe’s team running behind him, it was reflected that Paterno was a leader and his team were the followers. The location of the monument shows Joe’s instructional impact as a coach, yet through the word “educator” to the left of Paterno’s sculpture, it was also inferred that he taught off the field. With the connection of the monument’s descriptive words, iconic statue, trademark quote, and ideal location, this work of art effectively paid homage to the great Joe Paterno as so many flocked to it day in and day out. Thanks to this masterpiece, Angelo Di Maria suggested that Joe Paterno truly was more than just a coach.
