What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.
Joe PaternoRead
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.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire to be remembered for making a positive impact rather than just professional achievements.
Joe Paterno emphasizes the importance of legacy and the impact one has on their community over mere professional accolades. He hopes to be remembered for contributing positively to Penn State, reflecting the value of making a difference in the lives of others rather than just excelling in one's career.
In practice
During a tribute speech, I would use this quote to emphasize the importance of community service.
What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.
I don't think it's fair to 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds to say 'Show us you're a winner right now!' Winning isn't everything. I'll never buy that thing that if a boy loses a football game, he's a loser in life.
My thing was play as hard as you can, don't be stupid, pay attention to details, and have enough guts in the clutch that you're not afraid to make a play. Some things I thought were important for a young man to know.
What is a coach? We are teachers. Educators. We have the same obligations as all teachers, except we probably have more influence over young people than anybody but their families. And, in a lot of cases, more than their families.
The name on the front of the jersey is what really matters, not the name on the back.
Today everyone is a star - they're all billed as 'starring' or 'also starring'. In my day, we earned that recognition.
It means a great deal, I think, to start off on a foundation which one has made for oneself.
If you don't sell, it's not the product that's wrong, it's you.
There is no secret to success except hard work and getting something indefinable which we call 'the breaks.' In order for a writer to succeed, I suggest three things - read and write - and wait.
If you have no family or friends to aid you . . . turn your face to the Great West and there build up your home and fortune.
My career got off to a very shaky start when I dropped out of school at the age of 18. Despite my lack of academic credentials, I got a job as a fashion assistant at 'Harper's & Queen.'
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