Downtown State College

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State students reacted with a range of emotions – from sadness to anger – after word broke late Wednesday night that Joe Paterno was out immediately as coach of the Nittany Lions.

The university’s board of trustees said Paterno would not be finishing the season, as he had announced earlier in the day. In addition, the board said Graham Spanier had stepped down as Penn State president.

In the section of downtown State College known as “Beaver Canyon” – a stretch of Beaver Avenue lined with high-rise apartment buildings – emotions erupted after the announcement that Paterno had been fired.

A student who identified herself as Rachel said: “I can’t believe they did this to JoePa. It’s wrong. We’re upset, and we have a right to be here.”

Thousands of students surrounded Old Main, the campus administrative building, while a peaceful demonstration was held at the Nittany Lion Shrine on campus.

“We heard there was going to be lots of rioting tonight, so we came here,” he said. “It’s a non-violent demonstration. People are upset. But we’re here to pray.”

Back downtown, student Sara Strone, 22, of Pittsburgh, watched students tear down a lightpost near the corner of Pugh Street and Beaver Avenue.

“I’m unhappy with everyone in the student body,” Strone said. “They’re taking the focus off the (child sex assault) victims. Penn State is known for integrity. The administration let us all down.”

Alicia Clarke, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, added: “I think people are angry. But it’s important for everyone to remember the real victims.

Copyright 2011 The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA.