Paterno’s A Happy Camper In Happy Valley

Even after 31 seasons of leading the Penn State Nittany Lions, Joe Paterno still isn’t looking for the exit sign.

“I don’t want to retire, he said Tuesday.

“I’ve seen too many people retire and that’s the end of it. They sit around, play golf, go to cocktail parties … that’s not me. I’d be too active.”

The man affectionately known as “Joe Pa” did admit that he relies on the people around him more now than in years past.

“My job really is in a lot of ways easier than it’s been,” said Paterno, speaking at an informal gathering in Manhattan. “I can do more and just the things I like to do.”

It might take some outside influences to get the 70-year-old coach to finally walk out the door.

“I’ve said to the people around me, ‘You’ve got to keep an eye on me. If I start getting sloppy and I’m not helping … if you don’t have enough guts to tell me, you have to tell my wife.”’