“Normally, fans support the athletes — yesterday that role was reversed.
“Members of the Penn State men’s and women’s basketball teams gathered inside the Bryce Jordan Center last night to mingle with fans of all ages during Penn State Basketball Eve 2005.
” ‘It’s just a fun thing,’ men’s coach Ed DeChellis said. ‘It gives our fans an opportunity to know who we are.’
“Whether it was playing college hoops on X-Box, getting autographs and pictures, or participating in a number of contests and events, several hundred fans got a chance to meet their favorite Penn State athletes.
“And while players may have been the center of attention, students — and even senior citizens — enjoyed the night’s festivities.
“State College resident Charles Zendt, 68, who was busy snapping photos of the Lady Lions, said he enjoyed the show.
” ‘Any time you get to talk to somebody or at least say ‘Hi’ to them, you feel more personally involved with them,’ he said. ‘It keeps you interested in the sport.’ …”