Who was more surprised on Friday, September 22 when Bob White stepped out of his Penn State SUV and saw 13 ladies dressed in red and purple waiting for him at the VIP entrance to Beaver Stadium?
The Tyrone “Red Hat Mommas” were ready for their tour, but was Mr. White ready for them? He readily admitted he had no idea who or what they were!
“Queen Mother” Izetta Gebhart explained that, “‘There’s Fun After 50’ wearing purple outfits and red hats and aging gracefully and playfully.”
Mr. White’s second question after “who” was “what do you do?” The answer, as any Red Hatter would know is “Nothing…we just have fun and look simple….no rules…no bylaws.”
Mr. White was the 1986 co-captain for the Nittany Lions and played defensive end from 1983 to 1986, was part of the “Sack Gang” that played back to back bowl games for the National Championship and won it in 1986 with the great 14 – 10 win over the then No. 1 Miami Hurricanes in the ‘87 Fiesta Bowl.
The group thought he was impressed with the “Red Hat Mommas”, but they were more impressed with the 6’3” defensive end!
Mr. White asked if anyone was afraid of heights and not a peep was heard as the elevator headed to the third level of the Beaver Stadium Suites. First stop… the Presidential Suite… All were impressed with the 2001 expansion to 107,282 capacity from “way up high”.
After that high, they visited one of the private suites on the second level. Although not as large as the President’s Suite, all agreed it sure would be nice to cheer on the Nittany Lions with that view.
Mr. White then escorted the ladies down to ground level and through the famous “tunnel” and out on the playing field. Cameras clicked and “oohs and aahs” were heard from all.
As if the tour wasn’t grand enough, they were escorted into the media room where the ladies took turns sitting on “Joe’s seat” and snapping more pictures. Onto the museum and then the game day locker room.
Last stop was the club level and the Nittany Lion Club Lounge. More “oohs and aahs” and clicking of cameras.
Mr. White escorted the “Red Hot Mammas” back to the VIP entrance where sincere “thank yous” and handshakes were exchanged.
Although Mr. White was leary about 13 ladies dressed in Red (Ohio State) and Purple (Northwestern), the group was sure it was a fun afternoon for the director of marketing and operations for suites and club seats. It was for the “Red Hat Mommas”.
