I wanted to write and thank the Alabama fans, students, and alumni who travelled to Happy Valley this last weekend for being so kind and respectful!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it down to the Penn State vs. Alabama game in Tuscaloosa last year, but I had heard very good things from fans who had. As a Penn State student, I’ve been to quite a few football games during my time here, and I can honestly say that no other team, alumni, students or fans have shown the respect that you have. The sportsmanship and kindness I witnessed this last weekend was truly memorable.

I was particularly surprised and impressed while attending a tailgate prior to the game. My friends and I had decided to make our way to the stadium. As we walked through the tailgating fields, we were greeted with smiles and hellos by almost everyone wearing crimson.

We were just about out of the lot when we heard a “We Are…” from some lawn chairs to our right. As we began to reply with our traditional “Penn State!”, we looked over and realized that we were being greeted by an Alabama fan and his family. If that’s not respect, I don’t know what is!

I hope that those of you who made the trip up were greeted with the same warm hospitality that our fans enjoyed last year. I also want to apologize for the few students who chose to “boo” the Tide as they came onto the field. Please don’t let that tarnish your view of Penn State at all.

The majority of us strongly disagree with that kind of behavior, especially when it’s directed at a team and university of such integrity. I also hope that your time outside of the stadium and around town was enjoyable as well. We loved having you here and would be glad to welcome you again soon! Again, thank you for being so awesome!

Jordan Griswold is a junior majoring in kinesiology at Penn State.