On the ground in "Paternoville"

The students who make up "Paternoville" are known for their dedication to Penn State's football team. And few Paternoville residents are more dedicated than Chris Grassi.

Grassi has been a part of 29 campouts since 2005, the year that Paternoville was officially named after Penn State's beloved football coach, Joe Paterno.

A leader in the Paternoville community, Chris Grassi says it's "the dedication" that has made Paternoville a unique tradition, because even though other schools may have campouts, they "don't do it every week."

"We are out here every week, for every game—no matter how small," Grassi said.

Penn State's beloved coach is known to surprise the committed campers with pizza and praise for their support of the team. Now it would take a truckload of piping-hot pizza to feed the ever-growing Paternoville population, which now tops more than 100.

"I used to know literally everyone up here," said Grassi, who has seen Paternoville grow from the early days, when students raced to be the first tent in line, to today when students must sign up for spots that the Paternoville Coordination Committee (PCC) regulates.

The PCC was formed by Penn State in 2006 when the university decided to restrict camping. Now, students and university officials meet to maintain an orderly regimen. For example, the PCC requires at least one student from each registered group to be stationed at Gate A—at all times—from opening hour until game day.

But rules don't stop the fun in Paternoville.

On rowdy nights in the tent city a trash can drum line—led by veteran campers—often starts impromptu pep rallies, with a beat that only the Blue Band could duplicate.

"We sing songs and have a good time," Grassi said.

Grassi has only missed one home game in his college career—and that was because of a class commitment. He has also attended the past four Penn State bowl games and at least one away game each season.

Katie Huber knows Grassi from Paternoville and will be completing her second straight year of camping out this season.

"Chris Grassi is one of the most interesting Penn State fans I know," said Huber. "He is extremely dedicated to the PCC."

So what more could Grassi ask for before graduating?

"I want to see a national championship in football," he said.

-- Amy Eichenlaub