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The Nittany Lion is more than a mascot.
The Nittany Lion is not only a symbol of Penn State athletics. He does more than push-ups and crowd surfing at football games. He is an ambassador who makes more than 250 public appearances every year and represents the long-standing traditions of Penn State.
Meet the men who wore the suit.
Since 1939 more than 40 proud Penn State students have ruffled the Lion's ears and worn the blue and white scarf. This documentary introduces you to 13 former mascots and several hopefuls.
Explore the rich history of the Nittany Lion -- from the physical demands to the relationships with fans, especially the youngest ones. And follow in the footsteps of the newest Lion as he prepares for his debut in front of 110,000 enthusiasts inside Beaver Stadium.
This Lion has heart.
Heart of the Lion reveals the depth of character and the range of talent that the Lion Mascot must have in order to fulfill his dream and carry on the Penn State tradition.
Watch the Trailer
Share Your Comments
What did you think of the film? Have a favorite memory of the Nittany Lion? We welcome your comments. (Read the WPSU comment policy.)
Conversations
Coming Soon
The Nittany Lions
Who was the Nittany Lion when you were at Penn State?
African Lion
Richard Hoffman 1922-1923
Leon Skinner 1927
Nittany Lion
| Eugene Wettstone | 1939 |
| Donald Newberry | 1939 |
| George Terwilliger | 1939-1940 |
| Tom Kelly | 1941-1942 |
| Robert Ritzmann | 1942-1946 |
| Peter Bates | 1945-1946 |
| Clark Sharon | 1946-1947 |
| Wendell Lomady | 1947-1949 |
| Michael Kurowski | 1949-1950 |
| John Waters | 1950-1951 |
| Alex Gregal | 1951-1954 |
| Alfred Klimcke | 1954-1957 |
| William Hillgartner | 1957-1958 |
| John Behler | 1957-1960 |
| Jack Lesyk | 1960-1961 |
| Paul Seltzer | 1962-1964 |
| Edwin Parkinson | 1964-1965 |
| Martin Serota | 1965-1967 |
| Danny Kohlhepp | 1967-1969 |
| David Lacey | 1969-1971 |
| David Brazet | 1971-1972 |
| James Schaude | 1972-1973 |
| Saverio "Sam" F. Mirarchi | 1973 |
| Robert Welsh | 1973-1975 |
| Andy Bailey | 1975-1977 |
| Cliff Fiscus | 1977-1978 |
| Norman Constantine | 1978-1980 |
| Roy Scott | 1980-1982 |
| Dave Dailey | 1982-1984 |
| Rob Sterling | 1984-1986 |
| Doug Skinner | 1986-1988 |
| Peter Garland | 1988-1990 |
| Todd Shilkret | 1990-1991 |
| Tim Durant | 1991-1993 |
| Ricky Williams | 1993-1995 |
| Brad Cornali | 1995-1996 |
| Nick Indeglio | 1996-1998 |
| Marty Duff | 1998-2000 |
| Chuck Kimble | 2000-2002 |
| Mike Zollars | 2002-2003 |
| Stephen Soung | 2003-2005 |
| Dave Johnson | 2005-2007 |
| James Sheep | 2007-2009 |
| Clint Gyory | 2009 -- |
The Funders
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this documentary possible.
Major Funding Provided by:
Penn State Alumni Association
Lion's Pride
Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park
The Student Book Store
Kolhepp Stone Centers
Links
The Nittany Lion: An Illustrated Tale
by Jackie R. Esposito and Steven L. Herb (1997)
Get your copy at Penn State Press
Press Room
Press Release
Contacts
Jeff Hughes
Executive Producer
814-863-9539
jah10@psu.edu
Greg Petersen
WPSU Director of Programming Services
814-863-4011
GregP@psu.edu