Feb. 10, 2016
By Samantha DelRosso, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Tuesday evening was a special night for many Penn State student-athletes. The Varsity ‘S' Club hosted the 2015 Letterwinner Jacket Ceremony, where more than 180 student-athletes were honored for earning their first varsity letter award during the 2015 season.
First-year lettermen and women were awarded with a Varsity ‘S' Jacket inside the Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom.
Penn State student-athletes earn their letterwinner's jacket by meeting the requirements of their respective sports. It is a first-year award and student athletes ranging from freshmen to seniors can earn this award by participating in their sport.
Additional awards are earned by continued participation. After earning a lettermen's jacket, a student athlete can earn a framed varsity ‘S' as a second award and a varsity ‘S' blanket as a third. The final award is a varsity ring that is awarded to student athletes at the completion of their sport during their senior year.
Freshman Ellie Jean of the 2015 national champion women's soccer team said earning this jacket is a great ending to a great season.
"It's really cool being here and seeing all of the other athletes get their jackets as well," Jean said. "Our season went great this fall, so it was really exciting. And now getting a jacket just makes it so much better."
For junior baseball player Jake Pilewicz, this is an award he is thrilled to show his parents.
"I grew up a Penn State fan. Both of my parents went here," Pilewicz said. "Getting this jacket, it's a big deal. Being able to bring this jacket home to them is going to mean the world to them."
Former Penn State student-athletes spoke at the ceremony and reminded the group that being a Penn State athlete is for life.
"I hope you all realize that the letter you just earned tonight is forever. No one can ever take it away from you. You are now part of Penn State's history," said former Nittany Lion football student-athlete Justin Kurpeikis (1996-200).
Kurpeikis stood in front of the group of student athletes and discussed what having a varsity letter means to him. He explained what the letter represents, beyond its physical meaning.
"An actual, physical letter is just a symbol. You can lose it in a move, it can get stolen or destroyed, yet you still have your letter. Because symbols are just a physical representation of your achievement," Kurpeikis said. "No one can ever take away what you did. It represents the work and contribution you made to your respective teams this year."
Women's gymnastics alum Tracy Salvino-Longenecker shared her story about how being a former Penn State athlete still helps her to this day. She also gave advice to the current athletes.
"Remember to always to share your pride for Penn State and your passion for your sport with the next generations," Salvino-Longenecker said.
Kurpeikis also had some words of advice.
"Enjoy this tonight. And when that alarm goes off tomorrow morning, get up, forget about it, and get back to work," said Kurpeikis.