Tradition. In most cases, it takes years before a program, cause or event can lay claim to becoming a tradition. Just six years old, the Penn State Lift for Life has quickly gained such recognition by the members of the football squad and Nittany Nation. The current squad members, many of whom are members of Penn State Uplifting Athletes, are the primary organizers of the July event, which is held to raise funds and awareness for the Kidney Cancer Association and assist kidney cancer patients. More than $70,000 was raised through 2008, bringing the six-year total to more than $300,000 for kidney cancer patients. Wide receiver Patrick Mauti is one of the squad members who has taken a major leadership role with the event the past two years, serving as secretary of Penn State[apos]s Uplifting Athletes chapter. Mauti[apos]s skills, attitude and excellent work ethic in practice and the weight room helped him earn playing time on offense and special teams last season. With the graduation of three of the most productive wideouts in school history, Mauti heads into the season continuing to work hard to earn a spot in the wideout rotation. His younger brother, Michael, enrolled at Penn State in January 2008 and was a contributor on special teams and at linebacker as a true freshman. Their father, Rich, was a letterman for the Nittany Lions in 1975 and `76 as a wide receiver and played for eight years in the National Football League. Patrick received his degree in May and is enrolled in a second major -- crime, law and justice. He posted a 3.20 grade-point average during the 2009 spring semester.
2008 Senior Season
Mauti[apos]s determined work ethic helped him earn playing time on offense and special teams amongst the deep and talented wide receiver unit. He saw action in five games -- Coastal Carolina, Syracuse, Temple, Indiana and Michigan State. Mauti made his first career catch in the victory over Michigan State to clinch the Big Ten title. He saw action on a season-high 12 snaps at Syracuse.
2007 Junior Season
Mauti saw his efforts rewarded with playing time against Florida International, Wisconsin, Purdue, Temple and Michigan State, but he did not record a reception. He made one catch for 10 yards in the 2008 Blue-White game.
2006 Sophomore Season
Mauti saw playing time in the Nittany Lions[apos] wins over Northwestern and Temple.
2005 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
A three-year letterman at Mandeville HS, Mauti played quarterback and wide receiver for Coach Rodney Corkern. Mauti also was a standout tennis player, being selected four-time Most Valuable Player for his high school team and winning the 2005 Division I Regional doubles championship in his senior year. He was ranked in the Top 10 in Louisiana in the Boys 18 and under category.
Personal
Full name is Patrick Richard Mauti. He is the son of Rich and Nancy Mauti and has a brother, Michael, and a sister, Rachel. His father was a letterman for the Nittany Lions in 1975 and [apos]76 as a wide receiver and played for the National Football League[apos]s New Orleans Saints (1977-83) and Washington Redskins (1984). Patrick Mauti received his degree in kinesiology in May 2009 and is enrolled in a second major -- crime, law and justice. Born May 21, 1986 in New Orleans, La.