STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has always been fine with the comparisons because they were true and flattering and let’s face it, being No. 2 on college football’s list of longest-tenured active coaches is a great place to be.
The No. 1 guy has to field all the retirement questions. He’s the one asked to weigh in about the state of the game, the latest societal issue. Beamer had Joe Paterno and all was right with the college football world.
“My deal with Joe is, he’s a very good person, I know he is,’’ Beamer told The Post. “The first time I met him I found him so charming. And when I say charming, I mean he really made you feel important. I’ve looked up to him.’’
It’s hard to know how to look at Paterno and Penn State these days. On Nov. 5, allegations of child abuse were leveled against former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
Four days later, Paterno was fired for not having contacted law enforcement officials when informed years ago that Sandusky had been seen in a shower with a 10-year-old boy.
Thursday night, Beamer, now in the role of America’s longest tenured college football coach, his 25th at Tech, led the Hokies to a 37-26 victory at Georgia Tech. The Hokies moved to 9-1 overall, 5-1 in the ACC and first place in the Coastal Division.
When Beamer took over in Blacksburg, Va., it was a lot like State College when Paterno arrived 62 years ago — a small, agricultural land grant school. Like Paterno, the success Beamer has had with his football program has helped Tech to grow into a national university.
Beamer almost was fired after the 1992 season when the Hokies went 2-8-1. And there was a stretch when Beamer took a lot of heat over the type of players he was recruiting. Former Rutgers athletic director Bob Mulcahy once said Tech had a bunch of thugs. Michael Vick played at Tech.
Animal abuse, of course, is horrific. But it pales in comparison to the 40 charges of child sexual abuse Sandusky has been charged with. Paterno has called what allegedly happened at Penn State a tragedy, saying it’s one of the great sorrows of his life.
Many are afraid to say Paterno is a good man who made a great mistake. The public rage is so white hot, it has left no room for middle ground. Beamer isn’t afraid. You don’t build a program if you’re shaking in your shoes.
“I don’t know everything that happened but I do know this,’’ Beamer said. “Every one of us would like to have a do-over in life. No person can say they always got it right. I’m comfortable saying I like Joe and nothing will change my opinion.’
“I’ve been fortunate,’’ said Beamer, who played at Tech. “This place is like family to me. I feel good that I’ve been a part of changing the way Virginia Tech football is seen.
“I don’t see guys staying at a place that long. The money is too much. … It’s harder than it was.’’