Academics

Schreyer Scholars represent, cheer on Penn State in Ireland

Credit: Christopher SiergiejAll Rights Reserved.

A group of six Schreyer Honors College Scholars were able to take in the sites and sounds of Ireland as part of Penn State University’s involvement in the Croke Park Classic in Dublin on Aug. 30.

Because of their ties to their respective activities, the students were selected to travel overseas for the football game between Penn State and the University of Central Florida.

Christopher Siergiej, Sarah Shulbank-Smith, Victoria Avanzato and Catherine Brett all went on the trip as members of the Blue Band. Other scholars included Lionette Alicia Popescu and cheerleader Mark Mandel.

“The Croke Park Classic was a great opportunity for American and Irish culture to mix,” senior psychology major Brett said. “Penn State was able to bring a taste of college football to Ireland, while the people of Dublin were able to share some of their traditions with us as well.”

Senior statistics major Siergiej said he was very fortunate to be a part of the select group of Blue Band members that got to travel and visit a culturally rich area.

While the main purpose for the trip was supporting and representing the University, the scholars spoke fondly about the other opportunities they had in Dublin.

Senior immunology and infectious disease major Avanzato mentioned the different locations like Malahide Castle, St. Michan’s Church and crypts, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.

“I got to climb to the bell tower in the cathedral, ring the bells and observe a stunning view of Dublin from the top,” she said. “The old architecture was absolutely amazing.”

Adding to her experience, Avanzato said while touring the crypts the tour guide let them see and actually touch the hand of an 800-year-old mummy of a crusader.

“We whispered ‘Go State, Beat the Knights’ and shook hands,” she said. “I think the last three seconds of the game on Saturday are proof of our good luck.”

Avanzato, Brett and senior marketing major Popescu mentioned how wonderful the people of Dublin were and how interested they were to learn about Penn State.

“They completely embraced the American football spirit and were so excited to host,” Popescu said. “Everywhere we went they asked for picture and wanted to learn all about our school.”

Popescu said one of the performances was set to be a Pep Rally in Temple Bar the day before the game and she thought they’d perform in front of a couple hundred fans but ended up being blown away as thousands showed up.

“I have never had more pride for my school than I did in that moment,” she said. “The streets were filled with blue and white. Happy Valley had invaded Dublin.”

Siergiej, who is the Blue Band’s drum major, shared the same sentiment about the Pep Rally.

“I’ll never forget looking out at the crowd on the stage of the Pep Rally and seeing thousands of Penn Staters lining the streets of Dublin,” he said. “I am honored to have represented Penn State and Blue Band.”

Lastly, all students were happy with the game’s conclusion as the Nittany Lions hit a late-second field goal for the victory.

Last Updated September 8, 2014