The State College Quarterback Club: a support group Penn State Football didn't know it needed

What sounds like every fan’s dream, a weekly sit-down with Penn State Football’s head coach and star players, is a reality for a small group of enthusiasts.

The State College Quarterback Club, the official booster club for Penn State Football, has been hosting meetings since 1941 – a formal founding of the group once known as The Monday Morning Quarterbacks.

From era to era, the club has held luncheons to meet with fellow Penn State fans and converse with people in the athletics organization, speaking with coaches and players spanning generations.

However, this club acts as more than just a booster; it’s a support system for the players that can be hard to come by in the cutthroat national sphere of college football.

“It's unbelievable and it's unique,” club President John Souren said. “The coach comes every week and talks, and the members can come and ask questions, it's very unusual, and we couldn’t be more honored.”

Developing a deeper bond is a part of every meeting, as fans go beyond the surface to build a relationship with the program.

“We get insight into the players and we get to hear about families, siblings, parents, majors and why they chose Penn State…every week those are normal questions,” Souren said.

Despite being a member for 12 years, “excited” Penn Stater Souren still finds the same enjoyment in attending every week, meeting new players every time.

“It’s a great tradition we have,” Souren said. “I still enjoy sitting there, I just lean back and enjoy what people have to say.”

But, after the latest losses to Ohio State and Michigan this season, the Penn State program, specifically the players, found themselves painted in a new light.

Since he took over in 2014, head coach James Franklin is 4-15 against these two teams, which are the biggest rivals to the program.

Feeling frustrated with the pattern, fickle supporters took to social media to express their distaste – giving up on a once hopeful season, and turning their backs on the players.

Board Member Sherry Lonsdale viewed this as an opportunity for the club to take on an important role, one of encouragement and example – something that would show the players that they are more than just the game.

“After these two losses, it’s astonishing to read what people will say on the internet…the players and families see that,” Lonsdale said.

Finding people turning so quickly on the players, the Quarterback Club aims to connect with the players on a human level, expressing an interest beyond performance.

“The people at the luncheons are going to be there regardless,” Lonsdale said. “To be surrounded by all the fans, to be able to kind of connect with the players on a different level…you learn things you never hear about. It humanizes them as students, not just players on the field.”

The player portion of the luncheon includes an interview and Q&A session, emceed by Penn State radio play-by-play announcer Steve Jones.

After asking a football question to get the players comfortable, things turn to a personal level.

Often nervous or shy, some of the players take a minute to warm up and interact with the crowd. However, it doesn’t take long when they realize that everyone in the room is eager to hear their story.

“I delve into everything about who they are,” Jones said. “I always make sure to ask them about their family, major and a story about them along the way.”

This is different from the typical player experience, where your interaction with the fans is cheers in the stadium after a good play.

“When you’re a football player, what do you wear during the game? A helmet. On Wednesday, no helmet, they can all see your face and smile,” Jones said.

Over the course of the season, the Quarterback Club meets with about one-third of the football team, interacting with everyone from the star quarterback to new freshmen learning the ropes.

“The support system is tremendous,” Jones said. “The fans ask great questions. They’re interested in them as people.”

Looking to next year, the members of the State College Quarterback Club will return to their lunches to meet new faces, and support student athletes on and off the field.