Penn State Traditions 101: The words “We Are Penn State” were first cheered in Beaver Stadium in 1976. Inspired by the enthusiasm opposing teams’ fans on the road, squad members were determined to bring excitement back to their home field by creating a new cheer. While it took some time to catch on, the cheerleaders persevered, and by 1981, "We Are... Penn State" was a fixture of games—and of the language of every Penn Stater.    Penn State legend also loosely ties the phrase back to 1946, when the football team made history by refusing to play in a game against then-segregated University of Miami. When told they must leave their Black players at home, the Penn State team instead voted to cancel the game. The following season, Penn State was invited to the Cotton Bowl but was again asked to leave the team's two Black athletes, Wally Triplett and Dennie Hoggard, at home. They refused that request, with captain Steve Suhey reportedly saying, “We're Penn State,” indicating that they were ...