Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter annual dinner is May 5

The Greater Scranton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will hold its 37th annual Penn State Night and Dinner on May 5 at Fiorelli's Banquet and Conference Center in Peckville.

This year's keynote speaker is Bob Shoop, the defensive coordinator for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He has brought 26 years of collegiate coaching experience back to his home state as the Nittany Lions' defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

A native of Oakmont, Pa., he was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Penn State last season after serving in the same capacity at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2014, directing the Commodores to Top 25 finishes in total defense every season: 18th (2011), 19th (2012) and 23rd (2013).

At Penn State this past season, Coach Shoop's defense helped the Nittany Lions to a 7-5 record, including a win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. Defensive standouts Mike Hull and Anthony Zettel were named first-team All-Big Ten and Hull led the Big Ten with 10.8 tackles per game.  The defense ranked in the Top Ten nationally in numerous categories including No. 2 rankings in total defense, passing efficiency defense, and first downs defense, plus a No. 3 ranking in rushing defense. 

The team also ranked in the Top Ten nationally in third down conversion percentage (No. 6), fourth down conversion percentage (No. 7), scoring defense (No. 7), and passing yards allowed (No. 9).

Shoop also has coached at William & Mary (2007-10), Massachusetts (2006), Columbia (2003-05), Boston College (1999-2002), Army (1998), Villanova (1997), Yale (1989, 1994-96), Northeastern (1991-93) and Virginia (1990). He was a wide receiver at Yale, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1988 after earning honorable mention All-Ivy League accolades in 1987. He was also a three-sport standout at Riverview High School and is a member of the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame.


At this year's event Bob Shoop will share the spotlight with Penn State's Alumnus of the Year and Penn State Worthington Scranton Athletes of the Year.  The honored Alumnus of the Year is Gary DiBileo along with Penn State Worthington Scranton's Male and Female Athletes of the Year. 


If you plan on going to the annual dinner:  Cash bar starts at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 7:30 PM.  For information and registration, go to www.psuscranton.org or email: [email protected], or call the PSWS Alumni Office at 570-963-2537.