Nicky The Cowboy: A Journey of Faith, Passion, and Penn State Pride
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | January 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Michael Owen Photography
In a world filled with trends and fleeting moments of fame, some stories rise above the noise, carrying a deeper meaning and purpose. One such story is that of Nicky The Cowboy, a remarkable student at Penn State whose journey from a small-town campus to the Main Campus has been nothing short of a testament to faith, resilience, and love for the Penn State community.
You've heard of the Penn State Nittany Lion, the iconic symbol of the university's athletic spirit, but have you heard of Nicky The Cowboy? Over the past few years, Nicky has become a beloved figure on campus, with his white cowboy hat and blue stripe becoming synonymous with Penn State pride. While he might not have the same legendary status as the Nittany Lion, Nicky is now recognized across campus. Whether it's on the Jumbotron at football games or being approached by fellow students for pictures, Nicky's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering devotion to the school have earned him a place in the hearts of Penn State fans everywhere. In many ways, he's become a symbol of the university's spirit, a down-to-earth, humble figure whose love for God and Penn State shines as brightly as any mascot.
Nicky is always quick to humble himself, pointing out that he is just one of the many incredible Penn State fans who fill the bleachers at every game. He often reminds others that the true heart of the Nittany Lion community lies in the collective spirit of all the fans, each bringing their own passion and pride to the stands. For Nicky, it's not about standing out; it's about being part of something much larger than himself—an unwavering, united fanbase that makes Penn State so special.
Like many first-year students, Nicky was excited to experience everything Penn State had to offer. As a freshman, he found himself drawn to the traditions, pride, and culture that define the Penn State community. One tradition that stood out to him was the famed White-Out game, one of the most iconic events in college sports. For Nicky, attending a White-Out game was a dream come true and is what solidified his Penn State devotion. But he didn’t want to just be another face in the crowd—he wanted to add something unique to the experience.
“I wanted to do something extra,” he says with a smile, recalling the moment he grabbed his old white cowboy hat and decided to make it part of his Penn State identity. It wasn’t just any cowboy hat—it was a statement. Over time, Nicky added a blue stripe down the middle of the hat, and the transformation was complete. His hat became an instant sensation, and soon enough, Nicky was a familiar face on the Jumbotron and around campus.
As Nicky’s cowboy hat and customized chaps became a recognizable symbol, his presence at Penn State began to grow. It wasn’t long before he became a beloved figure on campus, with students seeking him out for pictures. “I’m just another student,” Nicky humbly says, reflecting on the attention he receives. This isn’t something he sought—it’s a byproduct of his passion for the school and his commitment to representing Penn State with pride.
One of the highlights of Nicky’s college experience was becoming apart of Nittanyville. Nittanyville students camp out for days to get the best seats in the stadium as well as participate in many other events. Nicky’s dedication to Penn State had earned him this coveted privilege . As Nicky's presence at Penn State has grown, it isn't just students who recognize him. Athletes began to take notice too. Whether at football games, other athletic events, or around campus, players will spot him and exclaim, "You're that cowboy!" His white cowboy hat and blue stripe have become an iconic symbol of Penn State pride.
But despite the attention and recognition, Nicky’s heart remains humble. He’s not about fame; he’s about faith. As he walks around campus, he’s often approached by other students who want a photo with the famous “cowboy kid.” His response is always the same: “I’m just another student.”
What makes Nicky truly special, however, isn’t just his iconic cowboy hat or his growing fame on campus. It’s his unwavering faith in God and his commitment to being a light to those around him. “I’ve got to give all glory to God,” Nicky says, pointing to his Creator as the source of his success and amazing opportunities. “Without God, I’m nothing, and He deserves all the credit and all the glory. I’m glad He’s using me for that.”
A verse that Nicky has carried with him throughout his life is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This verse, he explains, has been a constant reminder for him to remain focused on God, even in the midst of the attention he’s received. Whether in the bleachers, in the classroom, or among friends, Nicky strives to be a beacon of light, pointing everyone back to Jesus.
In addition to his academic and athletic involvement, Nicky is actively engaged in campus ministries. He’s part of a men's group and participates in 'CREW' (Crusaders for Christ), where he finds community and support in his faith. These groups, along with his commitment to his personal relationship with God, help him stay grounded amid all the excitement and distractions of college life.
Nicky’s journey to this point wasn’t without its challenges. He reflects on the obstacles he faced growing up, particularly during his junior high and high school years, when he often felt unwanted or out of place. But God had a bigger plan for him, and now, as a proud Penn State student, Nicky can look back with gratitude at how far he’s come. “In high school, I feel like they didn’t want me there,” he admits. “Now, look at where God has placed me.”
This sense of purpose and direction is what keeps Nicky focused, no matter how much attention he receives. “It’s all about the glory of God,” he says. “Everything I do, I want it to reflect His love and light. If people notice me, I want them to see Jesus in me.”
Despite his deep involvement in Penn State athletics, Nicky expressed his disappointment when his name was not drawn for one of the coveted student tickets to the upcoming Orange Bowl, where Penn State will face Notre Dame. While many might have been disheartened by the missed opportunity, Nicky took it in stride, trusting that there was a reason behind the outcome. His unwavering faith in God’s plan reminded him that sometimes, things don’t go as we hope, but that doesn’t diminish his commitment to serving the Penn State community or his belief that every moment, whether in the stadium or not, is part of a greater purpose. Whether he’s on the Jumbotron, sitting in the front row of a football game, or standing in the crowd, Nicky’s focus remains steadfast on serving God and honoring His will.
As Nicky continues his journey at Penn State, one thing is clear: he’s more than just a recognizable face in the crowd. He’s a living testament to the power of faith, humility, and love for others. With his cowboy hat and infectious spirit, Nicky has become an iconic figure at Penn State, but it’s his commitment to glorifying God that truly sets him apart.
“I’m just another student,” he says, but to those who know him, Nicky The Cowboy is much more—he’s a light, a witness, and a reminder that no matter where life takes us, with God, all things are possible.
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Courtesy of MichaelOwenPhotography
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