A small group of diehard Penn State fans quickly grew to a crowd of more than 3,000 people who set their alarm clocks early to show their support for the Nittany Lions one week after severe sanctions were levied against the University and athletic department.

“The Goon Show” radio host and former PSU player Keith Conlin helped organize the early-morning Rise and Rally outside the Lasch Building to welcome players for workouts one week before preseason practice begins.

"This is the first phase of the healing. This is the first time we can actually cheer for Penn State football right now,” said Conlin. “I know people want to cheer, they want to get with these guys. They want to be happy about Penn State football again."

David Nevins told 6News that he and other business owners are working to rally around the Nittany Nation and the community that is still feeling the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal and recently released Freeh report.

"We're going to make sure Penn State is filled, whether we win 10 games or win 2 games. We're going to show the world what we're all about,” said Nevins.

During the rally, hundreds of fans formed a path leading to the doors of the Lasch Building, where fans cheered and high-fived players walking in for the early-morning workout.

“We got to support the team,” said fan Tanner Witter. “Got to give them some love after all the rough times.”

“I think they really needed this to know that the town is still behind them and that we still support them,” said fan Jordan Good.

The three newly elected Penn State Board of Trustee members said they woke up early to show their support for the team and the community.

"This does my heart good. I think everybody needed this,” said Trustee Adam Taliaferro. “I think everybody needed to be around some Penn Staters. It's been a tough time for everybody."

"Our greatest days are ahead of us, hang in there,” said Trustee Anthony Lubrano. “We know that this is just another challenge, but we also know that we'll overcome that challenge."

DuBois native Sue Wilson told 6News that she relocated years ago to Ohio with her family and that many Buckeye fans have been hurling insults and criticism when she drives around town in her van, decked out with Nittany Lions graphics.

"Someone wrapped my car a couple years ago because they said I have to be Penn State's biggest fan. Out there in Buckeye land, it's not easy,” said Wilson. "I've had some pretty ugly people come over when I try to shop at my little local grocery store or just go to my doctor's office. You wouldn't believe what people would say. It's hard to show your pride out there. You're almost afraid."

Wilson said she has spent the past two days baking cookies and cakes for coaches and team and drove hundreds of miles to be a part of the Rise and Rally event.