Penn State's 46-hour Thon already full of memories, surprises as event inches toward conclusion
Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the annual 46-hour no-sitting dance marathon to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer, took off Friday — and has so far been filled with memorable moments.
Although the event that's happened annually since 1973 won't reveal the money raised until it ends 4 p.m. Sunday, more than 700 participants converged at the Bryce Jordan Center starting 6 p.m. Friday. And, if anyone needed a reminder for why they were there, the annual line dance was announced the first day and included the lyrics, 'Remember who you are dancing for.'
As the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, Thon benefits the Four Diamonds Fund and helps pediatric cancer patients and their families at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
'I've grown up in State College. My whole life I've been surrounded by Penn State, so I've grown up hearing about Thon, this huge event,' said Sruthi Ramesh, who is taking part as a dancer representing Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional co-ed business fraternity with more than 100 active members. 'As a high school student in the school district, we were super involved in Thon. We would donate, but I never really got to see it as a student and get to be in the environment.
'Coming to Penn State as a freshman and getting to see Thon (for the first time) really changed the way I viewed Thon, even though I grew up with it my whole life.'
The senior took part into the dance relations committee during her first involvement with Thon. Ramesh enjoyed being part of the committee since she was able to collaborate in the event.
'I joined Alpha Kappa Psi and I was able to stand with them in the stands for Final Four,' Ramesh said, referring to the final four hours of last year's Thon. 'It was really just this amazing moment to get to see Penn State come together as one. After that, I was like 'I would love to be getting more involved for HSI and be THON chair.' So, I was Thon chair my junior year, and then obviously, now I get the privilege and honor of dancing for Psi as a senior.'
The student was able to visit Penn State Hershey before the event because organizations are able to follow two families throughout the year. Ramesh said she was 'genuinely so honored and thrilled' with the experience.
The first hours of the event were highlighted by The Fray's performance. The Grammy-nominated band encouraged the dancers and spectators to sing along with hits like 'How to Save a Life' and 'Over My Head.' Thon's second day was no different, keeping the energy as high as the first day.
When asked about her favorite moment, Ramesh didn't hesitate.
'I would say this year has been getting to see my organization up in the stands cheering all of our six dancers on,' Ramesh said. 'It's truly so exciting to get to see every single person there, jumping, dancing, having so much fun up in the stands, because they're really here to support us. It's just amazing to see that support in general.'
One of the highlights of the second day was the kid and teen's talent show. One of the Four Diamond kids, Melaina Horan, shook up the Bryce Jordan Center by performing a dance to Penn State's fight song.
To end the daily performances, Penn State student-athletes participated in the annual pep rally Saturday night. The presentation started with a performance from the Blue Band, with Blue Sapphire at the forefront.
Not long after, Thon organizers took the stage to announce that the Bryce Jordan Center reached its full capacity.
Former Penn State football quarterback Trace McSorley was one of the surprises of the night, but he wasn't the only one. University President Neeli Bendapudi and Athletic Director Pat Kraft took the stage to say supportive words to the dancers.
Through pre-recorded videos, Penn State alums Stephen Nedoroscik ('Pommel Horse Guy'), professional women's soccer player Sam Coffey and Super Bowl champion Saquon Barkley showed support to the dancers and the cause.
It was not only athletes who participated in the pep rally. Women's volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who announced she beat cancer in the beginning of the month, was there alongside her national champion team.
'This is bigger than winning a national championship,' Schumacher-Cawley said. 'I'm so proud and I am so happy to be a Penn Stater.'
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