The area resembled a huge playground. Dancers, sporting T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes, busily danced and played. Some hurled beach balls and footballs above the crowd, while others entertained themselves with comic books, hopscotch or a jumprope.

Excitement and energy levels ran high in everyone during the 17th annual Interfraternity Council Dance Marathon.

Out of the original 544 dancers, 507 finished the marathon, raising $456,617.90, a huge increase over last year's total of $324,199. The money raised benefits for child cancer patients and the Hershey Medical Center's Four Diamonds Fund.

"Everybody, you are awesome," said Overall Chairman Jonathan Ferrara at the marathon's conclusion. "Thank you and have a nice nap."

Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority raised the most money for the marathon, totaling $112,618.83.

"This event is the very best of the Penn State tradition," said University President Bryce Jordan Saturday afternoon. "I'm very proud of it."

"You are putting yourself out for those less fortunate than you," Jordan said, congratulating the participants for their efforts.

Child patients and their families visited the marathon throughout the weekend. Despite their illnesses, the energetic children invigorated the participants.

"Everytime I see the kids I get excited," said James Marino, public relations chairman. "It's been a really amazing effort."

Morale team members supported dancers during their 48-hour endurance test. The team enthusiastically taught participants a line dance to the song "Train in Vain" by The Clash. The dance immediately rejuvenating fatigued dancers when performed throughout the weekend.

"Everyone is pumped up," Barbie Belle, a morale team member, said early in the marathon.

Friend support was incredible, Marino said. Observers packed the gymnasium bleachers until 5 a.m. both Friday and Saturday night. Many dedicated supporters stayed until dawn on both nights.

The onlooking crowd boosted dancer energy with decorative banners and cheers. Many friends brought gifts such as small toys and homemade cookies.

Dancers looked weary Saturday afternoon, yet enthusiasm levels remained high. Dancing slowed for a few hours that afternoon and many marathoners simply wandered around the gymnasium.

"I'm feeling a little disoriented," said Megan Farrell (freshman-liberal arts), who entertained herself with toys at the game table. "Look, I've untangled this Slinky."

Dancers progress through different phases during the marathon, said morale team member Lisa Burkhart. Participants experienced moments of exhaustion then became suddenly energetic, she said.

"I think everybody gets a little bored," she said.

The morale team combated boredom with entertainment and games. Many team members kept busy by massaging the exhausted dancers.

"They're in the zombie phase right now," said morale team member Nina Huntemann at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The morale team was busiest Sunday when many dancers experienced hallucinations.

"It's a hoppin' day," said morale Captain Dave Marsten.

Jeff Brooks (senior-horticulture) said his hallucination lasted six hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

"Everything was two-dimensional and it was like I was looking through a video camera," he said.

Injuries, including fallen arches, swollen feet and exhaustion were handled by the Emergency Medical Service.

Members of University's football, basketball, gymnastics and cheerleading teams led the dancers in stretching exercises throughout the weekend. The Nittany Lion, clad in a Dance Marathon T-shirt, also paid a visit to motivate the crowd.

Spirits soared the final hour of the marathon. Revitalized dancers twisted, shouted and danced their way to the final ten-second countdown. A large crowd of onlookers joined the dancers, singing and swaying in the bleachers.

"(The dancers) don't know how much they mean to us," said Teresa Brannon, whose 11-year-old daughter is a patient at the Hershey Medical Center. Without the marathon's support, she said, the family would have been forced to mortgage their home to pay for treatment.

The marathon accounts for 63 percent of the funds for the Four Diamonds. Money raised is used for family support, cancer research, social services and the Child Life Program, which helps child patients deal with their illness.

"So tell me, is it worth the aches and pains?" asked Kathy Hale, associate director of University development and communications at the Hershey Medical Center.

An overwhelming cheer and applause assured the families that, despite the dancer's aches and pains, the marathon was a success.