The bidding began at $10, then within seconds it increased to $30. Once the bidding reached $85 for senior Lady Lion Gymnasts Karen Cimochowski and Kerry Slattery, auctioneer Brian Allen, a former Penn State basketball player, took off his navy blue sports coat and was ready to get down to business.

At the Days Inn Penn State, 240 S. Pugh St., yesterday, Allen was auctioning off Penn State athletes to go on dates with the highest bidder. Proceeds that totaled $1,662 will go to the 1995 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. The auction was sponsored by Theta Kappa Pi social/service sorority and Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, 238 E. Fairmount Ave.

The bidding did not stop at $85 for Cimochowski and Slattery, rather it escalated to $125, before the winner shouted "$130" at the last second.

"It's going to a good cause," said Jason Shaffer (junior-sociology), the highest bidder. "I've always wanted the chance to meet them. I'm going to talk to them and we'll go from there."

Cimochowski and Slattery, who were offered as a pair, raised the most money. They were joined by the likes of Greg Bartram (basketball), Kerry McCoy (wrestling), Salima Davidson (volleyball), Vin Stewart (football) and other athletes and cheerleaders.

"We were here to help raise money for the 'Thon," Cimochowski said. "We had no idea we would go for this much money. Kerry and I didn't even plan on coming out together until right before we came out."

Most people in attendance looked forward to the opportunity to meet one of the players. But for some it was a chance to surprise a friend.

Tammy Bailey (senior-Spanish), bought Lion quarterback Wally Richardson for $50. However, Richardson will not go on a date with Bailey, but with Lady Lion basketball player Carla Coleman.

"It's a surprise gift for my friend Carla," Bailey said. "She's out of town and doesn't know it yet -- she's going to kill me."

At first, some players were unsure about auctioning themselves off.

"I was involved in recruiting the players," said basketball player John Amaechi, who went for $85. "As long as I got enough people (to participate), I didn't think I would have to do it. But I did, and it was fun."

Two other Penn Staters broke the $100 mark -- wide receiver Bobby Engram and basketball forward Glenn Sekunda, who did not attend, went for $110. Lady Lion volleyball player Zeynep Ton and basketball player Pete Lisicky, who also was absent, were sold for $90 each.

Allen, master of ceremonies, kept the audience loose with his one-liners. When Ton paraded down the catwalk, Allen said,"To her friends she's 'Z', but to me she's fine."

When point guard Dan Earl took the stage, Allen joked about his defensive skills.

"I call him Ann, because there is no 'D' ," Allen said.

Allen was also auctioned off, but he only garnered $15.

"When I played here we always had a game during the marathon so I never got a chance to participate," Allen said. "This seemed like the best way to get involved."

Amy Boguszewski, dance marathon co-chairperson for Theta Kappa Pi, had hoped for a larger crowd. But despite the low attendance she felt the auction was a success.

"I'm disappointed with the crowd," Boguszewski said. "But overall I'm pleased with the auction."