Parents, supporters pack White Building to watch 'marathoners' go the distance

By SHARON SARGENT
Collegian Staff Writer

But this weekend, dancers from fraternities, sororities and various other student organizations forgot all about sleep and devoted their weekend to the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Keeping on your feet for 48 hours is not an easy task. The obvious plague of 'Thon is staying awake. Dancers do such things as eating, moving around and playing with toys to keep their spirits (and feet) moving.

However, maybe the most important motivator is the support of the many friends, family members and other supporters who are constantly present throughout the weekend.

"It's the other people who keep you awake," said Debbie Levenson (junior-English), adding the members of the morale committee seem to know this.

No matter how tired they are, the morale boosters are never without a smile or outstretched arms ready to hug. Their job is to keep the mood alive, and they deliver. Whether by tossing beach balls, massaging backs or participating in the line dance, "moralers" can make all the difference in a dancer's state of fatigue.

"My morale person is my inspiration," said Suzanne Clement, dancing for Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, 108 South Cooper.

The bleachers in the stands are never empty. Even at 4 and 5 a.m., committed and concerned observers can be found showing their support. Some of the most enthusiastic supporters are the parents who have come out this weekend to show their pride for their dedicated sons and daughters.

Ira Pressman drove up from Philadelphia to watch his daughter, Alison Pressman (senior-exercise and sport science), dance for Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, 15 Heister.

"It shows tremendous commitment and a wonderful sense of values that they're helping kids with cancer," said Ira Pressman. "It says a lot about Penn State students. It's a wonderful event -- very touching."

Overall, parents are very impressed with the dancers and the event, though an air of parental concern can still be sensed.

"She's very courageous," said Marge and Hugh McGinn, who drove in from Murrysville to support their daughter Heather McGinn (junior-health policy and administration), who's dancing for Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, 3 Stone.

"She's exhausted. Everyone's cranky. This is the first time we've seen this. We didn't realize how big this is and all the effort that goes into it," they said.

Whether in the stands or on the floor, the impact a friendly face has on the dancers cannot be denied. Without the support of these morale boosters, the dancers would surely lose much of the enthusiasm they've been able to muster throughout the event.