Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997

Variety of dancers register for 'Thon

By STACEY CONFER
Collegian Staff Writer

Even though the dancing doesn't start for another month, registration for Dance Marathon has already begun.

This week, couples planning to participate in the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon must register in the HUB Main Gallery Lounge, said Ali Brown, public relations committee member.

At the time of registration, couples must present at least $480 in pledges in addition to a $50 entry fee, said Tony Lombardo, rules and regulations chair. Couples will also complete health forms and receive details about spirit and morale events, he said.

Greek organization couples began to register yesterday and may continue to do so from 7 to 9 p.m. today on the third floor of the HUB, Brown said.

Erica Phillips (senior-political science) fills out envelopes for mail call information so people can write to dancers during Thon. Thon registration began last night. (Collegian Photo /Laura Chiles - click for full size image)

Independent couples, student organizations couples and Commonwealth Campus couples may begin to register tomorrow, she said. Brown added they may also register from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Lombardo said he expects to see a variety of dancers registering today.

"It's a good mix of couples," he said.

On Friday, the last day of registration, Lombardo said lottery numbers will be distributed in 214 HUB if any spaces remain.

From these numbers, couples will be drawn to fill any spaces that remain after this week's registration, he said. Couples entered in the lottery must be present at 6:30 p.m. in the HUB Main Gallery in order to receive a space in Dance Marathon.

"Typically, we've had some spaces in the past," Brown said.

Considering the increased interest in the marathon, Lombardo said fewer lottery spaces may be available. He estimated that ten spaces could be open this year.

After the 270 couples complete the registration process, they will begin attending events to prepare them for the marathon, including meetings with event coordinators and morale providers.