Sweethearts share love at marathon

While some couples spent Valentine's Day together in a secluded spot, others spent it surrounded by 540 dancers, numerous Four Diamonds families and a gym full of cheering onlookers.

And although some couples found it difficult to be separated during the holiday of love, they happily danced the night away at the 1997 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, raising money for children with cancer.

Dancer Jennifer Paul (senior-recreation and park management) said her boyfriend, Shawn Musselman (senior-geoenvironmental engineering), visited her on Valentine's Day.

"It was hard being separated, but I have always just wanted to dance in the dance marathon," Paul said.

Claudia Martin (senior-communications) also got a visit from her boyfriend, Wade Van Landingham (senior-business logistics), on Friday night while she was dancing.

"We're going to celebrate Valentine's Day afterwards on Sunday," Van Landingham said. "We're probably going to go out to dinner."

Other dancers received Valentine's Day gifts that would help them survive the 48 hours of being on their feet. Some dancers carried around balloons with supportive messages from their friends and families, while bags of Valentine's Day candy and goodies floated around the dance floor.

Amy Shapiro (senior-elementary education) carried some of her gifts in a pack around her waist while she danced.

"I got a gold bracelet and I also got gifts for 'Thon like yo-yo's and word searches and a video poker game," Shapiro said. "I also got food."

Other couples concentrated more on making it through the two-day dance marathon than on Valentine's Day.

Katherine Hutchinson (junior-special education) danced in this year's marathon. She went out to eat with her husband, Mike, (senior-environmental resource management) before the marathon, but they really don't have plans to celebrate Valentine's Day afterward.

"We haven't really thought about Valentine's Day much," he said as he gave his wife of three years a supportive hug.