Athletes test their stamina at Thon

By CHRIS ANTONACCI
Collegian Staff Writer

Carrie Schonveld is already familiar with Rec Hall.

For her, it has almost been like a second home, a place where she has spent countless hours. There, Schonveld has been tried and tested, stretching her physical limits to their extreme. Still, it has been a place where she has made many everlasting memories.

But this weekend she will make a few more.

Schonveld, an outside hitter on the Penn State women's volleyball team, will be one of 10 Penn State athletes dancing in the 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

"I've never lost in Rec Hall before, I'm not losing for this either," Schonveld said. "I've spent 48 hours in Rec Hall before, I can spend another 48 hours here.

"I will dance in pain, but I've been in pain before."

Her desire to dance at Thon was generated two years ago when Schonveld was a freshman. Upon witnessing the sights and sounds of the nation's largest student-run philanthropy, Schonveld became captivated and wanted to participate.

A selection by the Student-Athlete Advisory Board gave Schonveld the opportunity she sought. And she could not be happier.

"I am excited, I am so ecstatic," she said. "I am looking forward to seeing all of the little kids and the families. I think it will be really touching."

Now faced with the task looming on the horizon, she is a bit apprehensive. After all, Thon is not a volleyball match, and Schonveld says it is virtually impossible to prepare for standing on her feet for 48 straight hours without sleep.

Just like an athletic event, she knows she must eat right and sleep well if she wants to garner success. Even in the off-season, her training is never complete.

Her dancing partner, Laura Dominguez, a member of the Penn State fencing team, is in the midst of fencing matches. As a result, Dominguez has missed a few fencing practices, and will miss a tournament this weekend because of her involvement.

But it will be worth it.

"I love fencing, and it is great, but knowing I can help a few kids is a bit more important," said Dominguez, who danced in Thon last year. "Everything about dance marathon . . . is a lot of work, but it is all worth it. It is probably one of the best things I have done as a person."

Even though athletes are restrained by the demands placed on them by their schoolwork, Thon offers them an opportunity to participate in other events.

"I've always wanted to be more involved," said Dara Christante, Penn State women's soccer goalie.

Involvement in Thon, however, will come with a lofty price for one athlete.

Megan Martin, a midfielder on the Penn State women's lacrosse team, must attend practice Monday afternoon after staying awake for the weekend.

The team is starting their regular season soon, and practice attendance is mandatory, tired or not.

"Getting back into my sport is going to be a bit of a challenge," Martin said. "It should be difficult, but I hopefully will sleep all day Sunday night.

Still, she said her involvement in Thon will be worth the time, energy and sleep deprivation.

"I am interested in getting the athletes more involved," she said. "It is neat to get the athletes more involved and raise more and more money each year."

After all, athletes and non-greek participants in general make a significant contribution to Thon, said David Schaefer, Overall Public Relations Chair. These groups are essential for Thon's success, he added, as it has allowed Thon to expand from its greek origins.

In addition to the athletes previously mentioned, athletes Jen Baer, Daryn Murphy, Tracey Frost, Katie Cavuto, Blake Novotny and Colleen O'Brien will dance at Thon.