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[ Friday, Feb. 19, 1999 ]
Another 48 hours
Dancers prepare for days ahead with thoughts of the kids
By DANA IRWIN
Collegian Staff Writer
With the 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon starting at 7 p.m. today, dancers have been making last-minute preparations in anticipation of the 48-hour event. "I have been physically and mentally preparing for weeks," said Joe Blechman (junior-management sciences and information systems and international business), who is dancing for Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, 322 Fraternity Row. "I have been staying way from caffeine for the last two weeks. I've been eating a lot of pasta and trying to get eight to 10 hours of sleep a night."
PHOTO: Kathy Breining
David Prael (junior-finance and international business) and Greg Cielosczyk (senior-psychology) paint a banner for 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon yesterday. The banner represents their fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, 321 E. Fairmount Ave., and the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha.
In addition to the physical preparation required for such a test of endurance, the dancers have to be concerned with class work and attendance. Thon may be one of the largest events at Penn State, but classes still go on as usual.
Kelly Dinsmore (senior-human development and family studies), member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, said she has not asked for special treatment from her professors.
"I've been going to all my classes and trying to get ahead," Dinsmore said.
But getting to post-Thon classes next week may be a challenge for dancers, she added.
Once the 48-hour period begins, however, most dancers will be worrying more about their motivation and will power than their Monday morning classes. Some hope the magnitude, spirit and excitement of the dance marathon will be enough to carry them through to Sunday.
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Centre Area Transportation Authority, Penn State Transportation Services and Kaufmann's are sponsoring a free 48-hour Loop service starting at 6:00 p.m. today. SOURCE: 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Overall Commitee |
"I'm not sure yet what's going to keep me going. ... I think I am going to be in awe of it the whole time," said Mandy Melella (senior-political science), member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Partners and moralers will be a steady source of support, said Elizabeth Overmeyer (sophomore-aerospace engineering), member of the Society of Women Engineers.
But perhaps the greatest inspiration will be the little ones who make Thon an unfortunate necessity. They are the children of the Four Diamonds Fund.
"The thought that the children are going through something infinitely tougher will keep me going," Blechman said. "Thon is a cakewalk compared to what they've been through."
