Penn State athletes united this weekend to dance, raise money and entertain the crowd at the 2004 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

In addition to those dancing, many athletes made their mark by appearing during the pep rally, athlete hour and other times throughout the weekend.

The No. 1 Penn State ACHA Div. I Icers, who were unable to participate in the pep rally because of an away match, decided to strut their stuff in a comedy skit at 5:30 a.m. yesterday.

Dressed in comical costumes, ranging from Daisy Duke shorts to pink and purple suits, the Icers danced to clips from nine songs, including "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe." A highlight of the skit was a parody of William Hung's now-notorious "She Bangs" American Idol audition.

Icers defenseman Curtiss Patrick said the 10-minute skit was performed so early because dancers begin tiring as the marathon's end approaches. He added that none of his teammates minded the awkward hour.

"We loved it; it was a blast," Patrick said. "Thon's always my favorite time of year; it's awesome."

Four varsity athletes participated as dancers, staying awake and on their feet for 48 hours: Kristen Miller, field hockey player; Rafael Toro, men's golfer; and Mandy Komar and Heidi Drummond, both women's soccer team members.

"It's incredible and amazing that all these people came together for this. It's awesome to be a part of it," Miller said.

The Saturday night rally was a high point for those at Thon and included performances by the men's golf team, the women's lacrosse team and Blue Sapphire Bobbie Jo Solomon.

Patrick was also in charge of a communications committee with women's lacrosse player Lori Havrilla.

Committee member and women's lacrosse player Meg Petchel said the group had been preparing for Thon all year.

"We sponsored a booth for the family carnival; we made a gingerbread man, and people threw bean bags into holes on its body. We also stuffed letters and sold oversized dice with the Thon logo on them," she said.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Board, an organization run by the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes, sponsored an online auction earlier in the year and raised over $3,700 by auctioning off Penn State merchandise.

They also sponsor two Four Diamonds families.

Sue Sherburne, the board's co-adviser, said she is very proud of the athletes' dedication to Thon.

"They've done a great job. They're trying not only to support the dancers but the families that are affected by cancer and Thon over all," she said.

The athletes' involvement was greatly appreciated by all those who participated in Thon.

"They are awesome. I love it; It gives you spirit," dancer Josh Knapp (senior-telecommunications) said.