The phenomenon that is Springfield Thon is sweeping the nation. Or, at least, Simmons Hall.

Springfield Thon raised more than $25,000 last year, giving them third place in the Independent Organizations category of the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. This year, they set a goal of $35,000 and hope to grab a first-place finish. At the end of the 48 hours this year, Springfield Thon took home second place with a total of $35,249.04.

The team was organized in 2000-2001 by Matt Thomas, a student who lived in Springfield House, a ground-floor hall of Simmons Hall. Thomas was originally involved with the Schreyer Honors College Thon team. When he wanted to be more involved, the team would not let him, so he started his own team with friends from his floor. Thus, Springfield Thon began, said Gaelyn Neely (sophomore-mechanical engineering), a Springfield Thon member.

The team had two dancers and raised just $6,000 its first year. By the next year, it had four dancers, said Melissa Kalwanaski (senior-English), a trustee for the Springfield Thon team and a Thon family relations captain.

David Kalos (sophomore-molecular biology) is the Springfield Thon chair and is also a dancer.

"I'm nervous about sleep. If anyone in Springfield can't handle no sleep, it's me," he said.

Kalos said there are about 100 members on the Springfield team, most live in Simmons. It is also the team's first year having a formal executive board.

Aryn Gabai (junior-science) is now a Springfield trustee and was last year's chairman.

"I created the current system, and one position was trustee, for its members to look out for the future of the organization," Gabai said.

He is interested in Springfield being a strong contributor to Thon in the future.

"I want to see independent organizations persist, because the fraternities and sororities are such a strong presence," he said. "I like to think that it is something that can be passed on, so that others can experience Thon too."

Ian Confer (sophomore-accounting) has been a Springfield Thon member since his freshman year and is a dancer this year.

"I'm concerned for my knees and ankles giving out, but I think I'll be fine staying awake," he said.

Confer is from the State College area and has a different perspective on Thon than most.

"Having been around Thon since I was little, I always wanted to do it. Seeing the joy it brought to the children really inspired me," he said.

He also has a special reason to dance this year.

"One of our family friends became involved in Thon after their son developed leukemia three years ago. He is friends with my little brother," Confer said.

Springfield Thon also has an interesting ritual.

"It's tradition for Springfield Thon males to shave their heads," Kalos said.

Confer is skeptical but enthusiastic.

Gabai started the process last week by shaving his curls into a shaggy Mohawk.

"It started my freshman year for our Thon kid, and then I did it last year out of tradition. It's something for everyone to have fun with, it's a crazy sense of support," he said.