They were lifting, dragging, stacking, anchoring and climbing -- all before for the crack of dawn.

At 5 a.m. a sea of OPPerations crew members made their way to the Bryce Jordan Center to begin the process of piecing together the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Megan Kendrick, Thon Public Relations Overall, said the early process of setting up is going well because of a coordinated timeline each committee has to follow.

"It’s a little bit stressful," Kendrick said. "Everyone’s adrenaline is flowing but everyone is excited."

Kendrick said 295 Thon captains and nearly 450 OPP members will be working throughout the day to prepare for the opening ceremony of Thon 2007.

Kendrick said although the venue is bigger this year, the Overall Committee decided not to enlarge the size of the dance floor, and other locations, such as the Pit, will be in the same general location on the floor.

"There’s a lot of anticipation about what Thon in the BJC will look like," Kendrick said. "But it’s essentially the same."

Bill O'Tormey, OPP Overall Chair, said he feels the setup process is moving well although the flooring had to be rearranged.

"There have been a little bit of kinks, but there is time built in to the schedule to go over these things," O'Tormey said.

O'Tormey said that additional space and loading exits are helping to speed the flow of equipment going into the building.

"It’s going to resemble what we did in Rec Hall but it’s going to be better," O'Tormey said. "Come excited when the doors open at four and rock the BJC like we did the Rec."

Bill McMurray (senior-industrial engineering) said he was part of the OPP crew last year and noticed a difference in the setup process.

"We're obviously confused,” McMurray said as he stood around waiting for directions. “I’m sure it will improve next year."

Al Karosas, associate general manager of the Bryce Jordan Center, said that the OPP committee has to follow safety polices set by Penn State University when setting up.

"All the captains and overall have their stuff together," Karosas said. "I'm just here to give advice."