Dressed in bright colors, crazy accessories and a great attitude, moralers have one job -- to keep their dancers positive.

"[The moralers] are supposed to be the positive inspiration for them to keep going," said Mike Abbondante, (senior- architectural engineering), a Thon morale captain. "Stay positive. Never tell them you just took a two-hour nap and it was great."

Some of the moralers said they were inspired to join because of what they saw last year, or because of the experiences of others. Ravi Patel (sophomore-civil engineering) said that he chose morale because some of his friends did it last year and liked it.

Several tactics are employed by the moralers to keep their dancers happy and upbeat. Michelle Shaw (sophomore-elementary education) said she brought her dancer things like her favorite foods and other treats.

"The wackier the better," Shaw said.