Donning 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.

Abbondante said advice to moralers is to "stay positive," and "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.

Moralers employed several tactics to keep their dancers happy and upbeat. Michelle Shaw (sophomore-elementary education) said she brought her dancer her favorite foods and other treats.

"The wackier the better," Shaw said.

Other preparations are made to make sure the moralers are ready to help their dancers. Ashley Metz (senior-human development and family studies and dance) said some moralers were taken to The Central Pennsylvania School of Massage, 336 S. Fraser St., to learn techniques to massage their dancers.

Large exercise balls and high tables were available for the dancers to lean against to rest or get a massage. Other activities, such as coloring and games, were also around to keep the dancers busy.

The moralers work in shifts that last about four hours, Julianne Kriner (freshman-telecommunications) said. There are several moralers assigned to each dancer in order for there to be one with the dancer at all times.

To keep the dancers occupied, the moralers bring little gifts.

"We made sure we got our dancers lots of toys," Kriner said.

To find out what they like, the moralers contact their dancers when they find out who they are. They find out their favorite foods and what games they like, Ben Quick (sophomore-hotel, restaurant and institutional management), said.

Moralers can bring dancers almost anything they want, but not sugar or caffeine. They don't want the dancers to eat or drink anything that will make them get hyper and then crash.

The dancers said they appreciate all of the hard work and energy put in by the moralers.

"It just helps knowing someone is there," said Kelly Kraemer (junior-kinesiology), Quick's dancer.

The moralers are there, "making you realize why you're doing it," she said.