While the men’s basketball team is usually away for games and tournaments during THON weekend, the team wanted to find a way to still be involved in the dance marathon.
As a result, Loren Crispell, marketing manager for the men’s basketball team, helped organize THON Hoops, an event that takes place during Saturday’s game at the Bryce Jordan Center against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
“The men’s basketball team wanted to find a way to make a difference, and [THON Hoops] is how we do that,” Crispell said.
THON Hoops will host Four Diamond Fund families at the game to offer a day of entertainment and to benefit the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. In addition to the men’s basketball team, the Family Relations Committee and Overall Committee helped to organize the event, according to THON’s website.
Cat Powers, public relations overall chairwoman, said THON Hoops is a great opportunity for the families to come to the game, and that it is a day filled with THON activities.
Before the game, Four Diamonds families will gather in the men’s basketball practice facility to enjoy food and a chance to meet Penn State student-athletes, Crispell said.
During the game, the families will be recognized to those in attendance at the Bryce Jordan Center. After the game, the families and members of the men’s basketball team will meet on the court to take a picture.
Crispell said there is a “mutual admiration” between the kids and the men’s basketball team.
“Once the team is around the Four Diamonds kids, it’s like they’re around their heroes,” he said.
In addition to hosting the families, the game will also provide financial rewards, as all student ticket proceeds will benefit THON.
Powers (senior-public relations) said THON Hoops will occur before Chords for a Cure, another THON event occurring Saturday.
Crispell said it is important to make sure that the men’s basketball team is involved with THON and that working with the THON student leaders allows that to happen.
“It’s a chance to grab some friends and go to the game,” Crispell said. “All of a sudden, we can walk out on Saturday and feel that we made a difference.”
