February 16, 2013 at 11:29 PM

With a line of hopeful Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon attendees wrapped around the Bryce Jordan Center from Gate A to Gate B, some organizations are having trouble entering the BJC.

Hershey Kisses for the Kids’ dancer Sarah Gonzalez said her organization had problems earlier in the day getting everyone into the BJC. But eventually the organization secured a good spot, and Gonzalez (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) said her family could join her on the floor.

Accompanied by her parents and sister, Gonzalez said she chose to dance since her cousin was a THON child and ever since she came to Penn State it has been a goal.

While many supporters are waiting outside in the elements, some dancers are left on the floor for hours without support from family or friends.

Phi Beta Lambda’s dancer Drew Schanz (senior-mechanical engineering), tries to pass that time any way he can. “Slides of strength were a big help, but honestly, I just zone out a lot,” said Schanz.

Schanz said he had no idea how long he had been on the floor without family or friends Saturday, but said he knew it had been hours.

While Schanz tries to keep his eyes off the clock, others can’t help but notice how long it’s been since they’ve seen friends or family.

Dancer Brad Tibbens (senior-accounting), was without on-floor support from family or friends from 3 a.m. to 9 pm.

“It’s alright when you have a great moraler, but it can still be tough,” said Tibbens. “It’s nice to have my THON family down on the floor though, they’ve been a huge help for me today.”