[Live Blog] Penn State THON 2013: WE DID IT

Welcome to the central hub of Onward State’s THON 2013 coverage. Follow along here for everything going on at the Bryce Jordan Center this weekend at the 41st annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Be sure to follow @THONwardState, @OnwardState, and check out our Facebook page for more of our coverage this weekend.

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Sunday, February 17

4:19 p.m. WE DID IT! $12,374,034.46

3:49 p.m. The Overall Committee is on the stage. Butterflies.

3:32 p.m. Go Go Gadjet says they’re going to need us to work on a video. Looks like the best Harlem Shake video of all time is coming.

3:15 p.m. No surprise here — Go Go Gadjet has won over the BJC. 45 minutes until the dancers sit.

3:01 p.m. Go Go Gadjet is on stage, and if you’re watching the live stream, you can only imagine how powerful that is. It’s the band’s sixth year serving as THON’s finale, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

2:52 p.m. We’ve reached it’s high as we wait for Go Go Gadjet. There is no better way to close THON.

2:39 p.m. There are some things that words just can’t explain.

2:25 p.m. And now for the most emotional part of THON. The entire crowd sways back and forth as a video is shown to celebrate the lives of those who can’t be here this weekend.

We dance for them. There is not a more powerful moment than this in all 46-hours.

2:15 p.m. Teddy Morton’s family is the next to speak. “Theodore Paul Morton, a big name for a little guy- you can call him Teddy,” his mom said.

“You dance for a little boy who never spoke a word…who never took a step…but whose live has inspired thousands to beat cancer.”

There’s not a dry eye in the Bryce Jordan Center.

2:09 p.m. Emily’s mom Cari Whitehead has some incredible stories as a result of the generosity of Penn State students, including how they played with her in her home and how some students skipped finals to see her off from the hospital in Philadelphia.

2:02 p.m. One of the most recognizable THON stories is that of Emily Whitehead. Her family is now speaking at Family Hour with Emily adorable as ever in the front.

“I may have missed THON 2012,” Emily told her mother said. “But I’m not going to miss another.”

1:55 p.m. Charles Millard addressed THON after all of the families were introduced. “THON is Penn State, and it will always be Penn State.”

1:33 p.m. All of the THON families from this year are being introduced on stage, exchanging a handshake with Charles Millard on the way.

1:23 p.m. “They’ve become a huge part of our family,” said the mother of Dustin Beaver of their THON family, the Men’s and Women’s Club Lacrosse teams. There’s not a dry eye in this place.

1:12 p.m. Terry Golden is here to talk about her son Trent, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. “Hershey Medical Center is a great place to have in your backyard, but you don’t want to have to go there,” she said.

12:59 p.m. Coach Bill O’Brien just gave one of his most powerful speeches yet at his second THON. “In my opinion, this is the greatest university, in the country, in the world, and it’s because of all of this right here,” O’Brien said. “To me that’s what Penn State is all about — courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength.”

Innocently enough, O’Brien slipped up and revealed that there was only 3 hours remaining which led to groans throughout the BJC. Either way, Family Hour is here…get the tissues ready.

12:47 p.m. The “Where are they Now” video serious is bringing applause and tears to everyone in the BJC as cancer survivors are profiled on the screen. This is why we THON.

12:37 p.m. OOOOoooOOOooOOOOoooOOO Larry Moore feeds us a little Zombie Nation before Bill O’Brien is scheduled to speak in 20 minutes.

12:19 p.m. The crowd loves the historical line dances! We’ll never see the 2008 line dance again, but at least we still have three more years of Dubstep in the 2012 version!

12:11 p.m. One of the best parts of THON is going over the last five years worth of line dances. The crowd seemed to like 2009 when Joe Paterno was mentioned.

12:03 p.m. We’re officially under the four hour mark and it’s back to a dance party atmosphere. D.J. Otzi’s “Hey Baby” is getting everyone ready for what promises to be an emotional four hours.

11:55 a.m. Kait Weston wrapped up her performance with a great song she wrote about THON. Bill O’Brien should be here in about an hour.

11:45 a.m. Youtube sensation Kait Weston is showing off her beautiful voice with timeless classics like “Don’t Stop Believing” and even a few of her own songs mixed in.

11:17 a.m. This is Penn State.

11:07 a.m. It’s a dance party at the BJC! We should have another musical performance coming up in the next ten minutes as we approach the final five hours.

10:54 a.m. With another talent show in the books, people are congregating in the HUB to watch the remainder of THON after the BJC reached “capacity.”

10:32 a.m. Dylan Moser leads the BJC in a “We Are” chant as energy reaches an all-time high.

10:23 a.m. Sure enough, Tucker’s here along with his sister Taylor performing Justin Bieber’s “Beauty and the Beat.”

10:02 a.m. The second Kids Variety Show is underway. Could we see a Tucker Haas appearance in the next hour?

9:51 a.m. We’re ready for the next Kids Variety Show. Hopefully we find some more memories like this.

9:09 a.m. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawumba bringing back a lot of spirit right now. Great choice before a line dance!

8:48 a.m. More downtime at THON as we wait for the second Kids Variety Show coming up at 10. There are still hundreds of open seats in the upper deck and behind the stage, but no one else is coming in.

8:31 a.m. THON is asking anyone still waiting outside the BJC to return home.

“Supporters still in line are asked to please return home. The IM bldg is open for those who need to warm up. Thank you!”

8:26 a.m. Despite the BJC being closed, hundreds of people continue to huddle in the cold outside the doors hoping to get in.

7:57 a.m. The Urban Dance Troupe is impressing the “capacity” crowd with their rhythm and dance moves.

7:53 a.m. Smiles like this are why we THON.

7:36 a.m. Old Crow Medicine Show has been a huge hit at THON 2013, as it blares over the sound system while we wait for the Urban Dance Troupe.

7:28 a.m. Table Ten just finished its set, but I think Penn State is ready for Go Go Gadjet. Still 7 hours until that happens…

7:11 a.m. Still hundreds of empty seats at the BJC as Table Ten has everyone excited for the final 9 hours.

7:00 a.m. Table Ten is about halfway through its set, which has been one of the most unique of THON 2013 with hits like “Africa” and “You Can Call Me Al.”

6:48 The BJC is officially at capacity. Spectators will be let in on a 1-by-1 basis as people leave. This is the BJC has closed in recent memory.

6:31 a.m. We just gave Mike Wallz some fun dip. Just thought you guys should know.

6:28 a.m. Table Ten is on the stage doing some initial soundchecks. Their tunes will be much needed after a relatively uneventful night.

6:19 a.m. After trying to move the entrance from Gate A to Gate B, a stampede of sorts ensued as people dashed from line to line to try to get out of the cold into the BJC. In other words, the doors are still closed and people aren’t happy.

6:09 a.m. And this year’s winner of THON color wars…Green!

5:14 a.m. RAM Squad has taken the stage showing off their flexibility and superior dance moves. In our exhausted state up on press row, it’s hard to imagine moving like that.

5:03 a.m. The Peace.Love.Lyrical Dance Company is providing some early morning entertainment while #THON13 trends nationally again.

4:55 a.m. This guy rocks, or so we’ve heard.

4:45 a.m. Much-needed fitness stretching for everyone here inside the BJC. For those outside, we hope they let you in soon!

4:38 a.m. There are still tons of empty seats in the BJC but people are not being let in as the Rules and Regulations committee claims THON is at capacity. The line currently extends down Porter Ave past Beaver Stadium. Inside the BJC we’re anticipating RAM Squad in about 15 minutes.

3:59 a.m. Only in the middle of the night at THON will the Nittany Lion pretend to be Kevin Bacon, as “Time of my Life” blares at the BJC.

3:52 a.m. While you’re waiting for the BJC to fill up, you can play some I-Spy — THON edition.

3:10 a.m. OPP is mopping the floor as we wait for the next big event. If our schedule is correct, we could be waiting for another two hours.

2:30 a.m. Sorry for the delay folks! After a slight “technical difficulty” we’re here to stay for the duration of THON!

1:08 a.m. I think our Total Whiteout review could be one word: Awesome. They just finished off their electric set with Fix You by Coldplay.

12:55 a.m. Anything wrong with a little Taylor Swift at 1 in the morning? Didn’t think so.

12:39 a.m. Total Whiteout is throwing down an impressive set. They got the crowd going with some Backstreet Boys.”You know what’s awesome? THON is awesome! This is the best event in the whole world!”

12:32 a.m. Nittany Lion Photobomb.

12:26 a.m. Total Whiteout calls for everyone to throw their diamonds up as they play Rihanna as they get the late night BJC crowd amped up.

12:18 a.m. Total Whiteout has taken the stage as we head into the final day of THON. “Who’s ready to dance!”

Saturday, February 16

12:00 p.m. The second day of THON was capped off with a surprise announcement from Movin’ On: Joining MGMT at the music festival will be Big Boi, Brand New, Gloriana, and Kids These Days.

11:20 p.m. The Nittany Lion did 46 one-armed pushups — one for each hour of THON. Also, we should have the complete Movin’ On lineup within the hour.

11:00 p.m. And your 2013 THON Pep Rally champion….Men’s Swimming!

10:50 p.m. The freshman football team came out to Fort Minor’s “Remember the Name” for a powerful dance performance. Bob Warming introduced them as “the team that has showed us more leadership than any in the history of athletics.”

10:42 The cheerleading team comes out strong wearing camouflage and throwing up their diamonds to “Survivor” by Destiny’ Child.

10:35 p.m. Men’s swimming is the crowd favorite so far, using a tarp as a prop to “swim” over. Shirtless, of course.

10:30 p.m. Who doesn’t love the Penn State women’s volleyball team? They come out dancing to Queen’s Fat Bottomed Girls.

10:26 p.m. First up…the Penn State Lionettes! Various sports teams, like women’s golf and women’s lacrosse, are also showing what they got up on stage. Will anyone be able to defeat football as THON Pep Rally champs this year?

10:24 p.m. Tonight’s host for the big pep rally: Coquese Washington, Erica Walsh (Women’s Soccer), Bob Warming (Men’s Soccer), and THON child Bryce. “One of the reasons I’ve made it this far is because of people like you. Thank you, Penn State!” said Bryce.

9:57 p.m. The football team is in the house for the pep rally is scheduled to begin at 10:10 p.m. Worth noting, perhaps: The team’s jerseys have no names on the back.

9:47 p.m. It looks like we’re in for some sort of card stunt tonight. These cards can be found on the seats of Sec. 131.

9:44 p.m. While we wait for the big pep rally, some dancers are playing the THON-version of “Minute to Win It.”

9:13 p.m. THON’s theme is “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Miracles,” but the Kids Variety Show is inspiring everyone today. The kids are capping off a great slate of performances with a rendition of “I Gottta Feeling.”

9:02 p.m. The Kids Variety Show is well underway, as adorable THON children grace the stage and captivate the BJC. We’ve heard great performances from Andrew Woods, Kimberly and Hannah Hess, Jack and Isabelle Messina, Cora Beyer, and Kaitlyn Goodson so far.

8:28 p.m. THON has gone international! The hashtag #THON13 is locally trending in Hong Kong right now.

8:20 p.m. Lion Ambassadors THON child Koan Pantano is hoisted into the air by Jesse Poljak.

8:12 p.m. The mother of Courtney O’Bryan is now addressing the BJC. O’Bryan’s story is one of the most tragic but most special stories of THON, with an award and scholarship created in her memory last year.

8:01 p.m. Despite the fact that many seats remain empty in the BJC, police are “eye balling it” to incrementally let in the thousands of people who have been stuck out in the cold for hours. The kids variety show is set to begin in a half hour.

7:23 p.m. Dancers are getting ready for the night ahead. Spirits are high! Whiplash and former Blue Sapphire P.J. Maierhofer is leading a twirling performance to songs from The Lion King.

7:05 p.m. Author Ariela Rossberg held her Read FTK event earlier today at Webster’s Cafe. Find out how it went.

6:30 p.m. The doors at Gate A remain closed as hundreds wait to enter the Bryce Jordan Center.

5:55 p.m. Morale captains to the stage!

5:24 p.m. It doesn’t appear that the long lines outside the Bryce Jordan Center will subside anytime soon. Read our update here.

5:08 p.m. Wondershop Showdown finished their high-energy set with a cover of “Alive With The Glory of Love” by Say Anything.

5:05 p.m. Police say that the Bryce Jordan Center is at capacity, according to a THON official, but there are still large areas of open seating in the upper levels.

4:46 p.m. While there are plenty of seats open around the Bryce Jordan Center, the line lengthens outside. Standby for updates.

4:19 p.m. Wondershop Showdown has taken the stage! Check out our story about the band from last week here!

4:10 p.m. There is a large line outside the BJC that goes toward Beaver Stadium leading up to Gate A. This is the only Gate they are allowing spectators to enter. More to come.

3:50 p.m. There was another engagement down on the floor at THON about 15 minutes ago. Our Leo Dillinger snapped this photo below.

3:38 p.m. The 2013 Homecoming Theme was just revealed as Generations Evolve, Tradition Remains!

2:52 p.m. A photo of the engagement from the THON floor has surfaced. Here’s a great shot courtesy of Kelly Deane.

2:40 p.m. D.J. Larry Moore and THON-child Jacob just judged a line dance competition between boys and girls. Despite the loudest cheers going for the girls, Jacob chose the boys as the winners!

2:17 p.m. Pistol Peg just concluded their THON 2013 set. Check out our recap here.

1:57 p.m. We’ve updated our Facebook page with a new photo album from Jay Paterno’s speech!

1:50 p.m. Pistol Peg brought attention to a couple who just got engaged down on the floor before breaking into a rendition of “Chicken Fried.” Congrats to the couple!

1:20 p.m. Altoona-based country band Pistol Peg has taken the stage.

12:59 p.m. Two signs sit in Sue Paterno’s yard thanking her for supporting THON.

12:42 p.m. Jay Paterno just addressed THON and presented Overall Chairperson Will Martin with a tie that his father once wore. Paterno spoke eloquently — even Aeneid-esque — about his love for THON. “I want you to know my father’s looking down and he’s so proud of what you have done,” Paterno said.

12:19 p.m. Morale captains to the stage!

11:48 a.m. One of the best parts of THON is the Four Diamonds Fashion Show. Dozens of adorable THON children strut their stuff on the stage in front of a packed BJC.

11:35 a.m. We have a little bit of downtime now, with Jay Paterno expected to speak in less than an hour. For now, check out our photo album from the second day of THON!

11:10 a.m. The Club Cheerleading team put on quite a show earlier!

10:50 a.m. My Hero Zero finished with Katy Perry medley that had everyone amped up for the afternoon. “Fireworks” seems to have that effect on people.

10:32 a.m. We’ve got about 20 minutes left of My Hero Zero but I think they could go for hours and no one would mind.

10:11 a.m. My Hero Zero is always one of the favorite bands of THON and this year is no different. Between “Play That Funky Music” and “Some Nights” the crowd is starting to regain some energy.

9:52 a.m. My Hero Zero is in the house! How can you go wrong with a Taylor Swift cover (“I Knew You Were Trouble”) to start things off?

9:40 a.m. THON just got presidential with UPUA President Courtney Lennartz and President Emeritus TJ Bard spotted on the floor.

9:28 a.m. Gates Tomorrow finished up its All-U hour performance with a great rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.” Here’s our recap.

9:20 a.m. Gates Tomorrow has the whole crowd in a dancing move with classics like “Johnny B. Good” and “Slide.” It’s hard to beat this atmosphere, even when we’re not at capacity.

8:57 p.m. It’s time for All-U hour, an ode to the 19 Commonwealth Campuses and the efforts they put in towards THON. The band Gates Tomorrow is up first.

8:50 p.m. After a performance from Club Cheerleading, a 90’s dance party broke out that has everyone moving around. Still relatively empty at the BJC as the morning crowd finds its way back.

8:18 a.m. The Statesman a capella group are grooving out at THON, keeping spirits high and the good tunes flowing.

8:10 a.m. THON child Caden Perez plays with a water gun on the floor of THON 2013, while on the shoulders of Penn State student Justin Laskowski.

7:50 a.m. PSU Pride hour is underway, with the Touch of Blue majorettes twirling batons all over the floor.

7:30 a.m. The next Greek Week will feature the theme “We the Greeks”, as it was just unveiled at the end of Greek hour

6:31 a.m. Who’s ready for Greek hour?

6:06 a.m. We did it! #THON13 is trending on Twitter!

6:00 a.m. The Tapestry Dance Company is on the stage and is going to show us how it’s done with “All that Jazz.” They’re followed by Orchesis Dance Company, who’s jamming to a mix of pop, dubstep, and dance songs straight from the tops.

5:44 a.m. Mike the Mailman is here to help distribute dancer mail packages! “As you know, my passion is mail,” he said. Read more about Penn State’s famous mailman here.

5:25 a.m. What a show! Public Domain kept THON singing for nearly an hour. Here’s our recap.

5:07 a.m. The second Chicken Fried of THON comes from Public Domain. No complaints here!

4:46 a.m. It’s safe to say Public Domain has won over the crowd with their class singalongs like Wonderwall, All For You, and Roll With me. It’s just what everyone needed at this time of the night!

4:30 a.m. Public Domain is here for a middle of the night performance. They have one of the best playlists in town, starting off with “Real World” from Matchbox 20.

4:12 a.m. Don’t worry — we didn’t fall asleep! The BJC is at about half capacity while the music gets piped in from DJ Larry Moore. As Onward State sports editor Drew Balis says, “You gotta do something at 4 in the morning!”

3:32 a.m. We’re twisting, turning, and bending for a little fitness stretching at the BJC from the Penn State Fitness Instructors.

3:20 a.m. Late night THON is a different kind of creature, with dancers entertaining themselves with some classic hits like Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), Cotton-Eyed Joe (Rednex), Thriller (Michael Jackson), and Single Ladies (Beyonce). It’s THON though, so where else would you rather be?

2:55 a.m. It’s time for a little late night game time. The first: Don’t Forget the Lyrics. Do you know all the lines to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody? If so, you’d probably be good at this.

2:40 a.m. Urban Dance Troupe is up next to provide some late night entertainment, coming out to “Schoolin’ Life” by Beyonce.

2:17 a.m. Lowjack capped off a brief but powerful performance with a “Johnny B. Good” cover. Spirits are high and the crowd is still carrying over into the upper deck of the BJC.

1:57 a.m. Catch up on the last few hours of THON with our latest photo gallery. Lowjack is “Shipping out to Boston” as the BJC crowd remains large.

1:49 a.m. Lowjack kicks off with its signature performance of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and then brings some life into the crowd with “Wagon Wheel.”

1:34 a.m. Shake Shake Shake just finished up its sets, playing last year’s hits like “Firework” to accompany powerful female vocals.

1:20 a.m. The second band of the night, Shake Shake Shake, is giving Penn State quite a show. Dynamic covers of “Starship” and “Good Time” are keeping everyone awake.

12:42 a.m. Congratulations to Brett Altman and Brian Cugini for winning the 2013 THON’s Got Talent competition!

12:34 a.m. You want Power Rangers, you say? THON’s got ’em.

12:13 a.m. Slides of strength keeps dancers feeling strong.

12:01 a.m. It’s officially Day Two of THON! The THON’s Got Talent competition is still going strong with some solid acoustic performances ranging from all generations. We’ll be crowning a champion shortly.

Friday, February 15

11:45 p.m. The THON’s Got Talent competition is underway, with acoustic performances from Brett Altman and Brian Cugini. The three finalists were selected at the 100 Days Until THON celebration.

11:28 p.m. Morale captains to the stage! Here’s our latest photo album as the first night of THON moves late into the night.

11:20 p.m. We just heard the first Whitney Houston rendition of the night, with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” About 5 hours too late in our opinion! Also, here’s our latest post on the spirit in the BJC right now.

11:09 p.m. “We have big leprechaun hats. That sets us apart from everyone else.” – Penn State Irish Society. Penn State is wobblin’ as we head into the late hours.

11:00 p.m. We caught up with Paul Suhey of Apollo FTK for 10 questions as the first night of THON progresses.

10:50 p.m. We threw a GoPro on the drum of a member of the Blue Band drumline. Check out their performance of Skrillex from the perspective of the stage. (WUB WUB WUB WUB)

10:45 p.m. Irish dance squad Rince na Leon has taken the stage to bring some cultural cheer to the dancers. Five hours in and the energy is still high!

10:31 p.m. We’re taking it easy here at the BJC as we wait for the next entertainment event. Here’s THON child Katelyn Bernard, 6, engaging in a water gun fight on the THON floor.

10:19 p.m. What goes into the phrase on the back of the dancers’ shirts? Here are some of our favorites.

9:57 p.m. Colorado-based 7 Wump Hump kicked off THON with some rock n’ roll. Here’s our review. Next up is some Color Wars games.

9:52 p.m. As 7 Wump Hump finishes us, we caught up with Suzanne Graney, who gave a great rendition of the National Anthem as THON took off today.

9:40 p.m. If this isn’t the true meaning of THON, we don’t know what is. Here’s the rest of the photo gallery from our photographer Steve Osborn.

9:34 p.m. 7 Hump Wump is still rocking the BJC with classics from Stevie Wonder and Sublime.

9:05 p.m. Did you know organizations from every Penn State Commonwealth campus are here joining us in the fight? Here’s a quick profile on the group from Penn State Schuykill.

9:00 p.m. The first band of the evening takes the stage in the form of 7 Hump Wump. They have the place rocking with covers of the Barenaked Ladies and The Killers.

8:46 p.m. What would THON be without crazy and colorful hats? Here are our favorite from THON 2013.

8:40 p.m. Our photographers will be scouring THON over the next 46 hours capturing the spirit of THON. Here’s our best shots from the first three hours.

8:05 p.m. While we’re having a little downtown in the Jordan Center, check out our photo album from the first line dance of the weekend.

7:44 p.m. Penn State’s JaDhoom Fusion Dance Team takes the stage with a Hunger Games inspired routine, followed by the Filipino Association.

7:35 p.m. Now that everyone has learned the line dance, THON is officially underway. Stay tuned for a night of music, entertainment, and inspiration.

7:00 p.m. While everyone at THON learns the new line dance, we’re trying to figure out a way to get THON to do the Harlem Shake. Who’s in?

6:45 p.m. The BJC is packed, as the line dance is introduced by the Morale Captains for the first time. Always an amazing sight.

6:40 p.m. Morale captains to the stage! Here are the lyrics to this year’s dance, complete with Honey Boo Boo, Call me Maybe, and Snapchat reference.

6:17 p.m. Watch as the BJC fills up for THON 2013!

6:10 p.m. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the bands playing in THON this year. Quite an impressive list.

6:0o p.m. Dancers are up!

5:41 p.m. Check out our photo album from earlier as the THON dancers entered the BJC. They stand in 20 minutes.

5:23 p.m. Men’s basketball coach Patrick Chambers dropped by THON to offer some words of encouragement and to drop off a hefty check. Check out his remarks here.

5:10 p.m. Less than an hour until dancers stand! The BJC is filling up while dancers sit, waiting to fulfill their 46-hour dream. Here’s what our dancer, Ali Fogarty, had to say.

4:25 p.m. Here come the dancers! They’re filing onto the BJC floor and will stand for 46 hours in about 90 minutes.

4:18 p.m. In a matter of minutes, a few thousand students have found their spots for the weekend.