For former dancers, returning to the THON provides a slew of nostalgia and pride.

Boulevard member Jake Kreutzman is a senior who plans on standing in section 117 all weekend. Last year, he danced for the organization, calling the experience “surreal.” He received so much support from the stands that he came to a surprising conclusion.

“I think dancing is definitely easier than standing 46 hours in the stands, especially because you get to move around and do different events,” he said. “Up here, you’re kind of stationary. You’ve got to make your events and be your own moraler.”

Kreutzman noted the stress involved with being part of an executive committee and having to make sure things go as planned. He called dancing and supporting two different worlds of equal importance.

A couple of sections over in 121, former Ohana dancer Henry Lubari is hard to miss at this year’s THON – his orange and blue mohawk sticks out. The senior also danced in THON 2013, calling it one of the best experiences of his life.

He said it’s important that everyone in the organization gets a chance to dance. Without support from the stands, dancing becomes a different animal.

“It brings back old times and it just puts a smile on your face,” he said.

Alumni dancers return to the Bryce Jordan Center for THON, too. Jamie Metkus graduated last year with a biology degree, but he came back to support this year’s Atlas dancers.

“It’s humbling to me to see that the passion and dedication of our members and THON as a whole,” Merkus said. “I think the amazing thing about THON is the perpetual nature of the enthusiasm.”

About the Author

Tim Gilbert

Former managing editor and staff writer.

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