Penn Staters Disappointed, Hopeful For Virtual THON 2021

Ryan Parsons | Onward State

Well folks, it was bound to happen eventually. THON announced Friday that THON 2021 would take place virtually in February due to the coronavirus pandemic.

THON Weekend is still set to kick off on Friday, February 19. https://t.co/U9APZE0yZ9
— Onward State (@OnwardState) August 14, 2020

After the Big Ten’s fall sports were postponed earlier this week, THON’s news didn’t come as much of a shock. Still, Penn Staters took to Twitter to express their feelings now that THON Weekend is going virtual.

https://twitter.com/kenzie_mcclain/status/1294310601657917448

https://twitter.com/ChelseaAllen11/status/1294308528564264965

Those who know me know how gutted I am over this. https://t.co/FDWrvBBq9L
— Kevin Horne (@KevinHornePSU) August 14, 2020

For some, there were no words. Broken hearts and sad faces served to express how folks felt.

https://twitter.com/bendavenp0rt/status/1294306728494993408?s=20

Many understood the logic behind the cancellation, given that a large-scale event probably wouldn’t be possible under current circumstances.

Obviously sucks but no way could they be bringing in sick kids, can’t have a packed BJC, no families would be allowed in, they can plan better by deciding now to go virtual rather than waiting a few months https://t.co/X2lbdlwjEZ
— rich schellhase (@richschellhase) August 14, 2020

As someone who was extremely involved with THON, my heart is broken. But it is very understandable and I know the students will adapt and raise a ton of money FTK! https://t.co/2cb1oWSN9Y
— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) August 14, 2020

Many expressed hope for THON’s virtual celebration and are looking forward to the event.

Not surprised given there would be 15,000 people in an arena including kids with compromised immune systems. Sad but absolutely the right move to go virtual.

Excited to see how THON adapts to the new format.

But no matter what we are FTK always! https://t.co/rKRg9zfwbG
— Andrew Markowitz (@amarkowitzWX) August 14, 2020

Although this year’s event will be quite different from what we’re used to, some folks are already brainstorming ideas to bring the spirit of THON online.

Who’s standing in front of their webcam for 46 hours https://t.co/OpxTl9qyRn
— Shay (@shayshah98) August 14, 2020

I can only imagine the line dance lyrics for 2020 https://t.co/Lnf8eZnBKI
— Tanya Tara (@tanya_aroraa) August 14, 2020

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About the Author

Alysa Rubin

Alysa was Onward State's visual editor. She's one of many "just outside of Philly" folks at Penn State and yes, she's an obnoxious Philly sports fan. Alysa loves her camera, hiking, a good soft pretzel, and eating her way through Wawa. She's also a proud mom to a cat named Comet. Follow @arubin241 on Twitter to keep up with what she sees through her lens (and for a funny retweet or two).