[Live Blog] Penn State THON 2023 Raises $15,006,132.46 For The Kids
THON Weekend 2023 has arrived.
More than 700 dancers will stand this weekend to raise money For The Kids. For updates, photos, videos, and more of the entire weekend, stick with this live blog throughout.
Live Blog
Along with this live blog, follow @THONwardState, @OnwardState, and our Facebook page for up-to-the-second coverage of everything going on during this weekend’s 51st annual THON.
Sunday, February 19
4:41 p.m. — The moment it was revealed!
All For The Kids
— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 19, 2023pic.twitter.com/RUiwezfJwB
4:23 p.m. — Your final THON 2023 total is $15,006,132.46. THAT’S A NEW RECORD!
4:22 p.m. — Last is special interest organizations. The top five are:
- Atlas — $182,024.39
- Eclipse — $114,892.95
- FOTO — $109,096.05
- Ohana — $77,623.72
- Apollo — $67,521.39
4:20 p.m. — Next is greek organizations. The top five are:
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Alpha Tau Omega — $452,621.76
- Sigma Pi & Delta Zeta — $274,145.84
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Phi Kappa Psi — $262,603.62
- Acacia & Gamma Phi Beta — $252,462.42
- Sigma Delta Tau & Phi Kappa Theta — $227,351.23
4:18 p.m. — Next is general organizations. The top five are:
- Phi Gamma Nu — $202,176.31
- Phi Chi Theta — $179,369.19
- Phi Beta Lambda — $111,747.46
- Club Cross Country — $74,521.87
- Alpha Kappa Psi —$74,108.64
4:16 p.m. — Next is Commonwealth Campuses. The top five are:
- Fayette — $101,956.89
- Behrend — $72,744.96
- Harrisburg — $54,618.86
- Lehigh Valley — $53,496.76
- Mont Alto — $42,373.05
4:13 p.m. — Next is independent dancer couples. The top five couples are:
- Jaden Sconzo & Ella Mannarelli — $35,751.00
- Alex Grabowski & Devon Gelman — $33,225.83
- DMIAG Rich Bundy & Hannah Kirby — $31,272.15
- Kaitlin Dabney & Alexa Rosenberger — $22,585.74
- Jillian Ark & Peyton Mehalick — $20,966.33
4:07 p.m. — The first category is committees. The top five fundraising committees are:
- Family Relations
- Rules and Regulations
- Donor and Alumni Relations
- Public Relations
- OPPerations
4:02 p.m. — Time to run through some top fundraising organizations before the THON 2023 final total reveal.
4:00 p.m. — The dancers have sat! Congrats to all those who danced in THON 2023.
3:58 p.m. — That one was immaculate.
3:53 p.m. — Here comes your THON 2023 Executive Committee for one final line dance!
3:51 p.m. — The BJC is getting DOWN right now. The excitement = real.
3:50 p.m. — 
3:49 p.m. — The Nittany Lion has returned wearing a scarf. Or has he been wearing that all weekend? I don’t know, folks!
3:45 p.m. — The end is in sight!
3:44 p.m. — I LOVE YOU GOGO RETRO!
3:42 p.m. — NEEEEEEEEAAAAARRRRR FAAAAAAAAAAAR, WHEREEEEEVVVEEEEERRRRR YOU ARREEEEEEEEEEEE!
3:40 p.m. — WOOOHOO!
3:40 p.m. — I love Cher so much. Cher, I hope you’re reading this. An icon, truly.
3:39 p.m. — Do you belIEVEEEEE IN LIFE AFTER LOOOOOOOOOOOVE?
3:38 p.m. — If I had a nickel for every time I heard “Cotton Eye Joe” this weekend, I’d probably have like five nickels. Sorry, I’m not counting.
3:37 p.m. — I’m bluedabadeedabadie.
3:36 p.m. — Hey, they’re playing “Wonderwall.”
3:35 p.m. — One last medley, For The Kids.
3:32 p.m. — Flashlights are OUT for “Man In The Mirror!”
Vibes in the @JordanCenter
— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 19, 2023pic.twitter.com/Fbm2ESyArb
3:31 p.m. — My brain is short-circuiting trying to recognize the songs by name this fast. It’s a talent, y’all.
3:30 p.m. — I feel like dancing in a barn right now in my town where dancing is banned!
3:29 p.m. — Wake us up before you (Retro) go-go.
3:28 p.m. — GoGo Retro is making our dreams come true with Hall & Oates’s “You Make My Dreams.”
3:27 p.m. — IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR! SHE CRIES! MORE! MORE! MORE!
3:26 p.m. — ~ Keep on whispering in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear ~
3:25 p.m. — NO! WE AIN’T GONNA TAKE IT! (Us when Whethan plays).
3:24 p.m. — Mickey, you so fine.
3:24 p.m. — PANAMA! PANAMA-UH!
3:22 p.m. — Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray, South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio, Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television, North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe, Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom, Brando, “The King and I,” and “The Catcher in the Rye,” Eisenhower, Vaccine, England’s got a new queen, Marciano, Liberace, Santayana, goodbye.
3:20 p.m. — LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE SHACK!
3:19 p.m. — The BJC is going off the rails… of a “Crazy Train.”
3:18 p.m. — Just got Rickrolled.
3:18 p.m. — Fifteen 80’s songs in 15 minutes… HERE WE GO!
3:13 p.m. — Highlight of the set you say? Must be “Bennie & The Jets.”
3:11 p.m. — Vibes are HIGH.
3:10 p.m. — Duet time!
3:08 p.m. — I definitely could use a “Man After Midnight.”
3:06 p.m. — No GoGo Retro, YOU’RE “Hot Stuff.”
3:03 p.m. — An electric start with “Take On Me!”
3:02 p.m. — IT’S GOGO RETRO TIME, BABY!
3:00 p.m. — Time for a little Whitney Houston action. Why yes, I do wanna dance with somebody.
2:59 p.m. — The crowd is LOVING “Sweet Caroline.”
2:55 p.m. — The stage is being set up again… Is it GoGo Retro time?
2:50 p.m. — The vibes are high once more.
2:44 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
2:40 p.m. — Coldplay’s “Sky Full Of Stars” is accompanied by a Lion Lights light show.
2:34 p.m. — That concludes Family Hour.
2:27 p.m. — The Singing Lions are here to bring Family Hour to a close with a performance of “Dancing in the Sky.”
2:23 p.m. — Now it’s time for a performance of “Angels Among Us.”
2:21 p.m. — The BJC is filled with emotion as everyone locks arms. We will never forget those we have lost.
— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 19, 2023
1:57 p.m. — The annual “Celebration Of Life” video is now playing. The video honors the lives of the Four Diamonds children who lost their battles with cancer.
1:54 p.m. — “When we do things for ourselves, they die with us. When we do things for humanity, they live on forever,” said Jay Jacunski’s brother.
1:45 p.m. — The Jay Jacunski family takes the stage to share their story.
1:44 p.m. — Logan Knaper is in ninth grade and plans to attend Penn State one day!
1:39 p.m. — Not many people can say they’ve beaten Joey Porter Jr. at Madden.
1:37 p.m. — These people are incredible!
1:29 p.m. — Former and current Four Diamonds children are getting married, celebrating their 18th birthdays, and playing the violin.
1:24 p.m. — The 2023 “where are they now?” video is on screen.
1:20 p.m. — Mrs. Bomgardner shared that she was scared of Gus’ long-term effects but meeting Tucker Haas gave her hope.
“It will shape, but it will not define,” she said.
1:18 p.m. — The Bomgardner’s bill was over $649,000, and Four Diamonds covered these costs.
1:16 p.m. — You will never walk alone, Gus. We are so proud of you.
1:13 p.m. — Gus was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT). After months of grueling chemotherapy, Gus finished treatment on February 4, 2022.
1:11 p.m. — Gus’ sister Georgia led a We Are chant with the crowd.
1:10 p.m. — Welcome to the stage, Gus Bomgardner family.
1:07 p.m. — We love you, Jesse. Your strength inspires us every day.
1:06 p.m. — “Four Diamonds is magical,” Jesse’s mother said.
1:05 p.m. — Jesse had a scan two weeks ago, and there is no active cancer! We are so happy for you, Jesse.
1:02 p.m. — Jesse went into cardiac arrest while going through a routine swallowing test. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after getting admitted to the Hershey Medical Center.
1:02 p.m. — Jesse is a member of the club volleyball team. His family shares details about his battle with cancer. Teammates, friends, and family surround him.
12:59 p.m. — The Jesse King family takes the stage.
12:52 p.m. — All love this afternoon.
12:42 p.m. — The Family Procession begins. Welcome, Four Diamonds families.
12:40 p.m. — “One day, we will dance in celebration and in victory of a cure.”
12:37 p.m. — Stacia Bird, the daughter of Four Diamonds co-founder Charles Millard, took the stage to talk about his legacy and impact on THON.
12:30 p.m. — Official line dance ranking: 2020 > 2022 > 2023 > 2021.
12:24 p.m. — 2023 Dancer Relations captains to the stage!
12:20 p.m. — Tom Brady’s final throw? Sike!
12:18 p.m. — 2022 Dancer Relations captains to the stage!
12:14 p.m. — UPS Bae, we miss you.
12:12 p.m. — 2021 Dancer Relations captains to the stage! COVID-19 year.
12:09 p.m. — Let’s get hype, let’s goooo!!!!! Inject that directly into my veins.
12:07 p.m. — 2020 Dancer Relations captains to the stage! Real ones know this is the best one of all time.
12:05 p.m. — Keke, do you love me?
12:03 p.m. — Saquon drafted No. 2.
12:01 p.m. — 2019 Dancer Relations captains to the stage! “Sicko Mode” time.
12:00 p.m. — FOUR MORE HOURS. We’re almost there, Penn State.
11:56 a.m. — 2018 Dancer Relations captains to the stage!
11:53 a.m. — We’re approaching the Final Four.
11:46 a.m. — The grand prize winner for the four-day, three-night Bahamas trip sponsored by Atlantis is Katherine Alexander! Congratulations! The winner of the Dell laptop is Katie Ross.
11:42 a.m. — The Jonas Brothers are queued up in typical Penn State fashion.
11:40 a.m. — That was fun. Thank you, Sarah James and the Hess Brothers.
11:37 a.m. — “Mr. Brightside” to the moon.
11:32 a.m. — Need a feel-good story? Nursing student Kasey McMahon is dancing in THON 2023 in honor of her younger cousin Keira’s triumph over childhood cancer.
11:29 a.m. — “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” aka me after THON Weekend.
11:26 a.m. — With a taste of your lips, I’m on a rideeeeeee.
11:24 a.m. — The BJC is boomin’. Folks are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
11:19 a.m. — Harry’s Home!
11:16 a.m. — Somebody tell me how I’m supposed to feel. Felt that, Sara James.
11:12 a.m. — Haven’t you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door?
11:07 a.m. — Bruno vibes with a performance of “Locked Out of Heaven.”
11:00 a.m. — It’s Sara James and the Hess Brothers! Sounds like we’re gonna have a jam sesh!
10:54 a.m. — A band is setting up on stage! Any guesses to who it could be?
10:35 a.m. — Time to boogie! Thanks, Dancer Relations captains!
10:34 a.m. — FYI the food stands are finally serving chicken baskets again.
10:25 a.m. — And that’s all for the fashion show! So. Many. Capes.
10:19 a.m. — Nina, where can I get one of those ribbons?
10:09 a.m. — These kids are so stinkin’ cute!
10:06 a.m. — Anyways… Time for the kids fashion show!
10:04 a.m. — Thinking about them…
10:00 a.m. — Won’t lie, they kinda fumbled that but we’ll chalk it up to technical difficulties.
9:54 a.m. — This is new. All boys Line Dance.
9:44 a.m. — It’s your last chance to donate! Go, go, go!!
9:43 a.m. — I love the Zambonis so much.
9:36 a.m. — Crowd is going bonkers right now, THON is so good.
9:24 a.m. — F R E E Z E D A N C E
9:20 a.m. — “Since U Been Gone” guy doesn’t know the words, but he sure has the enthusiasm.
9:17 a.m. — Guess! That! Song!
9:13 a.m. — Line Dance competition? Things are about to get heated.
9:03 a.m. — Boom boom, pow.
8:58 a.m. — Good morning to those just joining us! You’ve missed a lot during your sleep shift.
8:47 a.m. — Our last superhero stretch of the weekend!
8:46 a.m. — Line Dance dance break + Slides of Strength baby powder = immaculate vibes
8:40 a.m. — The Dancer Relations gods heard our plea!
8:36 a.m. — Soooooo, line dance soon?
8:30 a.m. — Photo op!
8:25 a.m. — Please don’t leave us 
8:22 a.m. — @THONwardState is getting thirsty, somebody grab them a cup of water!
8:18 a.m. —A special, unreleased song! Yes, please. (They gave a sneak peek on TikTok in case you were wondering)
8:06 a.m. — A little Zombie Nation to get the blood flowing.
8:05 a.m. — Overalls dude is totally shredding.
8:02 a.m. — DOLLY PARTON. HONORING A QUEEN.
7: 57 a.m. — The clouds of baby powder floating from the floor looks so majestic.
7:47 a.m. — The Band Light came all the way from Tennesee and brought some funky clothes with them, too. AND are starting out with One Direction. I love this.
7:46 a.m. — Amp noise make brain go brrrrr.
7:34 a.m. — Slides of strength on the floor and a band is setting up. Life is good.
7:30 a.m. — Not to be dramatic, but these trivia questions suck.
7:24 a.m. — Vroom vroom! Those cars are zoomin’.
7:21 a.m. — RED IS THE WINNER!
7:19 a.m. — The Color Wars grand finale is being set up right now… We taking bets?
7:10 a.m. — Let’s dance.
7:01 a.m. — Apparently the sun is rising right now. Can anyone confirm?
7:00 a.m. — ROCK ME MAMA!
6:52 a.m. — Orchesis’ pants look so comfy.
6:44 a.m. — Jadhoom is back! Our day has been made.
6:42 a.m. — Anyone feeling nostalgic?
6:37 a.m. — I hope there’s a chicken basket in that box.
6:29 a.m. — DRCTTS!
6:25 a.m. — A kick line really gets the crowd goin’.
6:22 a.m. — Did y’all see that? An upside-down lifted splits spin!
6:15 a.m. — Ooo, an original! This one is called “Dreamer.”
6:11 a.m. — Hi, Joe!
6:03 a.m. — CHUG. TIME.
6:02 a.m. — Tiny Dancer!
5:56 a.m. — People are wearing garbage on stage.
5:52 a.m. — BJC is booming! Vol. 3
5:45 a.m. — LINE DANCE!
5:43 a.m. — Queen inspires more sign spinning. Pledges are ambitious.
5:42 a.m. — Don’t. Stop. Me. Now.
5:40 a.m. — The musicians tip their hats and exit the stage. Mason Ramsey plays again.
5:36 a.m. — If they have a million fans, I am one of them. If they have one fan, it’s me.
5:35 a.m. — The crowds chants, “One more song!” Adam and the Armadillos grants their wish, and its’ “Chicken Fried.”
5:34 a.m. — Two TKE brothers toss a tennis ball back and forth successfully over 30 times.
5:31 a.m. — I’m a liar. The Armadillos are giving us one more song, “Take Care.”
5:28 a.m. — Closing out the show, Adam and the Armadillos sings “More Than My Hometown.”
5:26 a.m. — BJC lights turn red and wash over the crowd. Surprisingly pretty in the moment.
5:22 a.m. — If you haven’t purchased a country hat yet, there’s no time like the present.
5:19 a.m. — Adam is, in fact, a triple threat. He’s dancing, folks.
5:17 a.m. — 90’s Country? Consider me sold.
5:11 a.m. — Can’t believe I questioned country hour. I was a different person at 4:15 a.m. Go Adam. Go Armadillos.
5:10 a.m. — A little Chris Stapleton in the BJC.
5:09 a.m. — MOUNTAIN MAMA…
5:08 a.m. — WEST VIRGINIAAA…
5:06 a.m. — Adam asks for a “WE ARE” chant and follows up with “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” This guy gets it.
5:02 a.m. — Adam grants us a real toe-tapper. #tooblessedtobestressed
4:57 a.m. — Oranges, anyone?
4:54 a.m. — Adam of the Armadillos just told me to “write this down.” We listen to Adam in this house.
4:51 a.m. — PASS SWEEP. Adios, yellow passes.
4:49 a.m. — A little Tim McGraw never hurt anybody.
4:38 a.m. — Adam and the Armadillos takes the stage. Circling back to my cowboy hat inquiry, did ya’ll plan this without me?
4:36 a.m. — @Whethan, come get your boy… Mason Ramsey rocks the big house.
4:33 a.m. — The double line dance tired us out. Recovery mode activated.
4:20 a.m. — LINE DANCE! Oh boy.
4:15 a.m. — The threat of a 4 a.m. “country hour” is in the air.
4:10 a.m. — An acoustic rendition of “Valerie” plays onstage.
4:02 a.m. — LINE DANCE!
4:01 a.m. — Mad Libs goes crazy. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? The Sad Pineapple.
3:54 a.m. — Cup stacking challenge onstage. Missed opportunity to reference the Cup Song. :/
3:49 a.m. — Chugging water is now an Olympic sport.
3:48 a.m. — We’re flipping out on the big board.
3:41 a.m. — Jk. Under further inspection, I’m pretty sure this is just Zumba. I’ll dust off my DVD’s.
3:37 a.m. — The lore behind the Boogie Woogie is unmatched. I want one.
3:36 a.m. — PASS SWEEP. Goodbye red passes, you will be missed.
3:29 a.m. — LINE DANCE
3:26 a.m. — The Jarrett Family shares their story.
3:17 a.m. — I’m seeing a lot of cowboy hats right now. Yee-haw or haw-yee?
3:15 a.m. — Dancer Relations team takes the stage to stretch the crowd.
3:12 a.m. — Bianca is an absolute slay. Thank you, Bianca.
3:05 a.m. — THEY HEARD US. LINE DANCE!
3:04 a.m. — We need a line dance. Please. We’re begging at this point.
3:00 a.m. — PASS SWEEP!
2:55 a.m. — Mr. Worldwide, PS (I love) U.
2:50 a.m. — Donny Burns & the 3rd Degree exit, wrapping up the Bands Power Hour.
2:47 a.m. — Welcome to the Jungle THON 2023.
2:41 a.m. — ATO & ZTA’s Cars-themed letter fall into sync when “Life Is A Highway”is played live.
2:39 a.m. — BRB, headed to Funkytown, U.S.A.
2:36 a.m. — My Sharona or your sharona?
2:31 a.m. — ATO’s Mater “A” busts a move.
2:25 a.m. — Another exceptional rendition of September. *chef’s Kiss*
2:22 a.m. — A call-and-response cheering tactic has broken out in the crowd.
2:18 a.m. — SHOUT!
2:16 a.m. — Boyfriend theme continues from My Hero Zero. sWaG, sWag, SwAg…
2:15 a.m. — Logan, James, Kendall, Carlos, is that you??
2:13 a.m. — BJC is BOOMING, Vol. 2.
2:07 a.m. — It was ONLY A KISS. It was ONLY A KISS.
2:03 a.m. — My Hero Zero calls out to the crowd for “I Want It That Way.”
2:01 a.m. — Crazy in Love rocks the room.
1:52 a.m. — Bands Power Hour in the house.
1:48 a.m. — Letter spinning is a honored trend.
1:39 a.m. — It’s “water-full” out here.
1:33 a.m. — BJC is booming with the Biebs.
1:25 a.m. — LINE DANCE!!
1:23 a.m. — Jumbotron stars bring the energy back.
1:17 a.m. — Swifties unite.
1:14 a.m. — Carly Rae Jepsen remains the goat.
1:09 a.m. — Boom CLAP!
1:07 a.m. — BJC’s Remix of “Symphony” hits different this morning.
12:59 a.m. — Photo op!
12:53 a.m. — Shake it, sh sh sh, shake it, sh sh sh shake it, like a Polaroid Picture!
12:50 a.m. — Heyyyyyyyy, yaaaaaaaaaa……
12:43 a.m. — No really, where is he?
12:42 a.m. — He’s right behind me, isn’t he? @Waldo wya
12:36 a.m. — Eyeliner is not the frat boy’s strongest suit, but ATO takes the W.
12:31 a.m. — Mannequin makeovers… Not as scary as it sounds tbh.
12:25 a.m. — Vroom! Vroom! Go!
12:22 a.m. — BJC is BOOMING. ;)
12:16 a.m. — Line Dance!
12:14 a.m. — Victorious mash-up takes over.
12:08 a.m. — Encanto in the BJC!
12:03 a.m. — Pass SWEEP and Rasputin.. double whammy.
12:00 a.m. — It’s SUNDAY!!
Saturday, February 18
11:32 p.m. — FANTASY BY MARIAH LET’S GOOOOOOOOO
11:30 p.m. — Oh yeah, “Levitating!” Get it, Mr. Josh.
11:24 p.m. — A man is onstage playing guitar. I only know that his first name is Josh. Sorry.
11:16 p.m. — ~ We just got a letter ~ We just got a letter ~
11:11 p.m. — Time fo’ the wave.
11:10 p.m. — Name that tune!
11:08 p.m. — Late-night meal! On the menu: Garden salads, chicken salads, whole wheat rolls, and chocolate chip cookies.
11:04 p.m. — Dance break.
11:00 p.m. — To the stage, Dancer Relations captains!
10:48 p.m. — LAST SONG LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
10:45 p.m. — Whethan should go back to his roots. And stay there.
10:43 p.m. — Car go brrrr.
10:41 p.m. — I’ll have whatever Whethan is on.
10:40 p.m. — Put. Darude “Sandstorm.” Down.
10:39 p.m. — Tonight was crazy, lit, movie.
This is so good guys
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 19, 2023
I can't believe I'm at a Whethan concert 10:38 p.m. — It never ends.
10:34 p.m. — My brain hurts.
10:19 p.m. — What if we kissed… during the Whethan concert?
10:17 p.m. — This man loves elevated surfaces.
10:14 p.m. — Furry mode = activate.
10:07 p.m. — Play “Free Bird.”
10:00 p.m. — SMOKE MACHINES LET’S GO!
9:55 p.m. — Oooh, shiny!
9:51 p.m. — Who else thought they were saying “Wheat Thin?” Just us? Okay.
9:49 p.m. — DJ Whethan takes the stage!
9:37 p.m. — A massive DJ setup is being ~set up~ on stage.
9:32 p.m. — Whiplash indeed.
9:26 p.m. — Whiplash on its way to give us whiplash.
9:24 p.m. — A cappella be like: “HMMMMMMMM”
9:23 p.m. — You betta strut, mama!
9:22 p.m. — Cough cough.
9:18 p.m. — Time for a “Pitch Perfect” moment. Coda Conduct takes to the stage.
9:04 p.m. — LINE DANCE LINE DANCE LINE DANCE.
9:01 p.m. — Women’s lacrosse takes the gold!
8:56 p.m. — My bet is men’s soccer.
8:53 p.m. — Your finalists: Men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse. Justice for men’s gymnastics fr.
8:52 p.m. — Penn Staters love finding an object hidden under three other moving objects on a screen.
8:51 p.m. — Kickline (circle!) sends the BJC into hysterics.
8:51 p.m. — Ate. Left. No. Crumbs. We’re going hungry for the next week, actually.
8:50 p.m. — Time for the Lionettes to show ’em how it’s done.
8:48 p.m. — Their hips do not lie.
8:47 p.m. — Are front flips required to be a Penn State athlete?
8:47 p.m. — We return with the reigning champion, men’s soccer!
8:45 p.m. — (Break for “Sweet Caroline”)
8:44 p.m. — I want to be a Penn State quarterback when I grow up.
8:43 p.m. — Hugh Jackman is FTK.
8:42 p.m. — Hi Field Hockey!
8:41 p.m. — MUTH (virtually).
8:40 p.m. — We are speechless on press row.
8:39 p.m. — Historically, this team dominates the Pep Rally (except last year). Will they reclaim the throne?
8:39 p.m. — Men’s gymnastics!
8:37 p.m. — “Don’t Stop Believing” break!
8:35 p.m. — Oh yeah get INTO IT.
8:35 p.m. — Matching tracksuits and hats. Swag.
8:34 p.m. — Women’s lacrosse on deck!
8:33 p.m. — Making it rain roses.
8:33 p.m. — I just wanna rock.
8:32 p.m. — THEY ARE COOKINNNNNNNGGGGGGG!
Go crazy
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 19, 2023
Go stupid8:31 p.m. — ~ Hiiiiiiiiii Drew ~
Looking at himself on the jumbotron
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 19, 2023
8:30 p.m. — FOOTBALL TIME!
8:28 p.m. — Abby Lee Miller would be proud.
8:27 p.m. — Women’s golf you betta WERK this ABBA number.
8:21 p.m. — Dancer Relations Captains, to the stage?
8:21 p.m. — Noooooo men’s hockey you’re so sexy aha.
8:19 p.m. — Shades. White tees. Blue jeans.
8:17 p.m. — Fencing is up! En garde.
8:16 p.m. — A FLIP!
8:16 p.m. — Their jackets are brighter than my future.
8:15 p.m. — Up next is women’s soccer.
8:14 p.m. — HI BO NICKAL!
8:14 p.m. — The choreography is immaculate. The crowd is in shambles.
8:13 p.m. — HOODIES ARE OFF!
8:12 p.m. — The matching grey sweatsuits are a moment.
8:10 p.m. — Heyyyyyyyyy men’s lacrosse.
8:08 p.m. — I honestly expected more. Where was the passion?
8:07 p.m. — Next is women’s gymnastics!
8:06 p.m. — The partner work! The throws! The kickline!
8:05 p.m. — Men’s golf is up next.
8:03 p.m. — CARTWHEEL INTO THE SPLITS!
8:03 p.m. — So. Much. Glitter.
8:02 p.m. — First up is women’s volleyball.
7:59 p.m. — He’s serving Ben Franklin.
7:58 p.m. — James’ head is so shiny I can see it from the nosebleeds.
7:57 p.m. — Pat Kraft has maaaaad shoe game.
7:54 p.m. — I hope Neeli does a front flip.
Bendapudi, Kraft & Franklin Prep Crowd Ahead Of THON 2023 Pep Rally
7:50 p.m. — Tequila!
7:49 p.m. — A classic cheer routine with an FTK twist. It’s almost like we’re back in Beaver Stadium!
7:48 p.m. — Forty-six one-armed push-ups from the Nittany Lion! What a king.
7:47 p.m. — The cheerleaders have taken the stage to kick off the THON 2023 Pep Rally!
7:45 p.m. — The Blue Band is in the house!
7:44 p.m. — The Nittany Lion is struggling to gain control of the crowd.
7:42 p.m. — Pep Rally soon.
7:41 p.m. — Wearing two shirts right now.
7:36 p.m. — I feel like I should be covered in sweat and packed like sardines in a moist room with sticky floors drinking a mysterious liquid. But alas, I’m at THON.
7:35 p.m. — This is so frat. So crazy, lit, movie.
7:34 p.m. — ELECTRIC LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!
7:26 p.m. — DJ Wes Saunders is laying down some sick beats. Two Friends who?
7:23 p.m. — Drew Allar in the house.
7:17 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
7:14 p.m. — Me after two drinks.
7:10 p.m. — Okay Kacey Musgraves period.
7:04 p.m. — No thoughts just drum kid.
6:57 p.m. — It smells like teen spirit in here!
6:52 p.m. — “Sweet Caroline” time!
6:50 p.m. — Yoshi has taken the stage. I’m not kidding.
6:44 p.m. — Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine!
6:34 p.m. — The festivities aren’t just confined to the BJC. Over at the Multi-Sport Facility, members of various different sports celebrated THON’s annual Athlete Hour with the Four Diamonds families.
6:31 p.m. — Bringing back the “Harlem Shake” in 2023 is legendary.
6:29 p.m. — Shifting gears to THON’s Teens Got Talent.
6:11 p.m. — The talent in this room is palpable!
5:48 p.m. — It’s time for the Kids’ Talent Show!
It's time for the Kids' Talent Show! Let's rock
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
5:43 p.m. — In case you missed it, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stopped by the BJC.
5:07 p.m. — It sure feels like the midnight train. I don’t know what time it is at all.
5:03 p.m. — Have you ever heard “Congratulations” by Post Malone in the bridge of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire? EPIC!
4:54 p.m. — The “Happy” to “Hey Ya” transition pipeline isn’t talked about enough.
4:47 p.m. — Sending love to all the moms out there. Especially Stacy’s Mom.
4:42 p.m. — The setlist is unreal right now. “Timber” to “S&M” to “Teenage Dream.” I’m speechless.
4:40 p.m. — “Party in the USA” is an unmatched tune. Case closed.
4:37 p.m. — Royals is so hot it’ll melt your popsicle.
4:31 p.m. — It smells like fresh pepper.
4:28 p.m. — The BJC is electric right now. Does anyone have the Royals’ lead singer’s phone number? Lol. Not kidding though.
4:26 p.m. — Whitney Houston is brave. Royals is slaying.
4:24 p.m. — “Moves Like Jagger” has press row bumping.
4:22 p.m. — Royals hit the stage and they’re wearing sparkly ~tank tops~.
4:19 p.m. — The sparkly suit band is back! Nature is healing.
4:12 p.m. — Ross Lynch is so awesome. Yeah.
3:55 p.m. — “Wake up, babe. It’s line dance time!”
3:40 p.m. — Penn State Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford graced the THON stage to give dancers a boost of mid-afternoon encouragement.
3:15 p.m. — Penn State’s Homecoming executive board announced its upcoming theme as “Illuminate The Lion Within” for fall 2023.
3:08 p.m. — From dancing to signing we go. The Singing Lions are lighting up the stage with a accapella rendition of “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks.
2:48 p.m. — Nittany Dance Project has hit the stage at the BJC.
2:41 p.m. — It’s dance party time! First, the DJ is starting us off with “Macarena”.
2:23 p.m. — Raffle tickets are for sale at Gate A, folks. Who wouldn’t want to win a Jahan Dotson signed football?!
2:08 p.m. — It’s clean-up time! OPP is out in droves mopping the floors during a short intermission on the BJC’s floor.
1:52 p.m. — “Hold up, wait a minute. Y’all thought we were finished?” ANOTHER line dance in the span of 20 minutes! It’s pure electricity in the BJC.
1:46 p.m. — THON committee members are gifting scholarship and donation awards to deserving recepients.
1:25 p.m. — “DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!”
1:06 p.m. — Congratulations to Caroline and Maddie! The duo won the dancer pageant talent competition with a snowboarding trick video and captured $500 credited to their THON organization.
12:54 p.m. — So far, we’ve seen a chef, two singers, and a lyrical dancer. Who’s going to get the golden buzzer?
12:42 p.m. — The talent show is now underway!
12:21 p.m. — “DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!”
12:19 p.m. — Now presenting The Showtwirlers!
12:07 p.m. — “Love Is an Open Door” ladies and gentlemen! The air is “Frozen” and so is the BJC during Saturday afternoon’s power hour.
11:51 a.m. — Disney theme hour has begun! Keep your eyes peeled for some special friends on the floor…
11:44 a.m. — It’s time for a Line Dance!
11:32 a.m. — Shoutout to all the commonwealth campuses!
11:23 a.m. — That Nittany Lion is coming along nicely, Mr. Sabol.
11:25 a.m. — We got Mando and Baby Yoda in six minutes! This guy is crazy good! And there are some galactic friends (and foes) wandering the floor!
11:19 a.m. — Just three minutes to paint Mickey Mouse! And he’s doing a second painting.
11:16 a.m. — Start your timers! Speed painter Cody Sabol is making a masterpiece.
11:14 a.m. — Looking for some light entertainment? We got you covered.
11:03 a.m. — We smelled correct. Let’s dance!
10:56 a.m. — I smell a Line Dance in our future…
10:44 a.m. — We’re on round four of hair donations! Y’all are rocking those new cuts!
10:33 a.m. — No hair, don’t care. It’s hair donation time!
10:24 a.m. — Dancer Relations Captains, to the stage!
10:15 a.m. — Tucker Haas is sharing his 20-year THON story, from when he was a THON child with ATO and ZTA, up to now as he is dancing for ATO in THON.
‘This Is Home’: Former THON Child Tucker Haas Dancing In THON 2023
10:01 a.m. — It’s the roaring 20s! You all are killing it Alpha Phi Delta, Delta Gamma, and Sigma Alpha!
9:57 a.m. — Reily McCarthy is sharing now sharing his THON story.
9:49 a.m. — What’s up, Greek councils?
9:53 a.m. — Line Dance time!
9:31 a.m. — Superhero stretches! And we get to meet some amazing kids while we’re at it!
9:22 a.m. — Ed Sheeran and good vibes. It’s a beautiful day, folks.
9:02 a.m. — “Dancer Relations Captains, to the stage!”
8:50 a.m. — From Katy Perry to Machine Gun Kelly without a problem. Versatility at its finest.
8:42 a.m. — A bright and early playing of “Teenage Dream” is so fitting for this glorious morning.
8:36 a.m. — I bet the Nittany Lion is a Sk8r Boi.
8:27 a.m. — Fun fact: Warped Band was previously Southpaw, a frequent THON performer.
8:20 a.m. — It sure is rockin’ in here, everyone is totally jamming out.
8:12 a.m. — Kelly Clarkson cover, we’re basically living in Pitch Perfect.
8:05 a.m. — Time to get angsty, folks. We’ve got the Warped Band kicking off their set with The All-American Rejects.
8:00 a.m. — I Spy with my little eye… a bunch of pink fuzzy hats!
7:55 a.m. — There’s a band setting up on the stage now…
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
Please be Lowjack7:52 a.m. — Is anyone getting hungry?
7:43 a.m. — Dancers are getting packages now! Packages are so good.
7:32 a.m. — It’s tiiiimmmmeeee! Line Dance!
7:29 a.m. — Sher Bhangra goes SO HARD.
7:25 a.m. — Gooooood morning THON! What better wake-up call than a performance from Sher Bhangra?
While You Were Sleeping: What Happened At THON 2023 Overnight
7:23 a.m. — That little girl is a gymnast! The crowd goes wild!
7:18 a.m. — Queen RiRi! Is this the Super Bowl halftime show?
7:18 a.m. — Penn State Lyrical Line takes the stage. Complete with four THON dancers and an adorable kid.
7:16 a.m. — Zombie Nation. Let’s go.
7:06 a.m. — Hey there, Natya!
6:59 a.m. — It’s been too long since we heard that. Line Dance, everybody!
6:54 a.m. — Carnival theme hour is about to start!
6:40 a.m. — Shakira Just Dance on the jumbotron. Nice.
6:37 a.m. — It’s a space race! To the moon middle of the BJC!
6:31 a.m. — Let the Garbage Games begin!
6:22 a.m. — Those marshmallow and toothpick towers kinda remind us of someone…
6:19 a.m. — The Lion Scouts win Pictionary!
6:11 a.m. — Game night (remember, time doesn’t exist in the BJC)! Time for some Pictionary.
6:02 a.m. — MOPPing timeeee!
5:59 a.m. — Kinesiology Club, Figure Skating, and Earth and Mineral Sciences Student Council are playing Guess That Theme Song!
5:55 a.m. — It’s feeling like a rave right now. All the Greek letters are going hard.
5:45 a.m. — Good ol’ Line Dance for the soul.
5:42 a.m. — Water Social! Chug, chug, chug!
5:39 a.m. — It feels like we’re overdue for another line dance…
5:33 a.m. — If you’re just waking up to join the fun, you might want some outfit inspo:
5:27 a.m. — “Hey Jude” to wrap up Ted and the Hi-Fi’s electric set and we’re loving it.
5:18 a.m. — “Home” by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros is such a cute song.
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
Oh, home, let me come home. Home is wherever I'm with you. 5:14 a.m. — Hall & Oates, anyone? Everyone is absolutely loving this setlist.
5:05 a.m. — Loooooooove Shack! <3
4:52 a.m. — Ted is SHREDDING. Let’s! Go! PSU!
4:43 a.m. — Take me out (after the 46 hours are over).
4:39 a.m. — Ted and the Hi-Fi’s are starting off strong with Lizzo. It’s about damn time.
4:29 a.m. — Talk about an early breakfast! Hospitality is serving up pancakes, waffles, oats, and yogurt for the dancers.
4:23 a.m. — Ted & Molly are setting up right now and we are so excited 
4:14 a.m. — The Garbage Games continue. Keeping the BJC clean is anything but trashy.
4:00 a.m. — DRCTTS! Line Dance Time!
3:57 a.m. — Anyone craving a chicken basket?
3:41 a.m. — Boogie Woogie time, BJC! Get that blood flowin’!
3:36 a.m. — Movie trivia! Somebody grab the popcorn.
3:24 a.m. — Line dance. Run it back.
3:20 a.m. — What’s the best way to stay hydrated? A water social, of course.
3:16 a.m. — We just wanna know how this guy is correctly guessing where this water is from.
3:03 a.m. — Now that that’s taken care of, it’s time to stretch it alllllll out, folks.
2:57 a.m. — Line dance? Line dance.
2:51 a.m. — Movin’ On director Sofia Moussan has got pipes!
2:41 a.m. — Fleetwood Mac. Let’s go.
2:25 a.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!!
2:23 a.m. — Slides of Strength is starting up on the floor now. So. Much. Baby powder.
2:18 a.m. — Sophie-Saurus Rex won Jeopardy! Great job ladies!
2:06 a.m. — Time for a friendly game of This or That. Things are getting heated.
2:01 a.m. — We’re totally jamming to Harry Styles right now!
1:41 a.m. — Someone call the doctor! We have Island Fever!
1:35 a.m. — Rince Na Leon is getting jiggy wit it to an ABBA medley!
1:34 a.m. — Irish dance, you say?
1:28 a.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
11:15 a.m. — The oldest running event in THON is the Closer to a Cure Celebration. The more you know.
1:13 a.m. — THON keeps playing games with us. It’s Deal or No Deal time.
1:11 a.m. — AXIS guesses all the best Creamery ice cream flavors and takes home the win.
1:04 a.m. — MEATBALL MONDAY?
1:02 a.m. — How is El Jefe’s not on this list? Have you had its breakfast burritos?
1:00 a.m. — I like this guy’s voice.
12:59 a.m. — Family Feud is up on the screen… Steve Harvey is being defrosted in the backrooms of the BJC as we speak.
12:51 a.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
12:50 a.m. — BLUE CAR WINS! The stands “BOO” in protest.
12:49 a.m. — Red is being violently thrown across the stands, but its strategy is efficient.
12:48 a.m. — It’s time for the Car Race! Our money is on blue.
12:35 a.m. — RUE, WHEN WAS THIS?
12:33 a.m. — They’re in their “Glee” era for real.
12:20 a.m. — It’s time for that scene in “Pitch Perfect” where they sing in a sewer… but THON-style.
12:17 a.m. — Midnight snack, anyone? Chef THON is serving up assorted subs.
12:12 a.m. — It’s the karaoke version!
12:10 a.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
12:01 a.m. — There have been at least five Coldplay songs played since 4 p.m. That’s so much Coldplay.
12:00 a.m. — If you’re reading this, it’s too late. Just kidding! It’s Saturday!
Friday, February 17
11:55 p.m. — Folks, we have a winner!
11:50 p.m. — Walk On Mars is getting the BJC amped with Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”
11:42 p.m. — Moonroof is back with Two Door Cinema Club’s “Undercover Martyn.”
11:38 p.m. — “Ain’t THON fun?” — Paramore, probably.
11:31 p.m. — It’s me! Hi! I’m the problem, it’s me!
11:28 p.m. — Walk On Mars is back with “Sk8er Boi.”
11:16 p.m. — Moonroof returns for another round.
11:11 p.m. — She just called “The Middle” a throwback. We feel old.
11:08 p.m. — Hit those high notes!
11:06 p.m. — Following up “Mr. Brightside” with Paramore. Middle schoolers everywhere are shaking.
11:03 p.m. — JEALOUSY, TURNING SAINTS INTO THE SEA, SWIMMING THROUGH SICK LULLABIES, CHOKING ON YOUR ALIBIS.
11:03 p.m. — Welcome to the stage, Walk On Mars!
10:51 p.m. — Harry Styles is that you?
10:47 p.m. — First up is Moonroof!
10:47 p.m. — It’s time for the Battle of the Bands.
It's Battle of the Bands time
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
10:46 p.m. — Okay but why are they stealing a mattress from their roommate in Boulder? That’s just rude.
10:44 p.m. — Remember to stay hydrated this weekend. Drink that water!
10:20 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
10:17 p.m. — ROCKS!
10:13 p.m. — It’s time to play Are You Smarter than a THON Captain?
10:07 p.m. — Making trash cleanup fun, one dinosaur at a time.
It's clean up time!
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up
9:45 p.m. — This is the fourth Coldplay song that has played.
9:33 p.m. — THE. REST. IS. STILL. UNWRITTEN.
9:32 p.m. — Giving Slim Shady a run for his money!
9:30 p.m. — Natasha said “SIKE.”
9:28 p.m. — What do her pants feel like? Are they soft? Rubbery? Covered in sequins?
9:24 p.m. — THIS GUITAR!
9:24 p.m. — Prince would be proud.
9:23 p.m. — Literally speechless.
9:21 p.m. — “PURPLE RAIN” LET’S GOOOOOOOOOO!
9:20 p.m. — Mr. The Weeknd if you see this, call me.
9:17 p.m. — OOOOOOOOOOOH I’M BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS!
9:14 p.m. — That girl has some PIPES!
9:13 p.m — TAKE ME AWAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!
9:13 p.m. — I gotta pocket gotta pocket full of sunshine!
9:11 p.m. — Those hips don’t lie, folks!
9:08 p.m. — Natasha asking if there’s any single people in the house made me feel seen.
9:08 p.m. — Hat = back on.
9:07 p.m. — Hat = off.
9:06 p.m. — Natasha can RUN in those platform heels. You better work!
9:03 p.m. — The vibes tonight.
9:02 p.m. — NATASHA BEDINGFIELD HAS ARRIVED.
8:57 p.m. — It’s time for the wave!
8:56 p.m. — Neelsters is in the HOUSE.
8:50 p.m. — Drums are being set up on stage… 
8:43 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
8:38 p.m. — I’m telling mom.
8:36 p.m. — Tapestry is in the house tapping it out to the Phineas and Ferb theme song.
8:32 p.m. — Rêve is on fire. Those are some clean kick-ball-changes.
8:15 p.m. — The Pennharmonics are in the building.
8:12 p.m. — Shock me like an electric eel 
8:03 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
7:45 p.m. — Meanwhile, in Pegula:
7:41 p.m. — Tonight’s dinner menu: Pasta, zucchini noodles, salad, and bread.
7:38 p.m. — Savoir Faire takes to the stage with “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Let It Go.”
7:31 p.m. — It’s time for Kids’ Mail Call!
7:23 p.m. — Happy birthday to Ainsley, Abbie, Sarah, Kirsten, Sebastian, Jack, Alex, Alex, and Julia!
7:18 p.m. — Brad better keep an eye out for Selener.
7:13 p.m. — Me alone to myself in the bathroom mirror.
Mason Koma is really getting into "Since U Been Gone"
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
7:11 p.m. — It’s Lip Sync Battle time!
7:07 p.m. — The tall tables have returned to the BJC floor.
7:00 p.m. — Miss Pennsylvania Alysa Bainbridge’s shoes are brighter than my future.
6:58 p.m. — Student media REPRESENT.
They just welcomed members of the press. Feeling loved. Thanks, THON
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 18, 2023
6:57 p.m. — I feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind right now.
6:52 p.m. — In the kitchen, wrist twistin’ like it’s stir-fry.
6:46 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
6:40 p.m. — The BJC is ~boomin’~ while it works its way through the line dance.
Dancers stand
— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 17, 2023
First line dance
6:17 p.m. — You ask, we deliver. Your 2023 line dance lyrics are here, folks.
6:11 p.m. — DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS, TO THE STAGE!
6:02 p.m. — Nature is healing.
6:00 p.m. — Let’s do this thing.
5:45 p.m. — Dance Academy of State College is KILLING those fouettes.
5:35 p.m. — Oh yeah get ~into~ it.
Urban Dance Troupe is tearing up the stage
— THONward State (@THONwardState) February 17, 2023
5:26 p.m. — None of the Above, a student-run a cappella group, takes to the stage with performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Buttercup.”
4:56 p.m. — Mayor Ezra Nanes officially declares State College the City of THON for the weekend.
4:13 p.m. — Time to lock in.
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About the Author
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