It’s that time of year again, folks! Thousands of students pile into the BJC for 46+ hours in support of the Four Diamonds foundation, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park, especially on the concourse.

Since THON 2023’s start Friday evening, we’ve compiled the types of people you’ll most definitely run into while stretching your legs around the arena. Do what you will with the information, but beware.

Sleep-Deprived Zombies

Big props to all the dancers and anyone who chooses to be in the BJC for more than two hours. You’re stronger than me. That being said, stay clear of them on the concourse. If you get caught behind them, you’re bound to add a good five minutes to your trip and, if it’s a group of them, you might as well go the other way. They’ll be pretty easy to spot with the glazed look in their eyes and achey steps, but hey, it’s for a good cause.

Congregating Committees

Again, shoutout to anyone who puts as much preparation and energy into being on a committee, but if you see a mob of people wearing the same colored shirt in your path, good luck. Their favorite spot on the concourse is right in the middle, and they will not move for anything. Normally just as sleep deprived as those mentioned above, these people at least have some authority over the course of the weekend and aren’t afraid to use it.

Recommendation: avoid at all costs.

Line Standers

THON wouldn’t be THON without the lines. Lines to get in, lines to get out, lines for food, lines for the bathroom, and lines for the water fountain. Sometimes, you’ll just be walking and find yourself in a line (it sounds dumb, but trust me, it happens more often than you’d think.) The worst part is these lines are almost impossible to get around. The only option? Through. Now, hopefully those kind people will understand your intentions of just wanting to get through, but go in prepared with lots of “I’m sorrys” and “excuse mes” locked and loaded.

Ball Throwers

What better way to occupy your brain for extended periods of time than bouncing or throwing a ball? How about bouncing or throwing a ball in a crowd of people? Even better. There’s no discrimination when it comes to these people’s sphere of choice, similar to the lack of disregard to who’s in the ball’s path. Lacrosse balls, tennis balls, beach balls, and those shiny, air pumped balls they have in the big bins at Wal-Mart — all are welcome! And you have to be on the lookout for all of them, too, or else someone (YOU) is going to end up on the floor with a rolled ankle.

The Runners

Where are they going? No one knows, but you better not get in their way. Under the assumption they’ve mastered the art of weaving through a crowd at high speeds, they’re bound to clip your heel or bump your shoulder a little too hard if you’re going too slow for them. Normally, you can’t see them coming until it’s too late, but if you plant your feet and pull in your shoulders, you should be able to come out of it without a scratch. Be vigilant. Good luck out there, soldier.

Bathroom Mobs

Different from the bathroom line goers, bathroom mobs consist of people waiting for their friends to get out of the bathroom, therefore, they form a mob. Unfortunately for those of us who use the women’s restroom, we are more likely to encounter these people and the awkward slide by/cut through move you have to do, but don’t think you’re safe just because you never actually enter the bathroom. These mobs can spill out onto the concourse and even appear to be a line. Don’t be fooled.

Families

THON is all about the kids and the families, so you’ll see a lot of them this weekend. Unlike all of those mentioned above, seeing a family has a minimal amount of chance at ruining your day. The kids will be decked out in their little outfits with a smile on their face, probably trying to shoot or pop the abundance of bubbles that litter the concourse at all times. If you’re lucky enough to see a family enjoying themselves this weekend, suck it up and give them a smile. It’s For The Kids.