THON is here, folks.

To celebrate the best 46 hours of the year, our staffers decided to get together and draft the best things about THON here at Penn State. With so many amazing moments and events packed into the weekend, it was tough to pick just 24 things.

Here’s the full draft board.

Now, let’s hear from each team captain.

Team Michael

I was rewarded with the first overall pick for the first time, and I chose the total reveal without any hesitation. Everyone spends 46 hours (and far beyond) to raise this money, and when the total amount is announced, it makes it all worth it. My second pick was the start of THON with the dancers standing for the first time at 6 p.m. on Friday. It’s a great moment that sets the tone for the next three days.

In the third and fourth rounds, I selected two hours that occur during the weekend, first Family Hour, when the THON kids and families are honored at the Bryce Jordan Center. Athlete Hour came next, which is when THON kids spend time with Penn State athletes at a separate location. It was my first pick that doesn’t take place at the BJC, and it was nice to add some variety to my team.

In round five, I went with the talent show put on by THON kids. All the work put into THON is FTK, and it’s great to see the kids showcase themselves at the talent show. I capped off my roster with something a little different, taking the mini Zambonis that periodically clean the floor, also known as OPP MOPPing. It’s not easy to keep a floor that hundreds of people are on for 46 hours clean, but these zambonis get the job done.

Overall, I’m very proud of the squad I put together, especially as the only THON first-timer drafting.

Team Aidan

When you think of THON, you likely think of the line dance. It’s a tradition that has been going on for years and is a big part of what makes the event what it is. It was an obvious first pick. My personal favorite band in State College is Adam & The Armadillos and when they performed last year at THON during the graveyard hours it definitely got the vibes up.

For my third pick, I chose something that many take pride in — organizations’ themes for THON. I love seeing how some orgs differentiate themselves from others. The human tunnel is a great way to start the weekend and welcome the dancers to the BJC. This is a steal in round number four.

In round five I selected the THON football game. I’m a sucker for a themed football game and when the student section makes the yellow ribbon it’s truly special. In the final round, I chose clear bags, because how else are you going to carry your belongings around?

Team Mikey

We’ve done a few of these drafts now and this is the first time where I feel like I can confidently say that I “won.” In the first two rounds, I managed to pick both the Pep Rally and the surprise national concert act. These are the two headlining events of THON on Friday and Saturday night, so I’m shocked I got both.

I also picked up the slides of strength and the kids’ fashion show, two more events that truly encapsulate the joy of THON and probably should’ve gotten picked sooner.

I rounded out my draft with two underrated and more niche selections, the always-impressive THON merchandise and the shiny, colorful bubbles that float around the Bryce Jordan Center during THON Weekend.

Overall, I think I have a pretty impressive and well-rounded roster.

Team Matt

For the second draft in a row, I was awarded the final pick in the draft. After what I considered to be the big three in this draft went one, two, three, I had to pivot and select the best band in the history of THON, My Hero Zero. For the past 13 years, My Hero Zero has performed at THON and there’s a reason they’re asked back every year. They’re amazing. My Hero Zero and THON are like bacon and eggs. They’re the perfect duo, and it isn’t THON, at least in my eyes, without them. In the second round, I went with an obscure pick in throwback music. Where else are you going to hear your classic 2010s mix at two in the morning?

In round three I went with the classic water break. THON is a long event and you have to stay hydrated –what better way than with a good old-fashioned water break with your friends? I followed that pickup with the Battle of the Bands. Battle of the Bands is a competition that gives bands that many people haven’t heard of a chance to shine and every year I’ve attended THON I always enjoy hearing music from people I’ve never heard of.

With my last two picks, I selected what I feel is the best THON sporting event in THON Hoops. I like the THON football game, but something about THON Hoops with the colored shirts in the crowd and the eclectic atmosphere just makes it special. Finally, I went with a game changer during THON Weekend, an essential for anyone attending the event, especially with the BJC’s strict bag policy. I picked a fanny pack. The backpack of THON. The bag that can hold everything you need during THON Weekend.