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[Photo Story] Relive The THON 2024 Pep Rally

If you didn’t experience the excitement of this year’s THON Pep Rally, our photographers were live on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center to capture the electric event.

After an honorable showing from so many teams, men’s gymnastics took home the crown in a 3-2 vote from the judges.

Following a brief speech from CEO of the Penn State Alumni Association Paul Clifford, the Blue Band kicked off the festivities. Blue Sapphire Mackenzie Bronk jumpstarted the performance with musicality, spirit, and some serious star power.

The Nittany Lion, accompanied by Penn State cheerleading, completed 46 one-armed pushups in homage to THON Weekend. Clearly, he felt pretty good about it.

Two Penn State icons were then announced as emcees for the event: field hockey coaching legend Char Morett-Curtiss and former backup quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

These appearances revived the crowd and kept the momentum up despite technical difficulties.

Following the excitement of the duo, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft reminded the crowd of its work in true blue and white style, ensuring “little cubs” can grow into Nittany Lions.

Ahead of Penn State football’s impressive dance performance, head coach James Franklin thanked everyone for their involvement in THON 2024.

The judges of the Pep Rally then took to the stage, announced their favorite activities, and warmed every heart in the Bryce Jordan Center.

As the first competitor, women’s lacrosse kicked off the competition with its best guitar solos. Courtesy of lacrosse sticks and Hannah Montana, these ladies rocked out for real and certainly didn’t disappoint.

Women’s tennis brought us to the African savannah with everyone’s favorite: The Lion King. Hitting a kickline-turned-final pose, the ladies revealed coordinated shirts in an epic moment of support.

A crowd favorite, men’s gymnastics brought the energy to DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean.” There were too many flips to count, but boy, this was an enjoyable watch.

Encouraging the crowd to “Level Up,” the ladies of Penn State fencing brought out their best hip-hop moves in some basic blues.

Former Penn State wrestler and Olympic gold medalist David Taylor stopped by the pep rally with his daughter London. Taylor encouraged attendees to be a part of “something bigger than ourselves.”

London led a classic “We Are” chant, and the crowd went wild.

The rodeo came to town, led by men’s swimming and diving. Decked out in flannels and hats, the boys called for cowgirls in a true boot scootin’ boogie.

After a quick line dance break, women’s golf left it all out on the floor with coordinating shirts For The Kids and a mashup of “We Found Love,” “Umbrella,” and “Diamonds” by Rihanna.

Primed for competition, women’s ice hockey appeared dressed as referees and flashed a Four Diamonds symbol to Beyonce’s “Break My Soul.”

Penn State football enjoyed its moment of competition, donning hoodies and sunnies under the bright Bryce Jordan Center lights.

Following the best of the blue and white, women’s swimming and diving brought the beauty and the beat to THON 2024 courtesy of Justin Bieber.

Channeling its best “Pitch Perfect” moment, women’s volleyball soared to new heights and inspired the crowd to join in on a quick rap verse of “Magic” by B.o.B.

Field hockey was quite en vogue to a remix of “Four Minutes” by Justin Timberlake and Madonna. One talented athlete elevated the competition with a solid worm at center stage.

Men’s soccer graced the stage with black tracksuits and flips big enough to give any gymnast a run for their money. The boys were indeed back.

After a few technical difficulties, women’s soccer finally took part in the fun. The performance earned it a first runner-up finish, and the ladies didn’t miss a beat despite the delay of game.

Kicking to the moon and back, the Lionettes performed their best “Mamma Mia” moves to the pure delight of the crowd. Grace and unity was the “name of the game” for this sister squad.

Marking the end of the THON 2024 Pep Rally, the judges returned to the stage of the BJC to announce the winner. Men’s gymnastics took the home first prize, but this was a nail biter, folks.

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About the Author

Lizzie Palmieri

Lizzie is a senior majoring in Marketing and Psychology from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Ask her about Disney World, Diet Pepsi, or dancing on the Jumbotron at Beaver Stadium. When not causing general trouble, Lizzie enjoys playing golf, performing in the theatre, and being the CEO of reorganizing the fridge. Her favorite thing to do is hang out with her sassy sidekick, 19-year-old Italian Greyhound, Macaroni. Follow her on Twitter @lizziepalmieri if your deepest desire is bestie vibes only.

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