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[Live Blog] Penn State THON 2017: $10,045,478.44!

Welcome to the central hub of Onward State’s THON 2017 coverage. Follow along here for everything going on at the Bryce Jordan Center this weekend at the 45th annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Be sure to follow @THONwardState, @OnwardState, and check out our Facebook page for more of our coverage this weekend. We’ll have pictures, videos, tweets, live coverage, and all of our THON stories laid out below, minute-by-minute.

Live Blog

Sunday

And this year’s Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon total money raised is…
$10,045,478.44!
ALL FTK!

4:00 p.m. 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… DANCERS SIT!

3:53 p.m.: The Executive Committee is onstage for the final line dance of the weekend.

3:50 p.m.: HOME STRETCH! Only 10 minutes remain in THON 2017.

3:41 p.m.: ZOMBIE. NATION.

3:40 p.m.: In another turn of events, the Nittany Lion re-enters the show as a regular old member of the band entertaining the crowd.

3:33 p.m.: The Nittany Lion is in the building! He made his way across the stage before settling in the press pit. Update: We spoke too soon. The Nittany Lion hopped back on stage for a few minutes to serve as a quasi-backup dancer.

3:25 p.m.: Go Go Gadjet continues to hype up the crowd at the BJC with 35 minutes left in THON 2017.

3:19 p.m.: “Every single penny we made off of sales [from our new song] we donated to THON last night,” Go Go Gadjet said. Naturally, “Make You Feel Good” is the band’s next number. They’ll continue to donate profits from the song to next year’s THON.

3:15 p.m.: Welcome to THON’s house, Go Go Gadjet. Make yourself at home. It is your tenth year performing at THON, after all.

3:05 p.m.: The crowd goes wild as Go Go Gadjet bumps the Remix to Ignition! Nearly every song is a hit at this hour.

2:58 p.m.: Go Go Gadjet asks everyone in the crowd to raise their voices and sing along. The spectators are most definitely feeling it, especially with a throwback like “Semi-Charmed Life.”

2:46 p.m.: Put your hands together for Go Go Gadjet!! The band starts with one of the most-played songs of the weekend, “24K Magic.” Letters around the BJC are bumpin’ as the lights go down for the performance.

2:30 p.m.: We’re “Livin’ On A Prayer” here in the BJC as the crowd looks forward to Go Go Gadjet’s annual performance.

2:22 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! This is the penultimate line dance.

2:19 p.m.: The crowd claps in unison to “Feel Again” while the Entertainment Committee prepares the stage for our next act.

2:12 p.m.: Brittany Robbins returns to the stage to invite everyone in the BJC crowd to join arms in singing “Angels Among Us.” This is what it’s all about.

1:50 p.m.: Robbins, the Family Relations director for THON 2017, introduces the Celebration of Life video, “in honor of each of our heroes who were taken from this world far too soon.”

1:46 p.m.: “[Savion] was our hero for being our sweet Savion. He was here for a reason. We all are. Now Savion is in his happy place, like he said — walking well and skipping and dancing.” Savion’s favorite song was “Happy” by Pharrell. The family thanks everyone at THON and everyone who was involved with Savion.

1:41 p.m.: Our final Family Hour speaker is the Savion Atterberry family. Savion taught everyone in his family how to live their lives graciously, even when things weren’t going their way. “At a young age, he was a warrior, a mentor, and our superhero.”

1:25 p.m.: Family Relations Director Brittany Robbins returns to introduce the “Where Are They Now?” video, which shows where other Four Diamonds children are in their journeys.

1:21 p.m.: “Another great source of inspiration through all this has been my doctors,” Marcus said. “They’re the reason why today I want to be a pediatric oncologist in the future.” He’s realized being a great doctor means so much more than knowing everything medically.

1:17 p.m.: Marcus explains he met a little boy named Elliott Ross who was diagnosed shortly after he was. “Another ‘wonderful’ part of cancer has been that I got to take the beautiful Miss New Jersey to my senior Homecoming,” Marcus said. “The most amazing thing through this journey has been all the wonderful people that I’ve got to meet through these past two years.”

1:14 p.m.: When Marcus got back to class, the school was headed to an assembly with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As they explained the symptoms of leukemia, Marcus realized he’d been experiencing these symptoms in the previous month. “I looked at my friend and I said ‘I can’t believe this, but I think I have leukemia,'” he said. Although he’d been to the doctor multiple times, Marcus did a quick Google search and found out he had eight of the ten symptoms for Leukemia.

1:10 p.m.: The Marcus Josey family will speak to the crowd next. Marcus is a freshman at Gettysburg College. He’ll tell us about the day he was diagnosed, explaining he was called down to the guidance office at his high school to read a letter saying he was in the final steps of the recruitment process for the Harvard football team.

1:07 p.m.: In March 2015, Connor finished his treatment. That fall, the family attended their first event: Harvest Day. “You guys truly became part of our family,” Mary Anne said. “Our oldest son said recently that Penn State feels like a second home to him.”

1:03 p.m.: Connor was taken by ambulance to Hershey Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Mary Anne was then told Connor would go into surgery the next day. “When I say our lives changed over night, they literally changed over night,” she said. “We knew [Connor] was feeling better when he would stick his tongue out, eat Ring Pops, or build Legos.”

1:00 p.m.: Our first family speaker is the Connor Rowan Family. Mother Mary Anne says she was afraid something was wrong with Connor’s appendix when he complained about a stomach ache. She couldn’t even imagine cancer as a possibility.

12:46 p.m.: Four Diamonds Founder Charles Millard joins Robbins on stage to welcome the THON families who are present this year to the floor for Family Hour. Three families will share their stories with the BJC after every family is introduced.

12:42 p.m.: Family Relations Director Brittany Robins takes the stage to kick off Family Hour at THON 2017. “Thank you to every single Four Diamonds family for allowing us into your family…You empower us to keep dreaming of a world without childhood cancer.”

12:33 p.m.: THON 2017 DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! It’s time. If you still haven’t caught on to this one, here are the lyrics.

12:27 p.m.: THON 2016 DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! For the record, Heather Grace Thomas is still a line dance queen. The We Are sign arrived at Penn State in 2016 along with Sheetz on Pugh and the new HUB. Star Wars and Jurassic World finally returned to the big screen as American Idol said goodbye. But more importantly…man buns. “BLAST OFF BJC! Can you feel that energy?”

12: 22 p.m.: THON 2015 DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! The Morale Committee officially changed its name to Dancer Relations for THON 2015. President Barron and Athletic Director Sandy Barbour also joined Penn State this year. 2015 also gave us Venmo, Share a Coke, and the finale of How I Met Your Mother. Oh, and selfies. “Whoop! There it is. We’re here for the kids!”

12:16 p.m.: 2014 MORALE CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! The crowd can’t resist this Backstreet Boys/Beyoncé opener. “Government — SHUT DOWN FOR WHAT!” Frozen was released in 2014 along with the camel hump day commercials, and of course we can’t forget Penn State’s 4 OT win over Michigan. “Barry thanks for all you’ve done” appears in this line dance as Barry hands the THON advisor reigns over.

12:11 p.m.: 2013 MORALE CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! This crowd is all about pumping it louder. Super seniors in the BJC should remember this one from their first THON. “STOMP! Make the stands shake. WHAT? THIS IS PENN STATE.” THON used to include a photo of long-time advisor Barry Bram in each line dance video.

12:05 p.m.: 2012 MORALE CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! We’re going through five years of line dances. “409. What a run!” gets a huge cheer from the crowd. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people left at THON who remember the 2012 line dance. The Hershey Medical Center was not yet completed at this time: “Hershey Center almost done.”

11:57 a.m.: Paul Clifford comes back on stage to announce the winner of the THON Raffle graduation tour to Europe courtesy of the Penn State Alumni Association. Congratulations, Henry! You’re going to Europe!

11:50 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! We’re here for the final line dance before the final four.

11:41 a.m.: The Bungee Jumpers are back on stage for the second time this weekend. They never cease to amaze us!

11:20 a.m.: Franklin made it to the stage with his daughter Shola and offensive lineman/THON 2017 dancer Charlie Shuman.

11:11 a.m.: Dancer Relations Captains to the stage!

10:41 a.m.: Eric Barron takes the stage with Molly. “Molly and I and the entire Penn State community thank you for what you’re doing.”

10:10 a.m.: THON has been featured throughout the morning on Good Morning America with live looks inside the BJC.

10:08 a.m.: The Orange Team wins Color Wars! Purple finishes in second and Red grabs the last spot on the podium in third.

9:00 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! This time, they’re joined by Entertainment captains.

8:27 a.m.: OPP continues to mop the floor while various groups take photos on stage.

7:51 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! The THON 2017 Executive Committee joins the Dancer Relations captains on stage for this one.

7:47 a.m.: After rousing renditions of “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “Hey Jude” The Rockets step off stage with a reminder of why we’re her: For The Kids.

7:02 a.m.: The Rockets pump up the crowd with “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.

6:45 a.m.: Next up on stage is The Rockets, donning gold glittered vests. Naturally.

 

6:27 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

6:08 a.m.: Urban Dance Troupe takes the stage for a change of pace with a hip hop style dance.

6:02 a.m.: Irish dance group Rince Ne Leon is up next on stage performing a traditional routine.

5:43 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! There’s no better way to get the BJC rocking that with a line dance.

5:30 a.m.: Let’s have a water social! “If you’re feeling crazy, you can even do it with Gatorade.”

4:15 a.m.: The Brass Cadillacs are performing on stage now “to bring the good people of State College the cover songs they deserve.” The crowd is already hopping to “Come On Eileen.”

3:48 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! Nothing pumps up the crowd like another line dance.

3:41 a.m.: Duo TV Dinners takes the stage next — just two guys and their guitars.

3:30 a.m.: Another dance group takes the stage, offering a cultural twist on modern pop songs.

3:05 a.m.: RAM Squad takes the stage to perform a hip hop dance routine starting with a Pokémon theme.

2:43 a.m.: IGNITE! ELECTRIFY! It’s line dance time!

2:24 a.m.: The Penn State Thespians are on stage dancing now! We’d like to extend a special shout-out to Matt Schiffman for the break dancing.

2:19 a.m.: The Penn State Sign Language Association is on stage now signing “Bye Bye Bye” by N*SYNC. This is impressive.

2:00 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! Spectators at the BJC are finally starting to learn the line dance.

1:33 a.m.: Dancers are starting to receive their last mail deliveries of THON 2017.

1:25 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! It’s time to ignite and electrify the BJC.

1:11 a.m.: Another water social is sweeping the floor of the BJC. If you’re still not feeling hydrated enough, head over to our THON (Water) Drinking Game.

12:30 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

12:28 a.m.: It’s time for OPP to mop up yet again. They seem pretty coordinated, so it’s a good thing they created a new strategy this year.

Saturday

Your 2017 THON Pep Rally Champion is… Men’s Gymnastics!

9:28 p.m: Mike the Mailman leads the sports teams to the stage.

9:22 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

9:05 p.m.: That’s all from the incredibly talented children.

8:58 p.m.: Karim Bectach is the final performer here at the Kid’s Talent Show.

8:28 p.m.: The kids continue to showcase their amazing skills on stage here in the Bryce Jordan Center.

8:04 p.m.: The Kid’s Talent Show is underway here at THON 2017.

8:00 p.m.: Video showcasing the THON Explore program is shown to the crowd.

7:49 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

7:25 p.m.: The Bryce Jodran Center has now hit max capacity.

6:54 p.m.: It’s time for Kids Mail Call, starting with a video recap of last week’s delivery.

6:36 p.m.: The crowd goes wild as Bungee Jumpers Team take the stage. If you’re not jumping, you’re not living. This is indescribable.

6:24 p.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! Let’s do this.

6:15 p.m.: Here we go with the seventh inning stretch. It’s important for everyone standing 46 this weekend to stay loose.

5:29 p.m.: The entire crowd here is singing along as My Hero Zero closes out its set.

5:17 p.m.: My Hero Zero continues to rock the BJC.

5:03 p.m.: I mean come on, who doesn’t love singing “Stacy’s Mom” at the top of their lungs?

4:56 p.m.: All in unison, The BJC sings along with My Hero Zero’s rendition of “All The Small Things.”

4:50 p.m.: My Hero Zero takes the stage here at THON 2017.

4:21 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

4:12 p.m.: Paul Clifford, CEO of The Penn State Alumni Association, leads the BJC in a unanimous chant of the alma mater.

4:04 p.m.: The floors are mopped, and an adorable baby is crawling on the floor.

3:52 p.m.: We’re still mopping the floors here at the BJC.

3:46 p.m.: Children sing Happy Birthday to all of the dancers who are celebrating today.

3:45 p.m.: WE ARE chants ring loud as THON records a clip for Good Morning America.

3:39 p.m.: OPP is mopping up the dance floor.

3:27 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

3:24 p.m.: Family of Tally Sepot give an award titled “Live Like Tally.”

3:22 p.m.: Award is presented to Eliana Shaprio.

3:19 p.m.: Presenting of the Courtney O’Bryan memorial award.

3:18 p.m.: Greek Hour comes to an end at THON 2017.

3:15 p.m.: A student armed with an acoustic guitar takes the stage to showcase his talents.

3:00 p.m.: Family speakers take the stage to talk about their loved ones affected by cancer.

2:55 p.m.: Greek Sing winners perform their routine.

2:41 p.m.: Welcome to Greek Hour at THON 2017!

2:31 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

2:27 p.m.: Governor Tom Wolf takes the stage to give a word of support to the dancers.

2:25 p.m.: Black Tie Stereo finishes its last song.

2:00 p.m.: Things are getting funky in here. Black Tie Stereo’s rendition of “Play That Funky Music” is quite groovy.

1:48 p.m.: We’ve got some early 2000s throwbacks being played. Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” has everyone moving!

1:36 p.m.: Black Tie Stereo is playing all of the throwback jams we’ve been craving.

1:32 p.m.: CAUTION: There are dinosaurs on the floor. You’ve been warned.

1:30 p.m.: Welcome to the stage, Black Tie Stereo!

1:19 p.m.: Morale is high on the floor. The dancers are moving and the BJC is bumping.

1:09 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

12:57 p.m.: There is a giant parachute on the floor, I kid you not.

11:56 a.m.: We’re gearing up for the Under the Sea kids’ fashion show on stage now. This year’s theme seems to b the best of the past few years.

11:48 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

11:33 a.m.: Homecoming takes the stage as we anticipate the announcement of next year’s theme! And you Homecoming 2017 theme is…”Embrace the Journey, Roar with Pride.”

11:07 a.m.: Welcome to All-U hour where commonwealth campuses are honored for their hard work this fundraising season.

11:00 a.m.: Another successful donation! The hair will go to children undergoing chemo so they can have wigs for free.

10:50 a.m.: Volunteers gather on the stage as THON celebrates its hair donors.

10:02 a.m.: Can you find the Star Wars characters on the floor? How about a giant stuffed panda? It’s the perfect time to play I Spy, part two.

9:53 a.m.: Need to practice the line dance a little more before the Dancer Relations captains take the stage next? We suggest using our video to learn at your own pace.

9:46 a.m.: 12-year old Nashville-based singer-songwriter Marisa McKaye took the BJC on a soulful train ride with her stunning vocals and soothing guitar.

9:42 a.m.: Sara James and the Hess Brothers blew the BJC away with a classic rock medley.

9:22 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains get on up there!

9:07 a.m.: So long and goodnight, pass system. We barely knew ye.

8:50 a.m.: If you thought Joe Jonas was the biggest celebrity to attend THON, think again.

8:00 a.m.: Sara James and the Hess Brothers might be kids — but they can play.


7:48 a.m.: Dancer relations captains, to the stage! Is this year’s line dance the biggest Mannequin Challenge…ever?

7:44 a.m.: We get it, you took a little snooze overnight and you probably missed some things from inside the BJC. Here’s what happened overnight.

7:40 a.m.: Fun fact: The song currently playing (“Oh My Love” by The Score) was the background track of last year’s line dance.

7:38 a.m.: Mike Mike Mike what time is it? Package time! Dancers are getting their first round of postage for the weekend, plus an introduction from a very special Penn Stater.

7:21 a.m.: Student dance group PSDA takes the stage next, grooving to a melody of popular dance tunes.

7:13 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! Worth noting, his is the first time all weekend a male is leading the BJC in the line dance.

7:11 a.m.: The sun is up on day two of THON 2017. It’s time to start moving and grooving.

6:34 a.m.: The zambonis are out in full force for the first floor sweep of THON 2017.

6:32 a.m.: It’s peanut butter jelly time here on press row.

6:15 a.m.: We swap electric guitars for ukuleles as the Penn State Ukulele Club played soothing renditions of classic songs.

6:00 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage!

5:50 a.m.: It’s almost 6 a.m. here in the BJC. We still aren’t sure the name of the cover band that’s on stage, but it’s time for them to hit the road.

5:11 a.m.: We’ve got more live music up on the stage. Nothing like a good face-melter to kick your morning off right.

4:37 a.m.: It’s 4 a.m. and time for another line dance. To the stage, Dancer Relations captains!

4:11 a.m.: Sher Bhangra is currently on stage performing an upbeat dance routine. The crowd seems to be feeling it even though it isn’t a traditional THON performance style.

4:04 a.m.: Student Jason Cillo takes the stage with a shameless Apollo shout-out. He’s in the process of recording his first full-length album. Acoustics seems to be a theme at this hour.

3:55 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! It’s time for yet another line dance.

3:30 a.m.: And the crowd goes wild! Nothing hypes up the BJC like a few broken boards.

3:24 a.m.: Club Taekwondo is performing a demonstration for the first time at THON. You can catch up with what the club’s been up to lately here.

3:21 a.m.: Penn State’s Pre-Professional Dance Society will perform next. We can’t believe it’s a thing, either.

3:17 a.m.: Club Cheer’s Blue Team is next up on stage to perform a cheer spelling out “F-T-K” before switching to stunt routine set to music.

3:10 a.m.: Student Bryan Sharkey takes the stage with just a microphone and an acoustic guitar. We aren’t ready to be this mellowed out yet. This is the polar opposite of the last “Hey Ya” cover we heard.

2:59 a.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! We’re ready for another line dance.

2:51 a.m.: We can smell the baby powder! The first round of Slides of Strength is officially underway for dancers on the floor of the BJC.

2:45 a.m.: An early-morning iteration of “Who Let The Dogs Out” reinvigorates the crowd around the BJC. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at THON…so they can’t be let out…because they’re never let in.

2:37 a.m.: Two Hospitality captains take the stage to lead a ‘water social.’ “Raise that bottle and get ready to chug.” Remember, folks. They’re talking about water here.

2:23 a.m.: “All of THON is going to be honorary members of Double Oh 7 for this next song.” The crowd is shouting and grooving all over the BJC to “Shout” with their new-found musician status.

2:19 a.m.: The crowd isn’t quite rocking to this Maroon 5 throwback “Harder to Breathe” but Double Oh 7 is certainly pumping up press row with this one.

2:15 a.m.: Though it’s not quite #FTK to have a cold beer on a Friday night, it’s clear the crowd knows a little “Chicken Fried” can go a long way on a never-ending night like this. It seems the spectators are more into this one than the dancers.

2:06 a.m.: Teenage drama fans in the crowd rejoice — Double Oh 7 is performing noted One Tree Hill theme song  “I Don’t Wanna Be.”

1:59 a.m.: Double Oh 7 is throwing it ~way~ back with songs like “Hey Jude” and “Twist and Shout.”

1:48 a.m.: Is it THON 2017 or THON 1985? Double Oh 7 says Debbie just hit the wall. We’ll update as more information becomes available.

1:38 a.m.: Double Oh 7 is on stage now pumping up the crowd with an energetic cover of “Hey Ya” by Outkast! The crowd is shaking it like a Polaroid picture.

1:18 a.m.: The New Feel wins THON’s Got Talent yet again!

1:11 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! It’s time for another round of everyone’s favorite line dance.

1:08 a.m.: Entertainment captains Brian Stickeler and Najah Brown, the winners of the Mr. and Mrs. THON Pageant, are now performing their THON-Hamilton parody song.

1 a.m.: The New Feel, winner of last year’s THON’s Got Talent, are playing “When You Were Young” by The Killers on stage now. We caught up with lead singer Mike D’Avella a few weeks ago to talk about the band’s new EP they’re donating the proceeds from to THON.

12:38 p.m.: PSUkelele is the next act up for THON’s Got Talent, promising good vibes in the BJC before their acoustic rendition of “Closer” and a medley of other pop songs based around “Party In The USA.”

12:30 a.m.: It’s time for the dancers to eat again. This menu features Subway subs, pretzels, and fruit.

12:21 p.m.: THON’s Got Talent begins now with the band Life Lounge! After the acts, you’ll be able to vote by texting [email protected].

Friday

11:43 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!

11:38 p.m.: Orchesis Dance Company is up next to perform a hip hop/contemporary dance, ending “Juju On That Beat” by throwing their diamonds up.

11:33 p.m.: Nolan keeps it mellow with songs like “Say What You Need To Say” and “Drops of Jupiter.”

11:24 p.m.: Eddie Nolan kicks off his acoustic set on stage with “Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson.

11:12 p.m.: 3 AM Tokyo goes neon for a glow-up drum performance, though the Entertainment Committee apparently missed the ‘dim the lights’ memo.

11:08 p.m.: We’re all getting low in the BJC with 3 AM Tokyo. Don’t worry, though, they’re keeping it clean #FTK.

11 p.m.: 3 AM Tokyo keeps the crowd moving with “All the Small Things.” Only 90s kids will get this.

10:49 p.m.: “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon is a hit in the crowd for 3 AM Tokyo. Letters around the BJC are bouncing up and down even more than usual.

10:43 p.m.: 3AM Tokyo takes the stage, pumping up the crowd immediately with Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling.” The group will return to State College next month to play at Champs.

10:14 p.m.: The BJC is bumpin’ to “Love On Top” by Beyoncé while waiting for the next performer to set up on stage.

9:49 p.m.: Dancer Relations captains to to the stage! We’re ready for yet another line dance.

9:38 p.m.: Brett Altman will perform next with classic Sweet Caroline, asking the crowd to sing along in place of his missing band.

9:36 p.m.: Ambitions takes the BJC “All the Way Up” with an impressive dance performance before breaking the crowd into a series of We Are chants.

9:31 p.m.: Ambitions dance group takes the stage next, dancing to a medley of songs beginning with “Gold” by Kiiara.

9:30 p.m.: Farabaugh channels her inner Pitbull with “Can’t Hold Us” and moves into Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” to close her set.

9:18 p.m.: Olivia Farabaugh is performing acoustic on stage now in the BJC, starting with “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran.

9:12 p.m.: Joe Jonas and DNCE will perform again in State College at Champs downtown.

9:05 p.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! After an uneventful half hour, it’s time for yet another line dance.

8:35 p.m.: Dancer Relations captains to the stage! It’s time for another line dance.

8:25 p.m.: The dancers get to eat their first meal. Tonight’s menu features pulled pork, mac & cheese, dinner rolls, veggies & dip, and baked goods.

8:12 p.m.: Jonas makes his way through the crowd on the main floor of the BJC, breaking into a rendition of “We Are the Champions.” He even tried to make it into the stands at one point.

8:08 p.m.: DNCE continues to hype up the BJC crowd at THON 2017 by performing what is perhaps the group’s most famous single, “Cake By The Ocean.” The Nittany Lion just joined DNCE on stage.

8:05 p.m.: Joe Jonas leads DNCE to perform a decidedly more punk-rock version of “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls.

8:01 p.m.: DNCE is still performing on stage, now playing the group’s hit single “Toothbrush.” Spectators and Dancers alike are still in shock.

7:50 p.m.: Joe Jonas and DNCE take the stage for a surprise performance, shocking the BJC. Is this THON 3000 or THON 2017?

7:49 p.m.: Jason Cabinda and Trace McSorley join a trio of children — Olivia, Corbin, and Emily — on stage for a “Sorry” lip sync performance.

7:47 p.m.: In a lip sync battle, the Lionettes take on Miley Cyrus to hype up the crowd with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

7:34 p.m.: BREAKING: Joe Jonas has been spotted at THON.

7:18 p.m.: After the whole Bryce Jordan Center learned the line dance, Dancer Relations captains take the stage again for the second full line dance of THON 2017.

6:32 p.m.: Dancer Relations captains are teaching everyone in the Bryce Jordan Center how to do the 2017 line dance. If you can’t translate line dance into English, here’s our Genius-style breakdown of the lyrics.

6:25 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE! It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the first line dance of THON 2017. If you’re learning from home, you can read the full lyrics here.

5:58 p.m.: 3… 2… 1… DANCERS STAND! THON 2017 is officially underway for the next 46 hours.

5:55 p.m.: THON Executive Director Austin Sommerer introduces the other members of the executive committee on stage prior to the official beginning of THON.

5:50 p.m.: The Blue Band Drumline takes the stage to pump up the dancers as they prepare to stand for 46 hours. Members playing the cymbals even did push-ups with the cymbals during the song.

5:45 p.m.: The dancers stand in 15 minutes! Another Penn State dance group performs a hip hop dance medley.

5:39 p.m.: ROAR! Brass Ensemble takes the stage to perform next a we await the official start of THON at 6 p.m.

5:34 p.m.: The next pre-THON performer, Jeremy Petrone, opens a short set with “Year 3000” by The Jonas Brothers.

5:24 p.m.: Some of Penn State’s dance companies are performing a medley of different songs.

5:22 p.m.: The Biancone family, including daughter Madeline, a 7-year cancer survivor, appears on stage next. “Every dollar raised, every penny raised, makes a difference. You are making a difference. How can you not get excited about that, people?” Madeline leads the first “We Are” chant of the weekend.

5:18 p.m.: Four Diamonds founder Charles Millard takes the stage with THON Executive Director Austin Sommerer. “The big celebration today is the 40 years we have spent together edging closer to cure for pediatric cancer,” he said.

5:15 p.m.: The dancers are on the floor but it seems like most of the spectators are in line for the water fountain.

5:02 p.m.: The dancers are starting to make their way onto the floor, getting their final minutes of sitting and stretching in for the next 46 hours.

4:49 p.m.: Sure a State College winter is, er, nice, but if you enter this year’s THON raffle you could win a trip to Europe.

4:44 p.m.: A representative on behalf of the State College Borough Council presented the resolution declaring State College the “City of THON” for this weekend.

4:35 p.m.: The dancers are officially in the Bryce Jordan Center. IT’S HAPPENING.

4:30 p.m.: The merch booths on the concourse are open! We repeat the merch booths on the concourse are open.

4:27 p.m.: We chatted with the first in line for THON 2017 to see what they’re expecting this weekend.

4:25 p.m.: We tried our best to predict some of the most obscure aspects of THON: check out our 2017 Prop Bets.

4:10 p.m.: The doors are open and the spectators are starting to file into the Bryce Jordan Center, giant letters and colorful shirts included.

4:02 p.m.: Getting into THON will take a little longer this year thanks to the addition of metal detectors at each of the spectators entrances.

3:55 p.m.: Committee members begin to form the human tunnel to welcome dancers into the Bryce Jordan Center.

3:45 p.m.: The Bryce Jordan Center is quiet, but not for long. We took a look at this year’s setup before dancers and committee members storm the floor.

3:42 p.m.: THON Executive and PR Directors Austin Somerer and Sam Sherlock joined Four Diamonds Founder Charles Millard at a pre-THON press conference to discuss the 40th anniversary of the partnership.

3:30 p.m.: iPhones, rejoice: this year THON added a few (literally a fewcharging stations) to the concourse.

3:00 p.m.: We’re live at THON 2017! THON volunteers are putting the final touches on the Bryce Jordan Center and some of the acts are conducting sound check on stage.

Our Coverage

Sunday

The Best Of Your Vintage THON Apparel — Stevenson
Dancing In THON Half A World Away From Home
— Shimkonis
Overheard On Twitter: THON-Induced Delirium
— Stewart
Jerseys Spotted At THON
— Coughlin
The Rockets Return To Keep THON Going Strong
— Kasales
Penn State Offensive Tackle Charlie Shuman Brings Servant Leadership To THON
— Abruzesse
Fate Fell Short This Time: Twitter Swore Blink-182 Was At The BJC, Fake News
— Civian
Dance Battle Breaks Out In The Back Of BJC Floor
— Connelly
I Tried To Recreate A Spa-Quality Facial In The Middle Of THON
— Stevenson
THON 2017 Reaches At Le
ast Six Continents
— HIll
[Photo Story] Best Onesies Seen At THON
— Cines
THON 2017 Hits Capacity Ahead Of Final Four Hours
— Reisman
Brass Cadillac’s Unique Sound Reinvigorates A Dragging BJC
— Reisman
THON Org Profile: Penn State Worthington-Scranton
— Connelly
Coaches vs. Cancer Tribute Mural Fits In Perfectly At THON
— Stewart
Meet The Duo Performing Card Tricks And Giving Free Hugs At THON 2017
— Coughlin
[Photo Story] Atlas Signs Stand Out In BJC Crowd
— Rothacker
The Practical Magic Behind Dancer Mail
— Hill
THON Offering New “Sweat Tech” And Glow In The Dark Shirts
— Reisman
Diving Into The World Of THON On Twitter
— Cines
[Photo Story] Dancer Mail Gets Emotional
— Civian
THON Continues To Serve Cheap, Delicious Grilled Cheese
— Reisman
Better Know A THON Committee: OPPerations
— Stewart
Thunderstick THON Tradition Continues For GammAcacia — Davidson
10 Other Things You Could Do In 46 Hours
— Reisman
Burnt Sienna Energizes The BJC With A Set Full Of Classics
— Rothacker
Men’s Gymnastics Dominates Competition At THON Pep Rally
— Connelly

Saturday

Penn State Hockey Loses Two Late Leads, Falls 4-3 In OT To Minnesota — Stewart
Counting Calories FTK: What You Need To Consume To Stay On Your Feet
— Rothacker
Better Know A THON Committee: Hospitality
— Davidson
THON 2017 Kid Talent Show Showcases Hard Work Of Four Diamonds Children
— Klodowski
Penn State’s Red Cell Analytics Lab Uses THON And Technology To Better Prepare For Disasters — Cines
Penn State’s Athletes Can’t Always Make It To THON, But Still Play FTK
 — Connelly
Blue & White Society, Alumni Association Provide Shakers For THON Pep Rally
 — Hill
Better Know A THON Committee: Donor And Alumni Relations
 — Dieter
[PHOTOS] Kids Show Their Competitive Side For Athlete Hour
 —
Asinor
Bryce Jordan Center Hits Capacity Prior To Some Of THON’s Signature Events
 —
Klodowski
Penn State Love Stories: THON Brought Us Together
 — 
Dieter
Onward Stats: THON 2017 Concession Stands
— Ho
Meet The Hypemen Of The Stands, The THON Crows Entertainment Committees
— Popescu
Better Know A THON Committee: Merchandise
— Stewart
Entertainment Director Kyle Azzara Runs The Show For THON
— Connelly
Your Complete THON Bucket List
— Hill
My Hero Zero Rocks The BJC Again During THON 2017
— Klodowski
Meet Two Special Events Captains Dancing In THON
— Reisman
Better Know A THON Committee: Dancer Relations
 –
Dieter
A Small Baby Captivates The Bryce Jordan Center
 –
Lipshutz
Best, Worst, And Most Challenging Parts Of Being A THON Chair On THON Weekend
 –
Wulfhorst
Penn State Children’s Hospital Sends Thanks To THON 2017 Volunteers And Dancers
 –
Klodowski
Branch Campus Spotlight: Schuylkill Benefitting THON
 –
Mandarino
Better Know A THON Committee: Communications
 –
Hill
Black Tie Stereo Returns To The BJC To Energize The Crowd During THON 2017
 –
Klodowski
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Visits THON
 –
Hill
[Video] THON Dancers Enter The Bryce Jordan Center
 –
McGinnis
Things Are Getting Hairy This Year: Best Headgear Of THON 2017
 –
Dieter
Here’s How THON Gains Access To The Songs It Plays All Weekend
 – 
Abruzzese
What’s In Your Fanny Pack?
 – 
Wulfhorst
Annual THON Mosaic Revealed By DMAIG In The HUB
 – 
Mandarino
Power Ranking The THON 2017 Line Dance Lyrics
 – 
Shimkonis
Overheard On Twitter: Senator Bob Casey To Pay A Visit To THON
 –
Klodowski
[Video] Saturday Morning At THON 2017 – Lipshutz
The Best Letters At THON 2017
— Stevenson
[Photo Story] Volunteers Donate Their Hair On Stage During THON 2017
— Klodowski
Homecoming Announces 2017 Theme: Embrace The Journey, Roar With Pride
— Hill
Checking In With Hockey Student Manager And THON Dancer Will Bensur
— Civian
[Photo Story] Star Wars Characters Pay A Visit To THON 2017
— Klodowski
Blow-Up Basketball Has Commenced In The THON 2017 Stands
— Coughlin
I Spy: THON 2017 Edition, Part Two
 — Klodowski
[Video] The THON 2017 Line Dance — Shimkonis (Video: Lipshutz)
Sara James and the Hess Brothers Refresh BJC Crowd With Youthful Twist On Classic Rock — Stevenson
Once Again, THON’s Pass System Is Shot By Day Two
— Rothacker
Hidden Gem Of THON: Free Swag In the Concourse
 — Coughlin
Guide To Eating Cheap At The BJC During THON — Connelly
Penn State Athletes React To THON On Twitter — Abruzzese
[Video] Joe Jonas and DNCE Perform A Surprise Show At THON 2017
— Shimkonis
10 Questions With Line Dance Leader Julia Magowan
— Shimkonis
Special Interest Organization Eclipse Dances In Its First THON
— Cines
Central PA Avengers Make Appearence At THON
— Davidson
Double Oh7 Keeps Energy High With Timeless Hits
— Colucci
Cancer Survivor And Boulevard Dancer Ryan Clark Embodies ‘Igniting Hope Within’
— Stevenson
The Banners of THON: 2017 Edition
— Hill
How Are You Experiencing THON While Abroad?
— Rothacker
Overheard: Joe Jonas And DNCE At Champs
— Blanco
Onward Reviews: Banana Nutella Stuffed Pretzel Beats Concession Competition
— Connelly
The New Feel Wins THON’s Got Talent For The Second Year In A Row — Turchick
Where Are You THONing From? — Hill
Alumnus Eddie Nolan Returns To Sing And Strum Away People’s Stress — Cines
What Not To Say To THON Dancers — Dieter

Friday

Former THON Dancer And Penn State Great Valley Board Member Gary Generose Returns To THON — Stewart
3 AM Tokyo Pumps Up The BJC With A Wide Range Of Music — Reisman
Get To Know THON’s First Special Interest Organization: Springfield — Abruzzese
I Spy: THON 2017 Edition — Dieter
AYUDA Honors Timothy Piazza With ‘For Tim’ Banner – Cines
THON 2017 Color Wars Competitions In For An Exciting Finish — Rockwell
Alumni Associations Around The Country Host THON Viewing Parties — Ho
Brush Up On Your THON Trivia At The THON History Museum — Stewart
Follow Along With Onward State On Snapchat — Connelly
DNCE And Joe Jonas To Continue The Party, Play A Show At Champs — Reisman
Where Is My Org? Your THON 2017 Guide To The BJC Arena — Klodowski
What To Do This Weekend If You’re Not In The BJC — Dieter
Twitter Reacts To Joe Jonas Performing At THON 2017 — Hill
Joe Jonas and DNCE Rock THON With An Electrifying Surprise Performance — Reisman
Spotted: Joe Jonas Is At THON — Connelly
A Genius Breakdown Of The THON 2017 Line Dance — Civian
Shake The Stands, Rock The Floor: The THON 2017 Line Dance — Shimkonis
THON Donation Booths Decorated As Biomes Throughout The Concourse — Dieter
How To Navigate The BJC Concourse During THON — Bannister
You Could Win A Trip To Europe In The THON Raffle This Weekend — Ho
[Video] The First In Line For THON 2017 — Lipshutz
Your THON 2017 Prop Bets — Reisman
THON 2017 Debuts Two Public Entrances — Pickard
THON Implements Metal Detectors At Bryce Jordan Center Entrances — Hill
[Photo Story]: A Look At How THON Comes Together — Abruzzese
THON Executive Committee Excited For 40-Year Anniversary With Four Diamonds — Hill
Salvation Is Here: You Can Charge Your Phone At THON — Reisman

Pre-THON

Meet One Of The Designers Behind DMAIG’s THON Mosaic — Fountas
SAAB Dancers Discuss What THON Means To Them — Kasales
Attending Your First THON As A Dancer: Expectation vs. Reality — Hill
Freshman 101: How To Shop And Pack For THON 2017 — Klodowski
University Libraries To Produce THON-Related Exhibits, Live Final Four Viewing — Davidson
10 Questions With A Commonwealth Campus THON Dancer — Bauer
CATA Bus Schedule Expanded For THON Weekend — Rothacker
Coaches And Students Shave Their Heads For The Kids During ‘No Hair Don’t Care‘ — Stewart
State College Again To Be Renamed ‘City Of THON’ — Shimkonis
Your Guide To Staying Healthy Heading Into THON Weekend — Connelly
Beta Theta Pi Dancers No Longer Able To Participate In THON — Hill
Chatty Monks Brewing Company Created A Beer Inspired By THON — Shimkonis
Why I Dance: THON 2017 Dancers Share Their Stories — Fountas
Your Last-Minute Checklist For THON 2017 — Fountas
Predicting The THON 2017 Line Dance — Shimkonis
The Trials And Tribulations Of A New Org’s First THON — Connelly
Your Complete List Of The 708 (sic) Dancers For THON 2017 — Hill

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Posts from the all-student staff of Onward State.

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