The Bryce Jordan Center remains the epicenter of annual THON festivities at Penn State, but action extended to the Lasch Football Building on Saturday. Those within that facility are typically laser-focused on national championship ambitions, but those “high stakes” pale in comparison to what their latest visitors have battled.
The fight against childhood cancer brings a remarkable event together each year, with proceeds of Penn State’s dance marathon benefiting Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The dozens of children and parents who made their way into Lasch know that fight firsthand.
“Obviously we all have tough times. And when we do, I look back at what these kids are going through,” linebacker Tony Rojas said. “It’s nothing compared to what we are (dealing with) mentally or physically. You’ve got to stay present and be grateful for what you have. This is a reminder for us, so I think it’s a great thing.”
The world’s largest student-run philanthropy endeavor, THON has raised more than $230 million since its inception in 1977. In 2024, it set a new record with more than $15 million raised.
The 46-hour event started Friday evening and will late deep into Sunday with more than 700 “dancers” expected to remain standing throughout. Each year, more than 16,000 Penn State students assist in raising awareness and funds.
“Nobody does (THON) as good as us here,” offensive lineman Cooper Cousins said. “The whole community of students, staff, athletes, athletic department — everybody comes together and sacrifices a lot for these kids. It’s for the kids… It’s incredible to be a part of and incredible to see.”
With some assistance from the Nittany Lions men’s soccer team, Penn State’s entire football roster welcomed Four Diamonds families into Lasch shortly after noon. Visitors were met by a long hallway that featured two long rows of players, who cheered, clapped, and offered high-fives.
“When we get in a line and clap for them — seeing the joy in their faces, being able to walk around with them, talk with them — it brightens their day a little bit more,” Cousins said.
This is what #THON families encounter upon entering the Penn State football building. Special stuff. pic.twitter.com/2xToApEMHf
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) February 22, 2025
Four Diamonds families were then led to Penn State’s team meeting room, featuring several of the program’s prized trophies. They were each assigned to groups of players, who wore wide smiles as they made introductions and led tours around the building that included plenty of activities and games.
“I believe in servant leadership,” center Nick Dawkins said. “One thing that’s always been instilled in me since I’ve been young, is that this whole thing — life — is bigger than you, and always will be. And in order to put your piece of the puzzle in life, you have to devote to something that’s bigger than you. It’s community, servitude, people — where you can invest in them, you get that same return back.”
A quick lap around Lasch revealed several moments that are likely to go down as unforgettable for all involved.
One group spent time in the running backs room with Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, who have a chance to finish as No. 1 and No. 2 on PSU’s all-time rushing list. Another held microphones, singing to the tunes of Katy Perry alongside receiver Kaden Saunders and running back Cam Wallace.
Karaoke sessions were a highlight for Rojas.
“Watching her singing her heart out with the guys, it brings our heart out,” he said of the young girl he hosted. “It means a lot to just watch them be happy.”
One group caught passes from Penn State players on the weight room’s indoor turf. Another took turns getting their faces painted, with offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh earning high marks from his teammates for a third straight year. Blues, oranges and yellows lit up the redshirt sophomore’s face, and he wasn’t alone in getting that treatment.
“I haven’t done the face paint yet, but I have a feeling I’ll be pushed toward that,” center Dominic Rulli said. “I did it last year and made a fool of myself, but it’s for a good cause.”
Many of those involved were freshmen who’ve only been on campus for less than two months.
“It’s big for our young guys to understand the standard of how we treat people, and know how big THON is to this university,” Dawkins said. “It’s all so important to us. The guys love being around the families, and it’s just a bundle of joy for all of us.”
No player has experienced more THON events in Lasch than Dawkins, a sixth-year senior and 2024 winner of the Wuerffel Trophy. That honor is awarded nationally to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement
“We always have different activities, but what’s the same is the joy that they bring and the joy that we try to bring to them,” Dawkins said.
Rulli, a redshirt junior, explained the impact of following along with kids’ individual progress across years.
“I’m with a little girl and her family,” Rulli said. “She’s a survivor. She’s already been here a couple times so (we’ve) seen her journey. It’s really cool that after being a Four Diamonds kid she still wants to be a part of it.”
Penn State football players planned to join the Bryce Jordan Center spectacle later Saturday. On Sunday, they’ll return to Lasch with attention again set on challenges that await this autumn and beyond, equipped with freshly adjusted perspective.
“It’s definitely a great time meeting new kids every year,” Rojas sad. “The experience we get to have, bonding with our teammates and the families that they bring here, I think it’s special and I’m very grateful.”
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