Jan. 22, 2016 By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - One thing that Penn State prides itself off of is producing well-rounded students. This especially can apply for the more than 800 hundred student-athletes.
The University wants to ensure its student-athletes are more than competitors on the field of play; it's imperative that these men and women are not only performing greatness inside their sport but in their personal lives as students and influencers in the community, as well.
Many student-athletes take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer for charities around campus and give back to the community. One major charity all 31 teams volunteer for is THON.
Penn State's THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Being the largest student ran philanthropy in the world, this is something that every Nittany Lion can take pride in joining.
With thousands of student volunteers each year, many student athletes partake in a variety of THON related actives and fundraisers.
On Wednesday, the Penn State Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) hosted a lip sync battle to benefit THON.
"I think it's important to have student athletes to volunteer in these type of events, it shows we care about this school and want to help raise money for THON to better the kid's lives," said fencing freshman Anton Piskovatskov.
The fencing team joined the likes of student-athletes from swimming, men's hockey, wrestling, football, volleyball, field hockey, women's gymnastics and others at the first-ever event.
Piskovatskov, alongside his teammates performed to the classic single "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper.
"It was really fun performing and being goofy with the other teams. I was amazed to see the crowd and how many people came to support the event," said Piskovatskov. "
Although the student-athletes all play different sports, they each represent the Blue and White and take pride in their school and all the good Penn State does.
"The atmosphere in Alumni Hall was great! It was a lot of fun seeing everyone come together as one and all the teams were having a blast performing so it made for a really upbeat and positive atmosphere," said freshman fencing student-athlete Gavin Turner.
"I think it's important to always give back to the community and help those in need," said Turner. "Although I'm not very involved in THON this year I plan on becoming more involved next year since it's such a great cause."
Representatives from the wrestling team earned top honors in the first lip sync battle hosted by SAAB with a rendition of "Same Girl" by R. Kelly and Usher, beating out finalists from men's hockey and fencing.
Many teams also take part in several activities during THON weekend, whether that's by performing in the talent show, joining committees to help run THON weekend, or even some athletes such as the four student-athletes from SAAB dancing in THON to help fight pediatric cancer.
THON 2016 is only a month away as many students plan to take part of the 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping event from Feb. 19-21.
" I think THON is important we're raising awareness and money for all those who have been impacted by childhood cancer in their lives," said Turner.
THON gives all Penn State students a chance to make a positive impact on the world by standing together to fight for the kids and for the cure.