Penn State football has once again embraced its tradition of community involvement, playing a significant role in this year's THON event. The Nittany Lions opened their facilities to families battling childhood cancer, offering support and a day of fun activities. The event also welcomed local reporters, providing a glimpse into the team's environment.
The weekend was a memorable one for players, from seasoned veterans to fresh faces on the roster. Activities ranged from competitive games to face painting, ensuring a day of enjoyment for everyone involved.
The event culminated in a record-breaking fundraising achievement, with over $18 million raised for the Four Diamonds fund at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. This impressive total contributes to the more than $270 million amassed over the event's history, aiding over 5,000 families.
Reflecting on the experience, Nittany Lions offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh shared, "We're granted and given a lot of things in this world. God blessed us with a lot of things.
For us to see these families and see what they're going through, and their daily struggles, it's extremely humbling. Because at the end of the day, if we're feeling bad about doing what we're doing when we're doing something that we love and that we prayed for, and these people are fighting every day for their child and their kid is fighting every day to just stay alive, it really brings it into perspective."
From a football standpoint, this event marked the first chance to see many of Penn State's new transfers and freshmen since head coach Matt Campbell took the helm in December. Approximately 50 new players have joined the team, signaling a fresh chapter for the program.
Coach Campbell expressed his excitement about the team's progress during a press conference on February 4. "The last two months have been a whirlwind in a multitude of different ways," he said.
"It's been a lot, and it's been a joy to watch this thing come together. I would say the beginning part of it was trying to figure out, unify and align a football team, and we put a lot of time and effort into our roster."
Penn State is set to kick off spring camp next month, with the Blue-White game festivities scheduled for April 25 at Beaver Stadium. As the team gears up for the new season, fans have a lot to look forward to with this evolving group of Nittany Lions.