Nittany Lion basketball announces 'Target 10' challenge to benefit THON

University Park, Pa. -- With student support swelling in the Bryce Jordan Center, including over 4,000 in the stands for the Virginia Tech game, Nittany Lion basketball has announced a new challenge to push student attendance to epic proportions and benefit Penn State Dance Marathon at the same time.

The "Target 10" challenge, a partnership between Penn State basketball and The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) 2008, will encompass the Ohio State game on Jan. 29 and the Michigan State game, set for Feb. 2.

Penn State is calling for an unprecedented 10,000 students to pack the Bryce Jordan Center for the nationally televised Jan. 29 showdown with the Buckeyes on ESPN. If the goal of 10,000 student tickets sold is reached, then all proceeds from $5 student single game ticket sales for the following game vs. nationally ranked Michigan State (Saturday, Feb. 2) will be donated to benefit THON 2008. THON 2008 is scheduled for Feb. 22-24 in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Penn State students can purchase single-game tickets for either game at the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office, the HUB information desk, Eisenhower Auditorium Box Office, and Downtown Theater. Tickets also can be purchased at http://www.gopsusports.com or by phone at (814) 865-5555. Single game tickets are $5 for Penn State students.

"THON is really excited to be working with Penn State basketball again this year. The dodgeball tournament was not only fun, but a great fundraiser showing the great relationship THON has with Penn State Athletics," said Dan Cocco, THON 2008 overall chairperson.

The growing partnership between the Nittany Lions and THON is the second venture during this academic year, dating back to the first annual THON Dodgeball Tournament hosted by Penn State basketball, which raised more than $6,700 in October.

The IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Over the past 35 years, the students of THON have raised more than $46 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer. All proceeds benefit The Four Diamonds Fund, conquering childhood cancer, at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.