Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Alexander Stawinski Kettering University students and alumni Marcus Yu, 22 of South Lyon, Ben Wilcox, 23 of Sheridan, Saranac senior Aaron Clark and Steve Holton, 22 of Farmington Hills, take the Polar Plunge dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. About $21,260 was raised during the event as 97 people jumped into the icy water at the Rose Ponds. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Alexander Stawinski "Every single person - they could have the best pre-jump ever and as soon as they come up they just gasp for air," said Burton senior Jim Neurohr as he quipped with Walled Lake sophomore Rachel Pelto and Grosse Ile senior Lauren Miller before the Special Olympic Michigan's Polar Plunge. [Click to enlarge]

Cowboys, animals and even the Unsinkable Molly Brown showed up at Rose Ponds this weekend to support Special Olympics Michigan by plunging into icy water.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which funds the Special Olympics Michigan, was able to surpass its funding goal of $20,000 by $1,260 during the second annual Polar Plunge on Saturday.

"I am really satisfied with the turnout," said Stephanie Graham, Special Olympics Michigan development secretary. "Although, the LETR program deserves the credit."

Not only was the participant turnout high, but there was about 200 spectators as well.

The day began with the plungers parading out to the pond, showing off their costumes.

The costumes ranged from the "Unsinkable Molly Brown," with her Titanic crew of Jack and Rose (who both wore construction cutouts of the ship), to cowboys, pirates and much more.

Grandville sophomore Mike Mueller is a member of Herrig Hall Council, which dressed up as zoo animals with their residence hall director as the zookeeper.

"For every $500 that hall council raised, an RHD promised to take the plunge," Mueller said. "We raised $1,000 so we have two (RHDs) jumping with us."

Portland senior Erica Stephenson went to the plunge with her sorority sisters.

"I wanted to jump last year, but it was too cold," she said. "Sadly, the temperature hasn't changed much."

It wasn't just the temperature Stephenson was concerned about.

"I am worried that once I jump in I will freeze up and not be able to swim," she said.

For some, Saturday wasn't their first turn in the water.

"This is my second jump," said Special Olympics Michigan employee Jessica Devries. "Last year it wasn't as bad, but this year there were three of us jumping at the same time so it took longer to get out of the water."

Devries said her favorite part was seeing everyone who came out to support the cause.

Oxford junior Meagan Shafto was a veteran to the plunge as well.

"Last year I didn't go all the way under the water," Shafto said. "This year I plan on going under."

And even though this was Shafto's second jump, she still was apprehensive.

"Last year it was really cold," she said. "But the worst part was the anticipation before jumping in."

After the plunge the participants headed over to The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield Road, for a "post-plunge" party.

"I'll go anywhere that provides warmth," said community member Aaron Rodenski.


news@cm-life.com

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