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| Polar Plungers dive
into Duck Pond today |
Philip D. Brown
Police Beat
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File PhotoParticipants in last year’s
Polar Plunge dive into ice-cold water in front of a record crowd
due to filming of MTV’s “Road Rules,” Campus Crawl.
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The “Polar Plunge,”
sponsored in part by the University Police, is set to take place
today. The event, which features people jumping into the ice-cold
waters of the duck pond in February, is a fundraiser to benefit
the Special Olympics of Watauga County.
“We’ve had the event five years, and
this will be my fourth year jumping,” University Police Chief
Gunther E. Doerr said. “It doesn’t really matter what
the weather is; the water is always cold.” |
Last year,
the event coincided with the presence of the cast of MTV’s
“Road Rules,” with over 315 plungers (a record) helping
to raise over $14,000 for Special Olympics, according to the University
Police.
Last year’s turnout was so large that the weight of the jumpers
broke the platform. The Physical Plant is building a new one for
this year.
“We’re not expecting as big of a turnout, given the fact
that MTV and ‘Road Rules’ won’t be here,” Doerr
said. “There will probably be about 200 people jumping.”
Everyone has their own approach to facing the extreme cold.
“Once you get over the initial shock it’s not so bad,”
University Police Maj. Larry C. Foster said. “But you want
to get in and out as quick as you can. You don’t want to linger.”
At least one group participating in this fundraiser won’t follow
that advice.
“We are U.S. Army, so we’re not going to do like everybody
else and jump in then run to a warming tent,” Sgt. Maj. Mark
Emaus said. “We’re going to set up on the other side and
run a rope across the pond. Then, we’re going to swim all the
way across. Some of the cadets are a little nervous about going
all the way across, but it should be fun.”
This event is sponsored by the Appalachian State University Police,
Town of Boone Police, Watauga County Sheriff’s Department and
Watauga Hospital Police. University Police are working directly
with the Special Olympics through the Watauga County Parks and Recreation
Department, Foster said.
“This is the only charity law enforcement lends its name to,”
Doerr said. “Police departments are the No. 1 agency that provides
funding for the Special Olympics worldwide.”
It costs $25 for each individual who wishes to join in the charity,
or $20 for each person in a group of five or more.
Each participant will receive a “Polar Plunge” towel upon
getting out of the water. Boone Rent-All & Parties Too will
donate tents in which participants can warm up after their plunges.
There will also be free hot chocolate provided for those observing
the festivities and prizes will be given out for the most extreme
costume, both female and male, and for the top two fundraising groups.
“I think the weather will be nice,” Doerr said. “They’re
calling for it to be sunny and in the 40s, so it will be a great
day to come out and watch. Even if you don’t want to jump,
you can still support it.” |
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