12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge attracts attention
Students enjoy the icy waters
Yazid Finn, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: News
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The event that students made their way through the cold to participate in was the Polar Bear Plunge, a winter tradition that has been around for as long as CRW has been open.
"It began for faculty and staff; we wanted to celebrate the opening of the center," said Stephen Gray, director of parent and student services, "and it gives students something fun to do in January."
Student turnout set a new record for the occasion, with a total of 502 registered participants, up from 2006's record of 467 students.
Observers and students came early and one could feel the energy and anticipation in the air as the clock counted down to the first jumpers.
"I heard it's a big deal," said Cayleigh Blackwell, freshmen and undecided in her major. "I'm excited, I have never done something like this before and I hope to do it again next year!"
Many shared Cayleigh's sentiments, as a band of students showed off their enthusiasm, lining up and showing off painted letters across their chest.
Gray continued to pump up the crowd, calling out questions and shouting words of encouragement as others referred to him as the "Papa Bear" for the evening.
With only five minutes until the first jumpers, groups began to chant "purple" and "gold," adding to the already electric atmosphere.
As the clock hit 7 p.m., students were allowed to line up around the pool with Papa Bear giving the final countdown.
If the 39-degree water was not enough, over 150 pounds of ice were dumped into the waters before participant's eyes.
Equipped with glow necklaces and their courage, groups of students continued to make the trip into the freezing water for the next hour, receiving T-Shirts and a chance for a $250 gift card to Best Buy.
Students dried themselves with towels provided or their newly acquired T-Shirts as they enjoyed food provided by Campus Living and Dining.
"I did it for the rush, the T-Shirt and my friends," said Adam Burk, sophomore nursing major, as he dried himself off.
Students could have their picture taken with their friends after the fact, a token of remembrance for their test of endurance on their way back to the court.
Some students seem to regret diving into those icy waters again after doing so in previous plunges.
"I must have been crazy for wanting to do this again," said Rob Breiner, sophomore broadcast journalism major, "so many freshmen here don't know what they're getting into."
This writer may be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
t-shirt
posted 1/26/09 @ 9:24 AM EST
That looks like lots of fun. When I was in college we didn't had so many fun activities.
Susan Goatman
posted 2/24/09 @ 3:32 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Wanda Purves
posted 3/02/09 @ 9:21 AM EST
Yes i agree with you , and nice news thanks. This realy nice news , i watch for them .
millbrook
David Foster
posted 3/02/09 @ 10:36 AM EST
It's great to see all that enthusiasm from those young
people , happy days !
Penny Jackson
posted 3/07/09 @ 9:49 AM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Katherine Waite
posted 3/09/09 @ 2:24 AM EST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about , very interesting.
Rusian Girlfreind
posted 4/02/09 @ 11:53 AM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Eleanor Hearne
posted 4/19/09 @ 5:23 AM EST
Good information. Thanks for the post.
Monica Ertel
posted 5/22/09 @ 4:07 PM EST
A think this new storie have some mistakes.
Xenia Spisak
posted 6/20/09 @ 10:50 AM EST
Thank you so much for posting this article! I found the link from sheroes, and I wanted to complement you because it is fantastic!
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