By Erin Upshaw | Guest Writer
“People will do anything for a free T-shirt,” said junior Gerald Cronan before he jumped in to the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center pool with 170 other APSU students, faculty and staff members at the first Polar Plunge. Although it was 44 degrees outside, Cronan seemed to be in high spirits prior to his swim. “I’m excited for sure.”
Athletics Director Kelly Kler came up with the idea for the plunge based on other events she had witnessed before her time working at the Foy. “I’m from northern Ohio, and things like this are normal this time of year,” Kler said.
Prior to the group jump, those who were participating were filled with nervous energy. When questioned about to the reason behind her jump, junior Lydia Clending laughed and replied, “Peer pressure.” Clending was excited all the same. “I think it’ll be fun. I’ll be glad I did it just to say that I did.”
Students were not the only ones to take the plunge; a handful of teachers entered the water before the group jump just after three, one being Barry Kitterman, professor of languages and literature.
Just before the designated time, President Timothy Hall decided to join in the excitement brewing at the Foy. “Everyone else is doing it,” said Hall.
When asked if his statement meant he was following the crowd, he responded jokingly with, “Following? I’ll be the one leading them,” before jumping in with the rest of the students, suit and all.
The initial reaction was to run for the heated tent or to find friends with towels and blankets, a few people were unfazed by the temperature as they stood dripping on the concrete. “It’s actually really warm once you get out,” said freshman Liz Harrison.
Despite many students agreeing the water was cold, there were other participants, such as freshman Sarah Barlar, Holly Rice, and Meghin Goods, who came out of the water feeling as though they had been inflicted with a case of hypothermia.
Not expecting the large turnout, the Foy staff had to take down the names of those who participated to order more T-shirts to give out at a later date. Despite the T-shirt shortage, the event was a huge success with a far greater turn out than was expected. Kler hopes to make this an annual APSU event.
