Robbinsville takes the Polar Plunge
Lake Santeetlah – The polar plunge has been a go-to fundraiser for many different organizations throughout its years. Dating back to 1903 the Coney Island Polar Bear Club – led by Bernarr MacFadden – believed that taking a swim in freezing cold water had numerous health benefits.
This eventually evolved into the polar plunge known today.
Robbinsville residents are no strangers to the plunge, as an event is held in the dead of winter almost every year at Cheoah Point Beach on Lake santeetlah. Funds from past events have gone to everything from ALS to Graham County Schools’ sports programs.
This year’s plunge was held on Saturday, to provide funding to the Robbinsville High School baseball team.
Alex Knight, the member with the most ticket sales, was awarded the Golden Plunger, a prestigious and highly regarded award. About 30 tickets were sold overall at $25 per ticket to plunge. For an extra $25, one would receive a commemorative t-shirt.
The total amount raised by the event reached $1,300.
“The funds will be used in part for hoodies for the team,” said Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight.
As participants began to arrive, they began to realize how cold it really was. Air temperature was a brisk 40 degrees, with a steady, bone-chilling wind. The temperature of the water reached as low as 34 degrees.
As the baseball team posed for photographs before the plunge, head coach Brent Icenhower – wearing shorts and a t-shirt – was visibly shivering. As Icenhower began the countdown to the plunge, looks of discomfort and nervousness overtook the crowd.
As he reached one, he exclaimed, “Let’s get it!,” and the plunge commenced. As people began to sprint into the water, cries of excitement and regret arose.
As soon as they were out, they were running for the comfort of their heated vehicles.
“It was very cold,” said Sam Phillips.
Jacob Jackson, a 7-year-old participant, stated “It was too cold.” When asked if he would do it again, he paused and thought for a moment.
“I think I would like to do it every year! Go Black Knights!”