About 150 students take part in a tradition sponsored by the North Area Council, which disbands this summer with the demolition of Harper Center.
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By Caitlin O’Donnell ‘13
PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Polar Bear Plunge
Some swam a graceful backstroke, while others shouted “never again” as they clamored out of the water.
All in all, 148 Elon students voluntarily plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Mary Nell on Friday afternoon in heats of 10 with only the promise of a free t-shirt waiting for them on the shore.
Many participants were drawn out into the chilly weather by the possibility that the ninth annual Polar Bear Plunge, sponsored by North Area Council and Resident Student Association, is in its final year.
With the construction of the new Global Neighborhood set to begin at the conclusion of the school year, it may be at least two years until a similar program takes shape in the North Area of campus. No other residential area, all with unique traditions, has stepped up to sponsor the event, organizers said.
Freshman Madison Smith said she planned to participate in the plunge at least once before she graduated and decided to get it over with.
“It feels pretty cool, I feel awesome and important,” she said with a laugh after completing the plunge.
For others, it was the thrill and challenge of the experience – and a chance to earn bragging rights with friends.
“I wanted to prove myself, I like doing this kind of stuff,” said freshman Tori Baptist. “I’ve never been that cold, I thought I went into shock. I made eye contact with the lifeguard. I couldn’t touch the bottom so I was freaking out.”
Spending almost 30 seconds in the water, Baptist was in arm’s reach of the whiffle ball, thrown once per heat with gift cards awarded to the student who retrieved it. “I completely went under water, which made it so much worse,” she said. “I was determined to get that ball and I didn’t.”
While she never participated in the plunge, junior Sarah Hoopes, Resident Area Coordinator for West Area, said the council worked well together to put their biggest yearly event together.
“It’s such a huge tradition and it’s been happening for years,” Hoopes said. “People from all different areas come to North Area, which isn’t always the most popular. Being involved with a campus-wide event where everyone has such good memories is really important.”