Taking the plunge

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- Despite freezing temperatures, Lake Lucille became a popular swimming hole Saturday, with nearly 40 people diving into a 20-foot-long hole cut into the ice to raise money for Special Olympics.

Officially coined Polar Plunge, the event raised more than $8,500 for Valley athletes.

Each plunger took pledges from friends, neighbors and anyone else who wanted to see them dip into the frigid water. Roughly 100 people turned out to watch their Polar Plungers test the lake.

"It was very cold," said Wayne Martin who walked into the water while wearing a full business suit and reading the paper. "It was really numbing."

The actual water temperature Saturday was 28 degrees, according to Marty Metiva, Valley director for Special Olympics. Metiva said every one of the plungers swam the full 20-foot length of the hole before climbing out onto the frozen ice.

John Klapperich, owner of KMBQ 99.7, made the winter water look deceptively delightful.

"John stayed in the longest," Metiva said. "He was playing volleyball in there for 10 to 15 minutes."

After plunging, participants warmed up with hot drinks, compliments of First National Bank, and bowls of soup from Great Bear Brewing Co. and the Lake Lucille Best Western Inn.

This was the first year of Polar Plunge, but Metiva said it was a great success. Next year, Special Olympic groups from around the state will also participate.

"This was just the first one," Metiva said. "I think it will just get better."