With temperatures dipping in the lowers 30s, 68 people representing five teams lined up for their turn to participate in the 2014 Polar Bear Plunge, all in an effort that raised $13,000 for the Special Olympics of Missouri.

Team by team, each group took its turn to race into the freezing waters of Shoal Creek, screaming the entire way. Southern was represented in the 2014 Polar Bear Plunge by fi ve students on three separate teams.

Alex Barnes, a junior biology major, was the second highest earner of the event, bringing in $485. Barnes also represented the highest earning team, The Home Depot Divers.

Also on the Home Depot team was Rachel Jack, a sophomore nursing major. Jack said her team raised over $2,000 and won the top earner trophy.

She went on to say it was their first year to participate. “Even with the frigid weather and icy water, my fellow Home Depot teammates and I had a blast and plan to participate and help out with this great cause

again next year,” Jack said.

Julian Young, a senior psychology major, plays for Southern’s football team as defensive end and offensive tackle. He was on the Home Depot team also.

“It was really fun, and it wasn’t that bad. Once I got out, my toes were freezing, and yes, I plan on doing it next year,” Young said. Southern alumna Kaylee Cole, the morning radio host for Kix 102.5, was an emcee for the event.

Since her radio station earned 10,000 likes on Facebook, Cole had to participate in the plunge.

After a hesitant start, she forced herself into the chilly water.

“When I got out it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I was expecting it to be freezing beyond control but it was only 46 degrees,” Cole said.