Issue date: 3/7/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Stephen Haas Roger Sugrue, a junior sports management major, tackles Rory Steidl, of Charleston, who was dressed as the Lone Ranger for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Lake Sara in Effingham Saturday afternoon. "I tackled that cowboy like it was my business," Sugrue said.

On Saturday, over 50 people plunged into Lake Sara's 39 degree water in Effingham to raise money for the Special Olympics.

The annual Polar Plunge took place in 14 locations across Illinois. The Polar Plunge in Effingham is organized by the area director, Michael Fulford.

To prepare for the plunge, Fulford led over 100 people in the chicken dance.

Even though it was 35 degrees outside, many participants were wearing as little as bikinis or swimming trunks.

Others were more creative with their attire. There was a University of Illinois fan who came complete with lawn chair, Hawaiian shirt and sunscreen. Others dressed as Catwoman and Rory Steidl, a state trooper from Charleston, made an appearance as the Lone Ranger.

"This is a great cause," Steidl said. "This is my second year participating in the Polar Plunge and I have been involved in Special Olympics for 10 years."

A group of over 20 Eastern students participated on behalf of the Student Council for Exceptional Children. The group was lead by Cheryl Palmer, a junior special education major and president of the SCEC; and Kyle C. Pratt, a senior special education major and vice president of SCEC.

"We are here to raise money for the Special Olympics," said Sarah Aldrich, a junior special education major. "It wasn't too bad while you are in there; but, it is really cold when you get out."

Each member of the group raised over $75 for the cause.

The official temperature of the water was at 39 degrees, said Terry Trueblood, the commander of the Effingham County Dive and Rescue Squad. Because of that they had divers in the water and ambulances standing by.

No one was injured over the course of the day.

SLIDESHOW - Click to see moe photos from the Polar Plunge

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