Saturday, February 4, 2012

Thrill-seekers took a leap of faith in the cold water of O.J. Watson Park Sunday.

The frosty participants took part to raise money for the Kansas Special Olympics through the annual Polar Plunge and Strut. Defying 44 degree water, the plungers came clad in costumes, matching T-shirts and some barely wearing anything except their own skin.

"It's an extreme sport for a bunch of extreme people," Sheriff's Deputy Erin Wannow said. "This is my second year doing it and my first year jumping."

Erika Johnson, a plunger, said in spite of the cold, she enjoyed her jump.

"Even though I froze to death, I thought it was awesome," Johnson said.

Jesse Shettler, a teacher from Campus High School, has taken the plunge three years in a row. Shettler said the students decide which teacher takes the plunge by placing their donations in buckets assigned to each teacher.

"If they make enough money, the teacher has to go in the water," Shettler said. "The water's cold, but the worst part is standing in line, with the wind blowing. It's better when you get in the water. It kind of makes your brain freeze a little bit."

Plungers each made a $75 pledge to participate.