Texas State Army ROTC Host Second Annual Polar Bear Plunge

by Marques Mingo
KTSW News

On February 18t, brave individuals jumped in the San Marcos River during cold temperatures all for a good cause.

Texas State University Army-ROTC hosted their annual Polar Bear Plunge at Sewell Park.

The Polar Bear Plunge is a charity event they host every year in order to raise money and bring awareness to Disabled American Veterans.

At the event, people jumped in the San Marcos river in 36 degree temperatures. Some stayed in, some quickly jumped out to put on clothes. Disabled Veteran and San Marcos local Bernard Lewenski took the plunge and says it was cold but not as cold as it could have been. 

“I did a polar bear along time ago in Wisconsin, so this is really okay,” said Lewenski. “There’s no ice to chip through or nothing so this is for a good cause doesn’t matter to support the disabled veterans.”

Money was raised by having each participant pay 10 dollars to jump, eat, and receive a t-shirt to commemorate the event.

Texas State student Amber Moore participated in the event for the first time and did more than just take the plunge.

“I have quite a few friends and family members who are disabled veterans and so I donated 30 dollars just to jump in with people and get them to go in,” said Moore. “I knew the water was going to be way warmer so its like a natural jacuzzi I guess.”

The Texas State Army ROTC are very happy with the turnout and the money they raised for the Disabled American Veterans and are already looking forward to next years cold weather and brave jumpers.