Mauch Chunk plunger: ‘You only live once’

Marian Catholic High School held its second annual Polar Plunge at Mauch Chunk Lake on Saturday.

Plunge coordinator Kathy Goff previously served as the president of the Home and School Association at St. Joseph Regional Academy. Once the school closed, Goff brought the fundraiser to Marian. The Polar Plunge ran five years at St. Joseph’s before closing.

“The idea was given to me by my neighbor who had done a polar plunge before,” Goff said. “Every Catholic school is looking for a way to fund itself, and this is such a fun way to do it.”

Those who participate may dress up in costumes to liven up the event even further.

This year, people’s attire varied from bikinis to full-body polar bear costumes.

Goff reported that people have shown up in years past to celebrate milestone birthdays. She added that students have participated simply because a friend dared them to.

“I just want to do it because it’s fun and you only live once,” said Marian senior Hunter Shimko.

The school district held the event to raise donations to help balance various school costs relating to student matter.

“The event provides financial support for athletics and academics at Marian, as we provide trainers and insurance as well as transportation for sports and band,” said John Patton, president of the Men of Marian. “The money goes into a pool we use to help offset these costs.”

The event began with Goff reporting on the shallow depth of the water and laying out the rules: no diving, wear shoes to prevent injury and keep the runway clear for all plungers.

She called attention to St. Luke’s ambulance services, Jim Thorpe fire department for emergency services, and two student volunteer lifeguards before giving the OK to jump in.

The majority of participating plungers ran to shore as quickly as they jumped in, reporting that the water was extremely cold.

“It was cold on the feet,” Tom Kundrat of Hazleton said.

Another plunger who jumped in twice for the cause swore otherwise.

“I forgot my shorts so all I had was my wet suit,” said Scott Kershetsky of Mahanoy City.

“But it felt really good and I like doing stuff like this.”

In the end, 15 plungers and 14 chickens were accounted for. Chickens are those who register but don’t want to jump in.

“I’m happy with the turnout considering the poor weather conditions,” said Goff.

There was food on standby for before and after the plungers went into the water. Food and drinks were served for an additional cost.

The event was open to the public and cost $35 for all nonstudents and $25 for students to register.