2013 Eastern Polar Plunge a success for CSAC
ASTON, Pa.: For the third consecutive year, the Colonial States Athletic Conference took part in a big way in the Eastern Polar Plunge, benefiting the Pennsylvania Special Olympics.
Over 40 representatives from the CSAC, including student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and family, took part in the 2013 event, held February 23 at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Pa. The CSAC representatives raised over $5,000, all of which goes directly toward the Pa. chapter of Special Olympics. In all, over 800 people took the plunge, generating upwards of $180,000 in donations.
“We are again so happy with the turnout and the participation of our group,” said CSAC Commissioner Jennifer Dubow. “It speaks volumes about the kind of student-athletes we have in the CSAC, and about how proactive they and their institutions are. The weather may not have been great, but to see all of these participants give up a free Saturday to join their fellow student-athletes in benefiting such a great cause is just incredible.”
While the weather wasn’t as ideal as it wa
s at the 2012 plunge, which saw sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40’s, each member of the CSAC group took the plunge on a gray, rainy day in Bensalem. Included in the group was Cabrini College Director of Athletics Brad Koch, who was joined by his twin brother Steve
(picture left), who works for Pa.
Special Olympics.
“Events like this reinforce why the student experience at Division III can be so special,” said Brad. “For several schools in the CSAC to come together and contribute to such a worthwhile cause really added to the event. Plunging with my brother made it that much more rewarding!”
Rivals on the field and on the court, representatives from Baptist Bible College, Cabrini College, Cedar Crest College, Centenary College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, and Keystone College all were part of one team on a memorable afternoon, with the Centenary and Cedar Crest contingents sharing a bus to the event.
“The Plunge was an awesome event,” said Gwynedd-Mercy College men’s soccer player Michael Wambold. “I met a lot of a people, and knowing that I helped the athletes of the Special Olympics made going under the freezing water all worth it in the end.”
In addition, Ursinus College baseball player Steve Berardi, a member of the NCAA National SAAC, was an honorary CSAC athlete for a day, and also raved about his experience.
“This was my second year participating in the Plunge with the CSAC,” said Berardi, a junior pitcher for the Bears’ baseball team. “I have had a blast both years. First, and most importantly, it’s for such a great cause, and really helps to strengthen the Division III SAAC’s partnership with Special Olympics. On top of that, it is a ton of fun, it unites a lot of different people with a lot of different backgrounds, and it provides such a unique experience for everyone. It has been incredible to see how great the turnout of CSAC student-athletes and administrators has been in my two years involved.”
In its three years involved with the Plunge, the CSAC has raised approximately $14,000 for Special Olympics, and Dubow is already planning to continue the league’s partnership.
“I already can’t wait until next year,” she said, “and I’m guessing a lot of our participants feel the same way. It’s really become a main event for the CSAC, and after seeing how well received it has been by our membership, I have no doubts that it will continue to grow.”