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SEVENTH ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE Goosebumps and grins: Medford Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics About 300 people jump in for Special Olympics Comment By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Feb. 20, 2016 at 2:22 PM Updated Feb 20, 2016 at 5:15 PM The Medford Polar Plunge is held at the Jackson Aquatic Center. By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Feb. 20, 2016 at 2:22 PM Updated Feb 20, 2016 at 5:15 PM » RELATED CONTENT • The Medford Polar Plunge » Social News Waiting in line at the Jackson Aquatic Center, seven South Medford High School cheer and leadership students stack their hands together to pump themselves up. The girls had raised $464 for Special Olympics, but trepidation hangs in the frigid air as they stare at the pool. "It's a little chilly," Kenadie Schultz says. After an energetic cheer routine on their way to the edge of the pool, the girls plunge into the 45-degree water. They were among about 300 Southern Oregonians in 40 teams who spent this morning getting cold for a cause at the seventh annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon. Medford plunge manager Holly Roberts says donations are still coming in, but the fundraiser already has surpassed its $50,000 goal and may even set a record. The event annually receives extensive support from law enforcement agencies through the Law Enforcement Torch Run program, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Medford, Central Point and Ashland police departments. This was the third time jumping for Jackson County Sheriff Corey Falls. "Each year it gets colder," Falls says. Many of the plungers sported costumes, some of which were immediately shed post-plunge in exchange for warm, dry towels. Winning this year's team costume contest was TGFF, or "Thank God Fat Floats," made up of 23 adults and kids dressed as cavemen and headed by Lisa Wolffard. Amanda "Cyber Attack" Denbeck came dressed as a wench for the pirate-themed Southern Oregon Roller Girls team. This was her first plunge and she raised $97. "My goal was like $50 and I surpassed that, so I'm like, 'Yay!'" Denbeck says. "Every amount counts." Among the first of today's plungers was Medford city Councilor Kevin Stine, who joined the "Blue Crew" Special Olympics team to jump in. With wet hair and soaked basketball shorts, Stine was exhilarated after his plunge. "I feel fine 'cause it's warmer than it was in the pool," he says. Closing the plunge was Micah Pitts and "The Fun-Havers." The team of friends from Grants Pass and Medford wore grass skirts, leis and other Hawaiian-themed costumes. It was Pitts' second time jumping, and he took the plunge clutching a beach ball. "It's cold, but it's fun," Pitts says. Organizer Roberts encourages those who may have been on the fence to take the plunge next year. "I always encourage people to do it," Roberts says. "There's no way to not be impacted when you come and do this." Reach reporter Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MTCrimeBeat. By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Feb. 20, 2016 at 2:22 PM Updated Feb 20, 2016 at 5:15 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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