By Jenny Scherer, WLA Director of Communications

UW-Whitewater student-athletes representing 12 different Warhawk sports teams were freezing for a reason this past Saturday. Taking part in the Polar Plunge at Cravath Lake, the 12 teams involved raised more than $1,600 for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Each of the participating teams selected one individual to represent them in the plunge.
 
On Saturday, UW-Whitewater Warhawk student-athletes were a part of approximately 275 individuals from various organizations throughout the Whitewater community who took part in the Polar Plunge. The $1,612 raised by the student-athletes landed them on the top ten fundraisers leaderboard for the event. The Warhawk gymnasts led the way, raising more than $600 as a team.
 
UW-Whitewater senior and Warhawk women's soccer student-athlete Carina Krausert organized the fundraising for the event and was selected to represent the gymnastics team in taking the Polar Plunge on Saturday.
 
Discussing this year's event, Krausert said, "This was my favorite year coordinating and participating because there was so much enthusiasm from all of the different athletic teams. It was incredible to see so many of our student-athletes giving back to such a great cause!"
 
The Polar Plunge at Cravath Lake in Whitewater raised nearly $30,000 for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community.  There are currently more than 10,000 participants in Special Olympics Wisconsin events.
 
Dr. Kristina Navarro, Assistant AD for Leadership Development and Strategic Partners, discussed the importance of this event across the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. 
 
"The Polar Plunge is a longstanding tradition for WIAC athletic teams," Navarro said. "The camaraderie that develops leading up to and during this outreach event truly unites our athletics programs.  We are proud of our student-athletes efforts to continue to give back to the community and raise money for this very important cause."
 
For UW-Whitewater student-athletes, the Polar Plunge is part of the Warhawks Give Back program, and initiative supported by the Warhawk Leadership Academy. The Warhawk Leadership Academy develops, challenges and supports UW-Whitewater student-athletes in their continual quest to become world class leaders in athletics, academics and life. For additional information on the Warhawks Give Back program and the Warhawk Leadership Academy, visit here.