News Brief: Student-Athletes Take the Plunge for a Good Cause

Nearly 50 NYIT student-athletes took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on February 3 for a good cause.

The group participated in the polar bear plunge, raising more than $1,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. NYIT ROTC kicked in nearly $100 more to up the charitable contribution.

At least one member of every team dove in, as their teammates who were too timid to enter the water cheered them on.

The weather was bearable compared with recent days while most of the country dealt with the polar vortex. The thermometer registered 40 degrees when the Bears entered the ocean in the late morning, while the usually gusty winds were at a minimum.

“The polar bear plunge is a fun opportunity for NYIT student-athletes to give back to the community,” said Brooke Basso, a senior on the women’s lacrosse team. “We raised a lot of money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It is a rewarding feeling knowing it goes to such a great cause.”

Nearly 50 NYIT student-athletes participated in the polar bear plunge in Long Beach. They raised more than $1,500 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.