The dip in temperatures this week didn’t prevent members of the Tallulah Falls School swim teams from taking the traditional “Polar Bear Plunge” in Tallulah Lake. This was the fifth annual student-generated event.
Middle and high school swimmers met Dec. 15 to celebrate the end of the semester and the completion of final exams with fellowship with team members and special guests.
“The squeals, screams and excitement as each swimmer conquered his or her fears to submerge in Tallulah Lake was entertaining,” said swim coach Susan Nichols. “…It reveals another aspect of how each person faces a challenge. Team members buddy up to plunge, go solo and have contests to see who can stay in the longest.”
Nichols said swimmers from Habersham Central High School were invited to join in the chilly fun. “A challenge was issued to see which team could muster the most polar bears,” she said. Twenty-five TFS swimmers plus four coaches and five HCHS swimmers and one coach made the plunge, Nichols said.
TFS Athletic Director Scott Neal stayed dry, but enjoyed being a witness to the excitement. “By extending TFS hospitality to our friends from HCHS, we strengthen relationships with our athletic community,” Neal said. “It was great to see these athletes enjoying the event – despite the cold water.”
Some of the swimmers hung out for a bit in the water just off the beach, while others made a quick trip to the floating boundary before racing back to gather around the fire pit for hot chocolate and s’mores.
The next swim meet is January 7, 2017.
Photo:
E. Lane Gresham/Tallulah Falls School
TFS senior Julia Nichols of Clarkesville makes the chilly leap into Lake Tallulah during the swim team’s traditional “Polar Bear Plunge.”
Tallulah Falls Indians Sports Information
