A dip in the pool became a roll in the mud at the Polar Plunge on Saturday after a wall of the event's small pool burst.
The wall failed as one of the event's participants was climbing out of the pool, sending water flowing throughout the front lawn of L.A. Pittenger Student Center, creating an excess of mud. The accident happened after four people made the plunge, and as the pool's water level lowered, several other participants scrambled in before it was completely empty.
The accident didn't damage everyone's spirits. People took advantage of the muddy lawn, shouting, "Slip 'n' slide!" and diving the across the grass on their stomachs.
Ashley Carsten, freshman communications major, is one person who dove into the mud. She said she was disappointed at first that she wouldn't be able to make the plunge. However, when people began sliding through the lawn, Carsten said she was excited to join.
"We took off our jackets, and it was freezing, so we ran," Carsten said. "When you're on the ground, it doesn't feel cold at all, and then you stand up afterward and you're filthy. You're covered in snow and mud, and you're like, ‘Oh man! It's super cold!' and you're just ready to run inside and get really warm."
Polar Plunge is a statewide fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Money goes toward the organization's year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Muncie is one of 11 Indiana cities to host a Polar Plunge this year.
Several people also dressed up for the Polar Plunge's costume contest. This year's winner was Toby Olson. Olson dressed as the comic-book hero, the Green Lantern. He said his sister coached kids football for the Special Olympics, and she inspired him to participate in the Polar Plunge.
"I just hope they raise a lot of money," Olson said. "It's for a good cause. I went to those sporting events with my sister, and to see the smile on the kids' faces – they don't have a lot of good moments like that in their lives."
Gene Burton, Muncie Polar Plunge co-chair, said although he is disappointed the pool broke, he thinks the event was successful.
"I think everybody who participated, they seemed to have a good time and understand that the real reason here is to give to Special Olympics," Burton said
No one was injured during the event.
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