News : Team Vinton takes the plunge for Special Olympics

Heading for the water: Team Vinton joined the Special Olympics Polar Plunge Saturday.

The team leaves the water at the beach near Palo.

Team members recover after the plunge and discuss the impact of the cold.

Ready to take the plunge....

Team Vinton poses for a slightly warmer photo before taking the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Lauren Phams and Brittany Grendler dressed as superheroines for the Polar Plunge

For years, Maria Covington has represented Vinton at the Polar Plunge at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area north of Palo.

"I have worked with Special Olympics, and when I heard about this, I said, 'I can do that,'" said Maria after completing the Polar Plunge on Saturday.

And for all those years, Maria was the only Vinton Special Olympics representative at the annual event.

"When I asked the others if they wanted to join me, they always said, 'Nah.'" she said.

But this year, they said "Yes."

Brian Larkin, one of the Vinton Special Olympics coaches, agreed to take the plunge, and began seeking donations and volunteers.

Soon, Vinton residents and former Vinton residents heard about the effort and signed up.

"Brian asked me for a donation, and I told him I would donate but only if I can do this, too," said Okee Walker.

The Vinton team included captian Maria Covington, Nathan Pitz, Okee Walker, Brian Larkin,Tiffany Smith, Ashley Arp, Artie Fowler, and Allison Fank. Allison is actually driving from Des Moines to participate with us. She is a VS alumni. 11-year-old Brittany Grendler participated along with her mom, Stephanie Heckroth. Another youngster, Lauren Phams, joined Brittany in dressing like Superheroines in black and gold. Bart Klinzing also joined the group.

"We're going to give it all we've got," said Bart as the group huddled in the windy 33-degree weather, waiting their turn to run into the water.

Marie became the team captain. After five years of taking the Polar Plunge, did she have any advice for the rookies.

"No," she said. "Just have fun."

Last year, said Maria, it was comparitively warm -- 44 degrees. That was the warmest day of all those plunges in which Maria participated.

But this year, the weather -- and the water -- felt much colder.

Team Vinton had raised nearly $1,000 before the event began; the money all benefits the state Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge events take place in many states.