NYIT student-athletes take Polar Bear Plunge in Atlantic Ocean to benefit Make-A-Wish

LONG BEACH, N.Y. — NYIT student-athletes took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on Super Bowl Sunday for a good cause.

With the temperatures flirting with 40 degrees on Sunday in Long Beach, the Bears participated in the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Make-A-Wish.

Teammates cheered on the brave Bears during the event.

Of course, a pair of volleyball student-athletes who hail from Colorado broke the ice and entered the Atlantic Ocean first.

“We were the first ones in,” volleyball’s Keely Ruby said.

Added teammate Portia McIntosh: “I would say it was a little cold, but it was a great time. We’re here for the cause. We’re here for Make-A-Wish.”

Afterward, the swimmers and their less bold teammates posed for a group photo oceanside, by the jetty at National Boulevard.

“It was very cold,” men’s tennis’ Kevin Huynh said. “I can’t feel my feet.”