Philomath High School’s Associated Student Body continued an annual tradition Saturday by plunging into the cold waters of the Willamette River to raise funds for Special Olympics Oregon.
The team gathered in Corvallis on Valentine’s Day with many sporting pink attire to match the holiday theme before taking the leap at Willamette Boat Landing at Crystal Lake Sports Park.
Gallery: Special Olympics Polar Plunge (Feb. 14, 2026)
A collection of photos from the Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge at the Willamette Boat Landing in Corvallis on Saturday
“It actually doesn’t feel cold at first but kind of just feels like getting into a pool when it’s really cold,” said junior Lora Theurer, who made her third consecutive plunge. “I just take a deep breath and everybody’s running together and you just go all at once.”
Sophomore Olivia Siler, participating in ASB for the first time, spearheaded this year’s fundraising efforts. The team employed multiple strategies to build support, including a Chipotle fundraiser that brought in approximately $100, hoop shoots where students could win sodas for making basketball shots, and informational tables encouraging students to reach out to family members for donations.
As of Sunday morning, Philomath High had raised $2,373, placing fourth among participating teams. Siler led the individual fundraising, while Bryce Hruska garnered the most donors and Abby Harwood raised the most money during the final week.
The Polar Plunge serves as the primary fundraiser for Philomath’s Unified basketball program, with a percentage of funds raised going directly to support the team.
“It is our biggest source of income for our team and it allows us to get new uniforms when we need them,” said Kathy Bauer, head coach of the Unified basketball team. “Or, to recognize my seniors, to get leather letterman jackets or T-shirts for the team and that kind of stuff that we can wear.”
Bauer made her sixth or seventh plunge Saturday — she’s lost count over the years — and said participating has become a tradition that comes with her coaching position.
“I plunge whether I want to or not,” she said with a smile.
Philomath High has participated in the Polar Plunge for approximately 17 years now, making this year’s event part of a long-standing commitment to Special Olympics.
For Theurer, who serves as ASB’s executive of school spirit, the experience extends beyond raising money for a worthy cause.
“It’s nice to know that there is an organization like Special Olympics and our Unified basketball team,” Theurer said. “I know like at other schools, they don’t have as many kids to be able to have a Unified basketball team so it’s nice to know that we have one and I want to keep supporting it to make sure it continues.”
The event also provides valuable leadership opportunities for student participants.
“It’s helping the students here in ASB to be leaders, especially when you’re supporting an organization that’s not just at our school but through the county,” Theurer said. “I think it’s more important to be professional and be thorough with your actions.”
Corvallis High School led all teams with $12,092 raised. Overall, the Corvallis region exceeded its $40,000 fundraising goal, reaching approximately $42,500 as of Sunday morning.
Among the participants was 82-year-old Peter Hoegg, a longtime plunger who was assisted in and out of the water.
Donations are still being accepted through Philomath High’s Polar Plunge webpage. Several other plunges are scheduled throughout February at various locations across Oregon.
This season, the Philomath Unified basketball team features six athletes with intellectual disabilities and three student partners who help on the floor with passing and rebounds. The team’s next home game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday against South Albany. Philomath will then compete in a tournament next weekend at Oregon State University before closing the season with a makeup game against Corvallis on Feb. 24 at home.