ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Athletic Department has jumped into the Polar Plunge with both feet, securing fantastic prizes for the top three fundraisers and a celebrity judging panel. Benefitting the Special Olympics of Michigan, the Polar Plunge will take place at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 23, at noon EST.
Two coaches well-versed in giving motivational speeches, Brady Hoke and Lloyd Carr, will provide the pre-plunge talk to all of the participants in the Michigan Team Locker Room.
U-M Athletics and the Special Olympics of Michigan have lined up a star-studded judging panel that is led by Brady Hoke and Hall of Fame coach Lloyd Carr. Three-time U-M Olympic swimmer Peter Vanderkaay, Miss Washtenaw County 2012 Marissa Cowan, Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto, Saline High School Principal Julie Helber, WDIV TV Sports Director Bernie Smilovitz and U-M team members Greg Harden and Brian Townsend will join the U-M football coaches to judge the plunge.
The top fundraiser at the Polar Plunge will receive the “Champions” prize pack. This individual will receive two tickets to a Michigan football game and two pre-game sideline passes and six (6) tickets to the Michigan football team’s pre-season fall practice at Michigan Stadium (tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24, 2013). In addition, they will receive a private tour of the Big House for up to 10 people, an autographed football and photo from Brady Hoke and official Michigan team apparel from adidas.
The second-place finisher in the fundraising effort will earn four (4) tickets to the Michigan football team’s pre-season fall practice at Michigan Stadium, an autographed photo from Brady Hoke and official Michigan team apparel from adidas.
The third-place fundraiser will receive an autographed Brady Hoke photo and official Michigan team apparel from adidas.
There will be an Awards Luncheon immediately following completion of the Polar Plunge. Participants are free of charge and guests can attend for $10 per person.
Following is the list of celebrity judges for the Polar Plunge at Michigan Stadium: Brady Hoke, U-M Head Football Coach
Lloyd Carr, Retired U-M Head Football Coach
Marissa Cowan, Miss Washtenaw County 2012
Peter Vanderkaay, U-M Olympic Swimmer
John Seto, Ann Arbor Chief of Police
Julie Helber, Saline High School Principal
Bernie Smilovitz, Sports Director, WDIV TV
Greg Harden, U-M Associate Athletic Director
Brian Townsend, U-M Assistant Athletic Director
Following is a list of the prizes for the top three fundraisers: Top Fundraiser: 2 tickets to a Michigan Football game and 2 pre-game sideline passes
6 tickets to Michigan Football 2013 pre-season practice at the Big House (tentative date is 8/24/13)
Big House Tour for up to 10 people
1 Brady Hoke autographed football
1 Brady Hoke autographed photo
Adidas Gear Package
2nd Place Fundraiser: 4 tickets to Michigan Football 2013 pre-season practice at the Big House (tentative date is 8/24/13)
1 Brady Hoke autographed photo
Adidas Gear Package
3rd Place Fundraiser: Adidas Gear Package
1 Brady Hoke autographed photo