Splash For Cash at the Larson Pool

Although Splash for Cash tends to be held during the warmer months, this school year they chose to do it on a Saturday, January 25. Students arrived at the Reiner Center for an evening of aquatic     competition. The event was from 7-9pm. In the lobby, there was a table laden with chips, cookies, water bottles, and icy push-pops which provided ample sustenance for hungry swimmers. 

The event was organized by the Student Association. It also celebrated the end of Spirit Week. Everyone was encouraged to sign up and participate. Students made their way down the hall and could sign up at the registration table located at the pool entrance. They were also provided the chance to break into teams between rounds to play games. The winner of those activities would win $45 for their team. This amount later increased which boosted the students’ stamina in completing the games successfully. The music playing during the event also inspired contestants and maintained a lively atmosphere. Additionally, there were also six lifeguards available in case something bad happened. 

 There were five rounds in total with a total of 15 people joining each one. Divers surfaced with bags of cash and even found vouchers attached to the kick boards in the pool. The dollar amounts were dispersed based on how high their value was. Some were sprinkled in the deeper end while others were found in the more shallow end. Different people utilized various strategies. Sami Hoffer, a student at Union, said “swim fast and don’t look back.” 

In the games played between the rounds, three teams competed against each other until one by one they got eliminated based on time. Hannah Silitonga, a student at Union, said “No sabotage. Sportsmanship, we encourage sportsmanship!” There was time added for diving, cannon balls, belly flops, and sabotages during relays. Some teams adopted the strategic carrying of multiple volleyballs at once, as long as they were kept above water. At the end of the games, they played a round of Simon Says. There was a standoff at the end to determine the victor. Caleb Sihotang won!

This event allowed students to connect with one another outside of school and work. It also allowed them to demonstrate their team spirit by either participating in Splash for Cash or cheering on those who did. Moreover, it was an opportunity for the onlookers to get their feet wet a bit in seeing what the Splash for Cash activity entailed. 

By: Jenna Wilson