Submitted photo Joel Berg, Rugby fire chief, sits in a trough of cold water during last week’s frigid weather to raise money for the girls wrestling team.

The girls wrestling team at Rugby High School hosted an out-of-the-ordinary fundraiser last Saturday, as temperatures plummeted to return the area to the seasonal cold. Fifty or so people watched as three people plunged into the frigid waters of some water troughs.

The team was able to raise a significant amount to assist with expenses such as lodging, travel costs, gear and entry fees for tournaments. “In the ballpark of about $2k has come in so far, “ said Chris Brossart, the team’s coach, who noted funds are “still trickling in.”

According to Brossart, about 100 people were anonymously nominated to take the plunge in a system where people pay to nominate a participant. Each person nominated was able to buy their way out of having to get cold.

This year was the first for the event and the team leading the event was still learning what would work best, said Brossart. Joel Berg, the winner of the endurance contest, was submerged in the North Dakota cold for “right at 7 minutes,” said Brossart. In another game, onlookers were able to place bets specifically on how long contestants would stay in the water.

The three volunteer participants in the event were Berg, as well as Chris Brossart and his 8-year- old son Beric Brossart who stepped up to help. An original contestant, Frank Larocque, Rugby’s mayor, had volunteered to help but was forced to bow out of the contest due to a family emergency.

Part of the proceeds from the event went back to the Chamber of Commerce “to teach the kids what it means to give back to those who help you along the way,” Brossart said. The money going to the Chamber was intended to help with Christmas decorations for downtown and other projects, according to Brossart.

There will be an event in the coming months as well to continue to raise money for the wrestling team.