30 women initiate first streak

It was a day that will live in infamy. Yesterday, in the 7 a.m. chill of dawn, 30 University female students left their inhibitions -- and their clothing -- at the top of the Upper Quadrangle to participate in the first all-female streak at the University. "They looked absolutely great," one woman observer said. "I've never seen less cellulite in my life." While the University has had an off-and-on tradition -- stretching back at least 20 years -- of an annual streak through the Quad on the Monday morning after Groundhog Day, an all-female streak is unprecedented. "In the past, it's been a male thing," Assistant to the President Nick Constan said yesterday. "But I don't think anyone should have a corner on that kind of market." The gathering in front of the 37th Street gate at 6:45 a.m. was "the most random social gathering I've ever seen at Penn," said one of the bold and cold. Among the women were pre-meds, athletes, sorority sisters, community service volunteers and minorities -- but all were united when it came down to the bare essentials. The idea for an all-female streak originated with one woman, who said that she spread the word through "networking." "[We're doing it] for the hell of it," she said. "Because we had to outdo everything that's been done previously." "I've always wanted to set a new radical precedent that shocks people, and tells people that women are bold," one woman said as she walked confidently to the statue at the top of the Upper Quad. With nervous laughter and warnings to each other to keep quiet, the women left their winter coats and scarves in neat piles at the statue, and then, with fists clenched in the air, screamed and made the naked run for the Lower Quad. The run picked up momentum and climaxed in the Lower Quad with the sunrise, as the women's cheers grew louder and their strides stronger. They ran up the stairs in the motes of early-morning sunlight, and all that was missing was an inspirational soundtrack as they burst into applause and smiles when they reached their goal. "I am so happy," one of the women said with a smile and a just-put-on sweatshirt. "I feel so proud." Several women said that they hoped an all-female Quad streak would become an annual tradition. "I think we should name ourselves and apply for SAC funding," one woman said with a laugh. "This is definitely the highlight of my college career," another woman said as she walked toward the gate with her head held high behind women singing "The Red and the Blue." "You know, once you're with everyone, it's not that big a deal." College freshman Chris Colna, left at his window shaking his head in disbelief, watched the women walk away. "I heard the screaming, and I went to my window . . . I just can't believe it," Colna said. "Will they do this every Monday? Tell them to run near my window."