Streakers bare all, continue tradition

Nothing could keep Geoff Willard from missing this year's Quad streak -- not even a broken foot. "I wouldn't miss this for the world," said the limping College sophomore. "I missed it last year and have been waiting a whole year. I broke my foot three weeks ago, but I have to do this." Willard was but one of 50 brave -- yet cold -- men who bared all for the fifth consecutive Quad streak, which is fast becoming a post-Ground Hog Day tradition. The men gathered in the Quad at about 6:45 a.m., anxiously anticipating their sprint into University history. Many prepared for the jog by decorating their bodies with messages written on their backs in black marker. One man's back read, "Hi mom," while another drew a peace symbol on his back. One individual's body even boasted his phone number. Some of the participants knew what to expect of the wild trip around the Quad because they were veterans of the event. "I've streaked Baltimore Avenue," said College senior Jamie Thibault. "But that was an unsanctioned streak and there was no press." At 7 a.m., the men left their clothes on the steps at the tip of the Upper Quad to begin their frigid dash. As the pack left the starting point and headed through Upper Quad, many streakers shouted "Wake up!" or "Get naked!" Spectators could also hear the Rocky theme song from many of the streakers. Some of the Quad residents, who turned out in full force, stood outside their buildings with cameras and took pictures of their friends sans clothes. The group then sprinted down the walkway through Lower Quad and under the archway into Baby Quad leaving Willard crutching far behind. Willard took a short cut through Lower Quad, reuniting with his fellow streakers as they rounded the Baby Quad's corner on their return to Upper Quad. Upon returning to the Upper Quad, Willard said he was excited but exhausted. "It was tough," he said. "But you get at it, you're flappin' around and the adrenaline is flowing. It was great." Other streakers agreed that their dash around the Quad will be a memory they will remember for a long time. "I'm maximizing my Penn experience," one runner exulted. "I am exhilarated and refreshed." "It was the greatest feeling in my life," College freshman "Clive" said. "And I won the race." Some runners even found a way to be philosophical and profound as they stood in the cold for all to see. "Everyone is naked under their clothes," said one individual. "We proved that today." People who witnessed the event said they thought the streak was "funny" and "great," but would also like to see more female participants. An all-female streak was run for the first time last semester -- and may also become a tradition. "I pulled an all nighter for my mid-term," said spectator College freshman Mike Lembeck. "It's a good study break for me. It's a good way to have some fun and raise your spirits. It's definitely a good tradition, but I'd like to see women represented." [(CUT LINE) Please see STREAKERS, page 5 STREAKERS, from page 1