Once again it's springtime in California. The cherry trees have blossomed, the air is clean, occasional showers have made flowers bloom, baseball is in season, and the STREAKERS have emerged from their long winter's nap. You might be wondering about that last note. Well, at my school a long-standing tradition (15 plus years) has seen each year's senior class participate in a two-week long non-contact sport (most of the time) called streaking.
For those who may not understand, this activity has fairly simple rules: 1) all body parts must be naked except for shoes (optional) and face masks to blur identities. 2) All participants must run as quickly as they can across campus through a maze of eager colleagues and frustrated administrators, into a waiting getaway vehicle idling in an undisclosed location. All of this without being apprehended. It began as a male-only venture. However that changed with the Class of 2000 when a lone female of healthy proportions journeyed across the school's quadrangle on a bicycle decorated with streamers. The young lass was quite patriotic clad in a red, white, and blue head covering with nothing else to distract from her mission. Since that symbolic journey, increasing numbers of senior females have experienced the joys and challenges of the annual endeavor.
As with any competition or personal challenge, certain obstacles can often dampen or frustrate the participants. In the "Streaking Dos and Donts" handbook, three items stand out. The first is a suggestion to run under control. Panic-sprinting can lead to physical mishaps such as taking headers on the unforgiving hard surfaces, or becoming disoriented with regard to location. One recent example saw a female competitor finish the event in nearby shrubbery, thus becoming quite vulnerable to identification. The second suggestion is to avoid administration officials and representatives. If apprehended (or identified), a three-day suspension automatically applies. Finally, it remains paramount to have excellent communication with post-streaking transportation options. The ravages of weather, not to mention public embarrassment or jail time, can mostly eliminate the enjoyment of the day. Recently, a traffic slowdown forced several participants to wander aimlessly near a busy intersection, thus attracting unwanted exposure.
As always there are goals to be reached. A year ago, thanks to a less than vigilant outgoing administration, some 55 individuals completed the competition without penalty. That stands as the so-called barometer for success with all future classes.
One possible suggestion: To avoid undue peer pressure and criticism, a modicum of tanning might enhance self esteem.
Getting ready for the onslaught.
MM
