The torches were lit, the band struck up a mighty tune, the wind howled and freezing flesh flew across the Yard. It started like any other Primal Scream, but a man-made ice slick near Matthews Hall made Monday night's festivities treacherous for many runners.

Approximately 100 students braved air temperatures close to zero and a wind chill estimated at around 30 to 40 degrees below to strut their stuff through the Yard. Several hundred more students and staff crowded the Yard to catch a peek of the gutsy exhibitionists.

As if the wind weren't enough, scantily clad students had to worry about slippery spots on the pavement, both natural and artificial.

In addition to the patches of icy snow left over from last week's storm, some students poured water on the path where it curved around Matthews Hall.

"While it wasn't all me, I did come up with the idea," said Nate S. Towery '03, who masterminded the plot. "I think up to 20 people--most were upperclassmen--got involved." Students walking by were intrigued by the plan, Towery said, and offered to help.

The streakers reacted to the booby-trapped corner with varying degrees of annoyance and nonchalance.

"It was really fun, except when I busted my ass so some crazy and depraved people could watch us hurt ourselves," Margaret C. Anadu '03 said. "I'm a little ticked about it but since it was such a wonderful night I don't want to focus on the negative."

Not surprisingly, many runners took a tumble on that strategic corner, and some spills were more serious than others.