Despite summer warnings and a discouraging speech in the "Experience Dartmouth" program during freshmen orientation, it is still unclear whether the Class of 2003 understands the implications of rushing the field.
Since Dartmouth officially banned the practice in 1986, at least one freshman every year has attempted to hop the guard rail and start sprinting.
However, those who have rushed the field agree that the act has its drawbacks--almost everyone who has done it has been fined, placed on probation by the College and charged for trespassing by the police. Especially this year with heightened security, the chances of escape are minimal.
The tradition and its banning
In the 1950s, freshmen filed on to the football field to form their class numbers. Since then, the practice has undergone a dramatic change.
Students' presence on the field started worrying administrators in 1981 when first-years began to show signs of aggression.
Members of the Class of 1985 paraded down the West stands, and ran across the field into the East stands, knocking a 15-year-old boy out of his wheelchair.
During Harvard weekend that same year, freshmen poured onto the Harvard field and delayed the commencement of the third quarter.
The following Saturday the freshmen rushed onto the East stands at Memorial Field, knocking an elderly woman from her wheelchair.
Before the start of the 1986 football season, the Committee on Standards placed an official ban on rushing the field.
"When you get up in a rush with 300 people, you can do something you never expect yourself to do," Acting Dean of First-Year students Gail Zimmerman said.
Expressing resentment at upperclassmen urging freshmen to rush, Zimmerman said, "I would hope the upperclassmen students stop the taunting."
Recent experiences
Vice President of the Student Assembly Margaret Kuecker '01 said she never made a decision before rushing the field her first year, but remembers talking to upperclassmen, who regretted not having done it.
Kuecker followed her nine friends into the field at the end of the game.
"The sweep, the bonfire, the high spirits of the weekend [and] the feeling of upholding tradition really made it seem like an important thing to do," Kuecker said.
The Court charged Kuecker with a Class B Misdemeanor for Criminal Trespass, which was later reduced to a violation, forcing her to pay $100 in fines and $20 in court fees. The College fined Kuecker an additional $100 and placed her on probation for three terms.
"As time went on it became harder and harder for me to be adjusted," Kuecker said. "I got off on the wrong foot at Dartmouth."
Josh Warren, Class of 2002 President, who rushed the field during the Homecoming game last year, also regrets the experience.
"I was caught up in the enthusiasm of it all," Warren said, adding that his impulsive decision led to the same punishment that Kuecker received.
Warren warned the '03s: "No one is going to get away with it, so be prepared to take the responsibility."
'03 sentiments
Having heard Margaret Kuecker's emotional plea to not rush the field at "Experience Dartmouth" during orientation, freshmen seemed unlikely to carry on the practice.
Daniel Levant '03 said, "I don't plan on doing it and don't know anyone who does."
Justin Jack '03 said he does not understand why people want to rush the field. He said he would never consider taking the risk to rush.