ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan men’s men’s lacrosse team has announced that they will not participate, as runners or as spectators, in this year’s “Naked Mile.”

Following the lead of Michigan men’s crew, who also announced they will be boycotting the run, the lacrosse team has decided they will no longer take part in the annual event that draws hundreds of runners, thousands of spectators and national and international media attention.

Begun in 1986 by members of the crew and track teams, the “Naked Mile” was started as a celebration of the last day of winter classes. The men’s lacrosse team joined the event in 1989, and has traditionally run wearing their helmets and gloves and carrying their sticks. As the event grew, the crew team moved the start of their run to 11:00 p.m. while the lacrosse team led the main run at midnight. Over the past few years the run has turned into a media event, as thousands come out to watch. Internet sites devoted to the “Naked Mile,” national television news stories and crowds of out-of-towners have changed the character of the night.

“It’s just gotten to be a mess,” said senior midfielder Ross Tucker. “The ‘Naked Mile’ as it was started and intended doesn’t exist anymore. It’s unsafe, and it’s not something we want to be recognized for. It’s much more important to us that people focus on our positive accomplishments.”

The men’s lacrosse team is ranked 7th in the latest Street & Smith’s College Lacrosse USLIA Poll. They are currently 12-3 overall and 7-0 in the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association. They will defend their 1999 CCLA championship the weekend of April 28-30 in Milwaukee where they hope to cement a bid to return to the USLIA National Championship Tournament in St. Louis this May. The team’s web site can be found at www.umich.edu/~menslax.

“I think the negative attention the run has been getting this year has opened the guys’ eyes,” said head coach John Paul. “Most importantly it’s become a dangerous event. They decided that it’s simply not that important to risk their safety and their reputations. Their focus right now is on a conference and possible national championship, which is right where I want their heads to be.”

The lacrosse team hosts #8 Tennessee this Saturday, April 8 at 3:00 p.m. in Oosterbaan Fieldhouse.

men’s lacrosse teamwww.umich.edu/~menslaxJohn Paul