Mandi Mooney
Reporter
We’ve all heard the sounds of screaming and
yelling as someone gets “creeked.” However, many still wonder what creeking
really is. Well, for all those wondering folks out there, here it is: the
tradition goes back as far as the 1950’s. Whenever a couple becomes engaged,
they are eventually thrown into Buffalo Creek by a group of their friends.
Many faculty members can share a story or two about their own creeking
experiences. Associate Professor of Accounting Bob Mahan was creeked in 2001 by
his own students when they heard about his engagement.
In fact, in years past The Stampede published an end-of-year list of all the
newly engaged couples. In 1970, there were 42 new engagements on Milligan’s
campus, most of which were forced to face the creek.
For the most part, creekings take place at night when the victim is kidnapped
and thrown into Buffalo Creek. It seems not to matter what time of year the
creeking takes place. While some have been creeked during the late summer and
early fall, others have been thrown in during the middle of the winter. There is
always an element of surprise, as the couples have no idea when they are going
to be creeked.
Senior Samantha Van Duyn has been engaged for two months and is still waiting
for her turn to be creeked.
“In the beginning, it was more suspenseful because you know it’s going to happen
but not when,” Van Duyn said. “As time goes on, I’ve realized that it’s
inevitable but I still make sure to lock my doors at night.”
This semester has seen the creeking of at least 12 engaged individuals.
“I think this tradition is fabulous, and it makes the whole experience special
because your friends are involved,” recent creeking victim Lisa Saca said.
According to Director of Student Life Danielle Booth, the administration permits
creeking as long as it is not done in a way meant to hurt the student or go
against the student’s wishes.
“When it becomes harmful to the student, that is when it is considered hazing
and will be dealt with according to school policy,” Booth said.
Milligan’s student handbook describes hazing as harassments, threats, and verbal
or physical intimidation. School policy calls hazing an “unacceptable activity
and will result in strict disciplinary action.”
Nevertheless, this tradition will continue as new couples become engaged and
their friends share in the joy. Don’t think that you can escape it. Even alumni
who get engaged after graduation have come back to visit Milligan only to find
themselves being thrown in the creek in celebration.