As rain poured and lightning flashed, hip-hop groups Jurassic 5 and Black Eyed Peas refused to allow the weather to defeat them for a second time. The groups continued their sets at WILD on Saturday night as hundreds of soggy students cheered loudly from the muddy Quad.

This fall’s WILD signified the first time in more than a year that the event came off as planned. Last fall’s concert was reorganized following the September 11 attacks, and Jurassic 5 and Black Eyed Peas were unable to perform last spring due to tornado warnings in the St. Louis area.

WU Police Chief Don Strom said despite the poor weather and high anticipation among students, students at this year’s WILD remained fairly calm and low-key.

“We really didn’t have any serious problems,” Strom said. “And I thought that we had one of the largest crowds I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It went pretty well.”

Strom attributed the event’s lack of legal and medical incidents to the intensive preparation that went into the event.

“This year’s plan was one of the most comprehensive we’ve had,” said Strom. “And we’ll start planning for the next WILD in a couple of weeks.”

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Students and Director of Campus Life Jill Carnaghi also commented on the excellent preparation that went in to the event.

“I think that Walk In Lay Down went extremely well,” Carnaghi said. “The number of students working on it [was] incredibly large. The tasks were delegated way ahead of time. Team 31 covered everything they possibly could. It was very impressive.”

Carnaghi was also enthusiastic about the good behavior exhibited by the students who attended the event.

“When the two main acts came on, I felt like the crowd was just shrink-wrapped into the front of the Quad to be close to the music,” Carnaghi said. “But I felt that the students’ behavior was incredibly civil and respectful to each other. We had the largest attendance of guests we’ve ever had. I was extremely impressed by the whole event.”

The excellent preparation for the event seems to have benefited not only the planners, but the students as well. Many students appeared to generally agree that the event was a success, but most offered different reasons for why they liked the concert.

“After two rather disappointing WILDs freshman year, this one was definitely worth the wait,” said sophomore Eric Portis.

Some students were not only willing to endure the rain, but said it actually improved the event.

“The atmosphere and music were good,” said junior Adam Kettler. “I love the rain.”

Other students said the musical performances made this year’s WILD memorable.

“I love Black Eyed Peas and Jurassic 5,” said junior Jimmy Fawcett. “I’ve seen J5 twice before and this was definitely their best show.”

Another popular explanation for the event’s success was how it incorporates many facets of the WU community.

“[WILD] brings everyone together: faculty, staff, students, and friends,” said junior Katie Castellano. “It’s great.”

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