A Pioneering 'Rat' Pack at VMI; Freshmen on School's First-Ever Women's Sports Team Endure Torturous Traditions From: The Washington Post | Date: October 22, 2003| Author: Greg Sandoval | Copyright 2003 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post.Copyright information

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Colleen Redmond's right bicep is bruised, her knees are nicked and red. She blinks away tears as she speaks about what she's been through.

Like all first-year cadets at the Virginia Military Institute, Redmond has been berated, belittled, cursed and forced to do push- ups when her shoes aren't shined or her uniform brass isn't polished. Redmond's body was so run down recently, she spent time in the campus hospital. The 19-year-old considered dropping out of school.

Redm...