October 29, 2009

EAST STROUDSBURG – The East Stroudsburg University women’s field hockey team will not participate in this weekend’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships on Friday and Saturday, (October 30th and 31st) at Shippensburg due to allegations, currently under investigation by the university, involving team member participation in possible hazing activities.

The allegations regarding student-athlete participation in hazing are being vigorously investigated by the university. Investigations are also being conducted as to possible staff involvement and the matter has been referred to law enforcement authorities. Disciplinary action, if warranted, will be taken by the university.

“East Stroudsburg University does not condone hazing and takes hazing allegations seriously. Hazing is an illegal and dangerous activity and is unacceptable in all forms. Student-athletes at ESU deserve the best possible experience and should be protected from participating in either individual or team-based hazing practices,” said University President, Dr. Robert J. Dillman.

Due to the investigation the university will forfeit Friday’s PSAC semifinal game vs. Shippensburg and will not participate in the NCAA Division II championships.

The university extends its sincere apologies to the PSAC and its member institutions, including the coaches and student-athletes at Shippensburg, Bloomsburg and Mercyhurst who will participate in the PSAC field hockey championship this weekend.

The field hockey team was set to make its first PSAC playoff appearance since 2002 and had a 14-6 record in the regular season.