Sneak Peek of the 2024 Olympic Marathon Course, Molly Seidels Strategy to Manage Her ADHD and OCD, Witchy Half-Marathon Record Has Been Broken Again. It was to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the school. This is not included in the ongoing lawsuit. We do more than provide students with a comprehensive, nationally-recognized education. Huntington University. Huntington University 2023. The lawsuit also alleges negligence by Johnson's wife, Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, Huntington University and other school officials. Huntington University and the Green Ribbon Committee are pleased to announce the second annual Night Lights 5K. He spent 30 days in jail and 150 days on electronic monitoring. This league has provided the men's team winner or runner-up (or both) in each of the last three NAIA national championships. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. T-shirts are available for $20, with proceeds benefiting the HU Cross Country team. Online court records show Nicholas Johnson is now facing additional sexual battery and battery charges, filed on Monday. Check out these great suggestions. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. The story was broken last week by IndyStar sportswriter David Woods, who recently joined FOX59s Angela Ganote in studio to discuss the story. On Oct. 10, Indiana High School Athletic Association announced that its upcoming semistate would no longer take place at Huntington. On Oct. 10, Indiana High School Athletic Association announced that its upcoming semistate would no longer take place at Huntington. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007. HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University in northeastern Indiana placed its women's cross country head coach and an assistant on leave after two former runners claimed in a federal lawsuit they were doped and . Since then, a civil lawsuit has been filed by two former athletes claiming Johnson sexually harassed them and injected them with an unknown substance. FORT WAYNE, Ind. I think theres a lot of abuse of power by coaches.. On Thursday, the school issued another statement: The University has engaged in communication with key stakeholders to begin the necessary work required to ensure the ongoing care of our students. The college is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and it competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Crossroads League conference, which is made up of private Christian colleges. Lynette Fager, the university's director of communication, issued a statement to IndyStar about the coaching changes and its response to the new allegations, which focused mainly on the actions of Nick Johnson. Former Huntington University cross country head coach Nicholas Johnson, who was an assistant coach on the NAIA program's national indoor championship team in 2019 before his recent firing, is. Earlier this week, multiple lawyers made appearances in federal court on behalf of the runners, according to court records and documents. The HU cross country course is located north of campus off of Gragg and Stults Roads. Second Avon HS student dies from drug overdose, More victims expected in Ind. Huntington University is doing its due diligence but cannot comment further at this time.. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. We are committed to academic excellence and equipping you with the education and real-world skills needed to thrive in your future career. She replaced her husband, Nick Johnson, in the position. HUNTINGTON, Ind. The individuals and the school did not respond to requests for comment. The Official 2022 Women's Cross Country Roster of Huntington University. Leaders at Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS) say a student took an unloaded gun to a middle school building Monday afternoon. Second Avon HS student dies from drug overdose, More victims expected in Ind. We certainly hope to return to Huntington for the 2023 . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Online court records show Nicholas Johnson is now facing additional sexual battery and battery charges, filed on Monday. Nicholas Johnson, 33, was originally charged with two counts of child seduction, as well as charges of kidnapping and identity deception. In the lawsuit, the former team members claim the university encouraged other team members to visit Nicholas Johnson at his home for running advice and comradery. Both Hines and Lauren Johnson knew about the doping program and did nothing to stop distribution of the drugs, the lawsuit said. 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The lawsuit names former coach Nicholas Johnson and his wife, current coach Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, the university, the universitys board of trustees as well as unnamed administrators as defendants. We remain committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.. The university then hired Lauren Johnson, who was still living with Nicholas Johnson. 1819 Carew St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 According to a post on the Huntington University Foresters Facebook page, Johnson is a HU alum and Huntington native who was hired in 2018 to take over the universitys mens and womens cross country program. Were learning more about the allegations against a former Grant County doctor. More than 200 Huntington students and alumni signed a petition calling for the ouster of university leaders who knew about the allegations of abuse in the track and field program. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Fort Wayne Community Schools looks to solve concerning gun issue, Huntington University coach arrested for child seduction and kidnapping, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, Picnic-planning ideas for the spring season, Will Indiana teachers get a raise from new state, Dreary open to May gets resolved in the upcoming, May kicks off busy month for Speedway businesses. One of the runners who filed the lawsuit joined the Huntington program in 2019 while the other joined in 2020. Bunker leads the team in batting average (.408), hits (62), doubles (12), RBI (51) and slugging percentage (.678). We remain committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.. Huntington University has failed to take accountability for the safety and human rights of students.. Johanna Gretschel is a freelance writer and broadcaster living in Austin, Texas, who has covered elite track and field and running in all its forms. The 5K will start in front of the student union building and will cover ground around campus and the HU Cross Country Course. She contributes to Runners World, ESPN, Austin American-Statesman, FloTrack, MileSplit, Womens Running and Podium Runner. The course is marked with a 3K, 5K and 8K route. Johnson was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 150 days to be served under electronic monitoring in February of 2022 after pleading guilty to identity deception. The lawsuit also claimed that Nicholas Johnson raped one runner multiple times. Additional details surrounding the newly-filed charges have not yet been released. Investigators believe Johnson set up a fake email account to carry out the crimes and at one point traveled with the victim across state lines to pick up a puppy. Johnson told investigators he performed physical treatments that involved inappropriate touching in his garage which the victim also confirmed took place. The IHSAA confirmed Monday the meet will be. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, MORE: Huntington U cross-country and track program allowed doping, rape, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, Picnic-planning ideas for the spring season, Will Indiana teachers get a raise from new state, Dreary open to May gets resolved in the upcoming, May kicks off busy month for Speedway businesses. The university is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as well as the Crossroads League, a conference of private Christian colleges in the Midwest. 2303 College Avenue Huntington, IN 46750 (260) 356-6000. Huntington athletic teams are called the Foresters. 2023 www.indystar.com. scandal in the Huntington University track and field, Unspeakable allegations of sex, doping and denial at Huntington, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Lauren Johnson, 35, is in her second year as cross-country coach of Huntington University, where she is the first female coach to head the program. . In 2020, Nicholas Johnson was charged with two counts of child seduction, kidnapping and identity deception. Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University Faces Lawsuit From Cross Country Doping And Sexual Allegations Against Coaches IHSAA Suddenly Moves Semi-State Cross Country Meet From Huntington University To Indiana Wesleyan Since the suit was filed the Forresters cross country teams have not competed. Huntington athletic teams are called the Foresters. The University has and continues to provide a variety of opportunities and directed avenues for students who were impacted to be heard, obtain counseling services, and makeTitle IXinquiries. Stoffel and Wilson describe being injected with unknown substances. Its so frustrating, Wilson, a five-time NAIA national champion, said to the IndyStar, to feel like you cheated when you didnt even have a choice.. At 500, the petition could be featured among recommendations on change.org. What happens to unclaimed lottery ticket winnings? Two former Huntington University cross country and track runners claim in the federal lawsuit that they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped by Johnson and that school officials and other coaches allowed the abuse. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. The Forever Foresters event, scheduled for next Thursday, has been taken off the HU calendar and website. He was fired in 2020 after being arrested on four felony charges related to a high school girl. A campus gala scheduled for October was taken off the HU calendar and website. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The University was informed on Thursday, December 10, that charges were filed in Huntington County against Johnson. Nicholas Johnson, 33, was originally charged with. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? (WPTA) - New charges have been filed against the former Huntington University womens cross country coach who was fired following inappropriate conduct with a student. We remain committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.. Huntington University and the Green Ribbon Committee are pleased to announce the second annual Night Lights 5K. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. It states: Students are ashamed to be receiving a degree from this institution as it is not currently representing Christ, Scholarship, and Service accurately. Huntington is part of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. In that case, he was accused of performing inappropriate medical procedures on a person between the ages of 16 and 18 years old, according to Huntington Superior Court documents. This is a free event, but registration will be required. Its more than a premier Christian college experienceits a solid foundation, a close-knit community, and a Christ-centered home where you belong. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. We are committed to academic excellence and equipping you with the education and real-world skills needed to thrive in your future career. All Rights Reserved. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Lynette Fager, the university's director of communication, issued a statement to IndyStar about the coaching changes and its response to the new allegations, which focused mainly on the actions of Nick Johnson. The University has and continues to provide a variety of opportunities and directed avenues for students who were impacted to be heard, obtain counseling services, and make Title IXinquiries. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Stoffel describes her distress after being forcibly injected near her uterus, and later being given unidentified pills to take, which she threw away. Lauren Johnson was promoted to the head cross-country coach position following her husbands firing, despite student-athletes and parents concerns that Nick Johnson was allowed to stay too close to the program. So let us say this very clearly, shepherds: there are wolves in the pen. HUNTINGTON, Ind. It added that university officials were aware or should have been aware of the abuse and did nothing to protect the runners. It states: Students are ashamed to be receiving a degree from this institution as it is not currently representing Christ, Scholarship, and Service accurately. HUNTINGTON, Ind. Stoffel called the initial injections The Experiment and says that Nick Johnson called the substance Carnitor, a diet supplement used to treat low blood levels of carnitine. Fort Wayne Location. Lauren Johnson and Hines were placed on administrative leave Oct. 7. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He was terminated as the coach of Huntington University. The University has engaged in communication with key stakeholders to begin the necessary work required to ensure the ongoing care of our students.. Huntington is part of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Firefighters with the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWPD) responded to a fire at R&P Dumpster Services this afternoon. Christian collegecoach created a culture of doping and sex, star runners allege, Unspeakable allegations of sex, doping and denial at Huntington, issued a statement to IndyStar about the coaching changes and its response to the new allegations, Indiana High School Athletic Association announced, 200 Huntington students and alumni signed a petition, In wake of scandal, Huntington University cancels gala and gets hit with 2nd petition, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A lawsuit filed 2 weeks ago in the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana alleges that former HU cross-country Head Coach Nick Johnson sexually and physically abused runners. (WANE) A former Huntington University cross country coach was charged with identity deception and is serving time in jail. Action is set Saturday at the Huntington University Cross Country Course in Huntington, Indiana, with the men's 8k starting at 10:30 a.m. Attorneys for an embattled ex Huntington University track coach are seeking a change of venue for his looming sexual battery trial, according to a motion filed late last week in Huntington Superior As of 6 p.m. Friday, the petition had 566 signatures. Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com. Nick Johnson was fired as HU coach in December 2020 and succeeded by his wife. Both Hines and Lauren Johnson knew about the doping program and did nothing to stop distribution of the drugs, the lawsuit said. The runners claim Hines and Lauren Johnson knew of the abuse but did nothing, according to the lawsuit. Police records show that Johnson slept with and showered with the teen. After the lawsuit was filed, Huntington University issued this statement: University leadership has been made aware that a civil suit was filed that names the University, as well as individuals formerly and currently associated with the University. Lauren Johnson represented the United States in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where she qualified for the semifinals. All proceeds from the Night Lights 5K will be donated to Huntington Universitys Cross Country team. The IHSAA confirmed Monday the meet will be held on Oct. 22 at Indiana Wesleyan University. After a 2021 season that saw her win five NAIA titles and run 32:38.56 for 10K, Wilson left Huntington to transfer to the University of Indianapolis and then Indiana State. The court also issued summons to the defendants listed in the lawsuit. He was fired in 2020 after being arrested on four felony charges related to a high school girl. She was inducted into the the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. This event will take place on Friday, August 26 at 8:30 p.m. According to the sentencing order, prosecutors dropped all othercharges related to the incident after Johnson pleaded guilty to identity deception. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Huntington chose Roark, the new head coach in track and field, as cross-country coach, too. Yes, she has run a marathon! From the moment you set foot on campus, youll feel the HU difference. In the suit, the runners claim the Johnsons Nicholas Johnson was head coach while his wife was assistant coach beginning in 2018 used an illegal performance enhancing doping program the coaching duo learned years earlier while running in the Pacific Northwest. Huntington University has failed to take accountability for the safety and human rights of students.. Race registration is open until the night of the race. The northeastern Indiana school featured two national champions in cross-country, won a national team. A dark side:Christian collegecoach created a culture of doping and sex, star runners allege. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. An earlier petition, signed by more than 200 current and former Huntington University womens athletes, asked for removal of administrators and those on the Board of Trustees who knew of the abuse. What happens to unclaimed lottery ticket winnings? According to USADA, she has been drug tested seven times this year. FOX59 reached out to Huntington University for a statement and this is what the university had to say: Huntington University has placed Lauren Johnson and Curtis Hines on administrative leave effective immediately and until further notice pending investigation. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The university reported enrollment is 1,428. The race for Fort Waynes next mayor is ramping up as candidates prepare for the 2023 primary election in Allen County. In a statement to Runners World, Huntington University Director of Communication, Lynette Fager said: University leadership has been made aware that a civil suit was filed that names the University, as well as individuals formerly and currently associated with the University. She replaced her husband, Nick Johnson,. (WANE) A former Huntington University cross country coach was charged with identity deception and is serving time in jail. A federal lawsuit filed by former Huntington University cross-country runners alleges sexual assault and potential doping violations by former coach Nick Johnson, and negligence by his wife,. The runners also claim in the lawsuit they were psychological tortured with verbal abuse from Nicholas Johnson, and that he sexually battered them in front of members of Huntington University.