Men's spring soccer season cancelled after hazing investigation

The following letter was issued to the Skidmore community this evening by President Philip A. Glotzbach:

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community:

I am disappointed and saddened to inform you that – following an investigation by Campus Safety into reports of hazing and underage drinking by members of the men’s soccer team at an off-campus location – the College has cancelled the team’s spring season and initiated disciplinary proceedings involving 28 Skidmore students, including 24 current team members. This investigation was prompted by our learning of a team initiation on November 30, 2012 referred to by some as “Rookie Night.”  We informed the team of these actions this evening.

Fortunately, no students were hospitalized or suffered lasting injury.  However, the potential for injury was considerable and the actions themselves inexcusable.  All student-athletes sign a pledge at the start of every season stating that they will not engage in any form of hazing.  They are public ambassadors for the College; as such, we expect them to represent Skidmore at its very best.  In failing to honor that pledge, the students in question have not only endangered a number of their fellow students but also threatened the core values that bind and undergird our entire community. In addition to our cancellation of the men’s soccer spring season, all athletes found to have participated in this incident will be barred from participation in any spring sport. A number of the team members face suspensions for significant portions of the fall season, and all students are subject to further disciplinary review as part of the student conduct process.

We have provided the results of Campus Safety’s investigation to the Saratoga Springs Police Department and Saratoga County District Attorney.

As concerned as we are by the lack of leadership and judgment demonstrated by team members in this incident, we must acknowledge the maturity they have shown in the course of Campus Safety’s investigation. They are taking responsibility for their behavior and recognizing that actions have consequences.  Let me add that the head coach of the men’s soccer team and the Director of Athletics deserve our appreciation and praise for having acted swiftly and appropriately as soon as they learned of these incidents.

As difficult as this is for all who are directly involved in this matter, as well as for everyone who cares about Skidmore, we see evidence already that important lessons are being learned, and we are confident that the actions we are taking in the end will make us all wiser and our athletics program stronger.

Sincerely,

Philip A. Glotzbach
President