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. 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.. 2303 College Avenue Huntington, IN 46750 (260) 356-6000. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Wright, a 2022 first-team All-SEC selection, held a draft party in Knoxville and celebrated with his family and friends. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. What happens to unclaimed lottery ticket winnings? Lauren is a former professional runner with the Oregon Track Club (OTC) from 2012 to 2015 who made the 2015 World Championships in the 1500 meters and this year, at age 35, ran 4:07.73her best time in five years. In 2019, one of the runners was one of a select few who would receive injections of an unknown substance on a bi-weekly basis and told to sign non-disclosure agreements. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. (WANE) Huntington University has placed its head cross country coach and an assistant on leave after two former runners claimed in a federal lawsuit they were doped,. The organization said it made the decision following the issues surrounding the cross-country program at Huntington. 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. Stoffel and Wilson describe being injected with unknown substances. Nick Johnson told athletes the substance was part of a study to measure the effects of the supplement on body fat and was approved by the university and the NAIA, though the athletes describe random injections that werent part of any organized study. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. (WANE) Two former Huntington University cross country and track runners claim in a federal lawsuit they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped by a coach and that school officials and other coaches allowed the abuse. (WANE) Huntington University has placed its head cross country coach and an assistant on leave after two former runners claimed in a federal lawsuit they were doped, sexually assaulted and raped. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. She was inducted into the the HU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. The runners claim Hines and Lauren Johnson knew of the abuse but did nothing, according to the lawsuit. 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. 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The lawsuit also alleges negligence by Johnson's wife, Lauren Johnson, as well as assistant coach Curtis Hines, Huntington University and other school officials. In the suit, the runners claimed Nicholas Johnson would perform massages or treatments on them and sexually assault them. Race registration is open until the night of the race. He posed as a University of Oregon official to contact a high school runners parents and arrange a recruiting trip. That recruiting trip involved Johnson and the recruit spending the weekend together at motels in Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Its more than a premier Christian college experienceits a solid foundation, a close-knit community, and a Christ-centered home where you belong. Huntington University is a Christian liberal arts college in Huntington, Indiana, about 100 miles northeast of Indianapolis. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Huntington University sent emails to students and financial supporters saying they're working through the allegations and remained focused on caring for students. Voters will decide who they want to get the nomination for the seat for each party. 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.. He had previously faced two counts of child seduction and one count of kidnapping and identity deception, but the charges were dropped in a plea deal. The 5K will start in front of the student union building and will cover ground around campus and the HU Cross Country Course. Forester Night Recognizes Foresters, Professor of the Year, Foresters Take Home IASB Video School of the Year Award, Forester Students Dominate Advertising Honors, Alpha Chi Students Garner National Academic Awards. Its more than a premier Christian college experienceits a solid foundation, a close-knit community, and a Christ-centered home where you belong. Still, the runners claim in the lawsuit the university allowed Nicholas Johnson to remain heavily involved in the cross country program, even forcing members to write positive statements about the former coach and what Mr. Johnson means to them.. case, FW Animal Care & Control helps man find dog 2 years, Electric Works apartments making progress, Barbie launches doll for AAPI Heritage Month, Cheers bar, Tonight Show set among TV history, FWCS ends adult education program after 35 years, Coroner: 3-vehicle crash near Roanoke leaves man, Plea deal: Woman admits to sex in front of kids, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Cat that loves Taylor Swift music up for adoption, Stranger than fiction: Tick bite may cause allergy, LOOK: Obama, Springsteen, Spielberg photo, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Huntington University sent emails to students and financial supporters saying they're working through the allegations and remained focused on caring for students. An. L-carnitine is the naturally occurring amino acid that converts fat to energy; use in limited quantities is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, though its prohibited overuse was part of Alberto Salazars downfall. She decommitted from NCAA DI powerhouse University of Colorado to run for Huntington. 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(FOX59) A former coach at Huntington University denies allegations made by two former Huntington University cross country and track runners who filed a federal lawsuit. With plenty of campus visit options, you can catch a glimpse of what it would be like to be a student here. All proceeds from the Night Lights 5K will be donated to Huntington Universitys Cross Country team. New charges filed against former Huntington U track coach, One person received minor burns in fire at R&P Dumpster Services. Huntington University 2023. 2023 www.indystar.com. 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.. According to the lawsuit, Nicholas Johnson was a part a running program under the leadership of disgraced distance runner Alberto Salazar, who was banned for four years by the USDA for doping in 2019. At 500, the petition could be featured among recommendations on change.org. No criminal charges have been filed. A petition initiated by Huntington students calls for resignations of Sherilyn Emberton, university president; Russ Degitz, chief operating officer, and Lori Culler, athletic director. She quit competitive running. 2023 www.indystar.com. A dark side:Christian collegecoach created a culture of doping and sex, star runners allege. It was moved to Indiana Wesleyan University. A second petition initiated by students had nearly 500 signatures by Friday afternoon, Oct. 14. The Forever Foresters event, scheduled for next Thursday, has been taken off the HU calendar and website. The lawsuit also claimed that Nicholas Johnson raped one runner multiple times. (WANE) A former Huntington University cross country coach was charged with identity deception and is serving time in jail. Doyel:Unspeakable allegations of sex, doping and denial at Huntington. He will serve30 days of jail time,550 days of probation, and 150 days on electronic monitoring. FORT WAYNE, Ind. Bunker leads the team in batting average (.408), hits (62), doubles (12), RBI (51) and slugging percentage (.678). Heres How We Start, I Was Sexually Abused by My High School Coach, USATF Mountain Running Championships Results. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. OB/GYN malpractice, IndyGo changing routes, increasing some wait times, Vandalism closes Clinton Co. school for the day, Thieves commit smash-n-grab at Beech Grove gun store, Teacher charged with stalking sent student 600+ texts, Aerosmiths farewell tour to stop in Indianapolis, 21-year-old arrested after deadly Brown County crash, Clothing, human remains found in Greene County field, This IN restaurant ranked among Yelps Top 100 of, Indiana OB/GYN faces medical malpractice suit, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It was moved to Indiana Wesleyan University. 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, Here's why Huntington University's running program is under scrutiny. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. An IndyStar sports investigation uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, potential doping and other issues in the women's running program at Huntington University. The lawsuit also alleges that Nick and Lauren picked up a doping regimen during their time in Oregon and possibly from Salazar himself. .css-17zuyas{display:block;font-family:Sailec,Sailec-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-17zuyas:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.4;}}.css-17zuyas h2 span:hover{color:#CDCDCD;}USATF Mountain Running Championships Results, These High School Boys Have Run Sub-4 Minute Miles, Watch: 96-Year-Old Clocks a 24-Second 100 Meters, Stephanie Bruce Sneaks In a Race at Big Sur, Ultramarathoner Runs to Destigmatize Incontinence, Mark Zuckerberg Just Ran a Surprisingly Fast 5K. 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. The University has engaged in communication with key stakeholders to begin the necessary work required to ensure the ongoing care of our students," the statement said. 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. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. 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. Johnson, 35, was initially arrested in December 2020 and charged with felony charges of child seduction, kidnapping, and identity deception. The program received national attention this summer thanks to star recruit Addy Wiley, who set a national high school record of 4:26.16 for 1600 meters (while being paced by coach Lauren) and placed fifth at the World Junior Championships in August. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A dark side:Christian collegecoach created a culture of doping and sex, star runners allege. The University has engaged in communication with key stakeholders to begin the necessary work required to ensure the ongoing care of our students," the statement said. Why Trust Us? Out of respect for the individuals involved and the law enforcement process, the University will not be making any public comment on this matter. It is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Lauren Johnson represented the United States in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where she qualified for the semifinals. Austin Roark, head coach of HUs track and field team, will assume a dual role and lead the cross country team as well during this time. Johnson, who grew up in Huntington and ran for the Foresters, pleaded guilty to felony identity deception in 2021 and served 30 days of a two-year sentence. The court also issued summons to the defendants listed in the lawsuit. Second Avon HS student dies from drug overdose, More victims expected in Ind. The university then hired Lauren Johnson, who was still living with Nicholas Johnson. The University was informed on Thursday, December 10, that charges were filed in Huntington County against Johnson. We understand that the pending lawsuit will account for how the wolves got there in the first place and why they were permitted to stay. This year a loaded field of five . Second Avon HS student dies from drug overdose, More victims expected in Ind. Nicholas Johnson, 33, was originally charged with two counts of child seduction, as well as charges of kidnapping and identity deception. It states: Students are ashamed to be receiving a degree from this institution as it is not currently representing Christ, Scholarship, and Service accurately. Nick Johnson was fired as HU coach in December 2020 and succeeded by his wife. 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. 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 . HUNTINGTON, Ind. The HU cross country course is located north of campus off of Gragg and Stults Roads. Huntington University. He spent 30 days in jail and 150 days on electronic monitoring. As of Thursday afternoon, Oct. 6, profiles of former head coach Lauren Johnson and assistant Curtis Hines, who were named in the federal lawsuit filed by two former HU runners, have been removed from the universitys website. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Huntington University 2023. CJ Robertson, who once ran for. She replaced her husband, Nick Johnson, in the position. Feb 8, 2022 Former Huntington University cross country coach Nicholas Johnson was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to identity deception. 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 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. An Indiana law that requires abortion clinics to either bury or cremate fetal remains will remain in effect after the U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to consider a lawsuit challenging it. According to USADA, she has been drug tested seven times this year. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 1819 Carew St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 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. The runners claimed Hines and Lauren Johnson knew of the abuse but did nothing, according to the lawsuit. None of the crimes are alleged to have taken place at Huntington University. Police confirmed that a report was made, but a copy of the report was not available Tuesday. Johnson claimed that different injections were lactic acid for a tolerance test on the treadmill, and to treat a case of poison ivy so Stoffels achilles tendon injury would heal faster. 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. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. Firefighters with the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWPD) responded to a fire at R&P Dumpster Services this afternoon. 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. Both Hines and Lauren Johnson knew about the doping program and did nothing to stop distribution of the drugs, the lawsuit said. An IndyStar sports investigation uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, potential doping and other issues in the women's running program at Huntington University. Former coach Nick Johnson is accused of sexual abuse and doping by two former runners at the NAIA school in a recently-filed federal lawsuit. Online court records show Nicholas Johnson is now facing additional sexual battery and battery charges, filed on Monday. He was the third cross country coach in the schools history. Lauren Johnson represented the United States in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where she qualified for the semifinals. Nick Johnson, 35, formerly coached cross-country and track at Huntington University, where he was hired in 2018. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. case, FW Animal Care & Control helps man find dog 2 years, Electric Works apartments making progress, Barbie launches doll for AAPI Heritage Month, Cheers bar, Tonight Show set among TV history, FWCS ends adult education program after 35 years, Coroner: 3-vehicle crash near Roanoke leaves man, Plea deal: Woman admits to sex in front of kids, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Cat that loves Taylor Swift music up for adoption, Stranger than fiction: Tick bite may cause allergy, LOOK: Obama, Springsteen, Spielberg photo, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The new lawsuit alleges that Lauren was kicked off the team and Nick was fired at the same time, when Lauren returned from Worlds in 2015. Skip to main content Toggle navigation Sports Men's Sports Baseball Schedule Roster News Basketball Schedule Roster News Bowling Schedule Roster Indiana State Police say an Illinois man was killed in a head-on crash Monday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road. 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.