W Cath cancels X-country over 'goosing'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- The West Catholic High School varsity boys' cross country team will not be allowed to race competitively next fall after administrators said team members took part in inappropriate locker room behavior.

That included "goosing" and name-calling, principal Tom Maj told 24 Hour News 8, but he said it didn't rise to the level of hazing in his mind or require any suspensions or expulsions.

The complaints came to administrators in December, according to a letter sent to parents. School leaders met with parents Thursday night.

Maj said he contacted Grand Rapids police to be safe and because the original allegations were more serious than what investigators said ultimately happened. The letter to parents stated police had turned over their investigation to prosecutors.

Regardless of the outcome, the letter stated administrators stand by the decision to keep the students from competing.

"I needed to get their attention," Maj told 24 Hour News 8.

The students violated policies in the student handbook, according to the letter. The principal said in an interview that as a Catholic high school, students must be held to a moral standard.

The team includes two students who would be seniors next school year, Maj said. Students will be allowed to train as a club team, according to the letter.

---------

On the Web:

The West Catholic student handbook