The alleged incident, which took place last weekend, is being investigated by the NCAA Division II school and the Chadron Police Department, according to multiple media reports.
Dr. Randy Rhine, president of Chadron State College, issued a letter to the school's staff and students, saying, "I am disappointed to report to you that Chadron State College has been made aware of an off-campus incident last Saturday [Sept. 9] involving an alleged initiation rite between student-athletes belonging to the wrestling team."
Rhine went on to say the type of alleged behavior will not be tolerated at the school.
"Appropriate disciplinary action will be imposed on the students involved if they are found to be at fault", said Rhine. "These actions violate team rules, Chadron State College and Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees policies, and potentially Nebraska State Law."
Rhine concluded the letter by challenging students and employees to "take a firm stance on maintaining a campus culture built on respect, leadership and dignity." He urged students to report any similar future incidents to his office or that of the Vice President.
Rhine also said that Chadron State had contacted Chadron Police, which confirmed to NBC Nebraska that a law enforcement investigation was underway.
Chadron Police Chief Tim Lordino said he is unable to comment "as the investigation is still developing."
The Eagle, Chadron State's student paper which originally broke the story, contacted head wrestling coach Brett Hunter, who declined comment, saying, "With an ongoing investigation, I can't say anything."
Chadron State College is a four-year state school located in the western panhandle of Nebraska. Founded in 1911, Chadron State has an enrollment of 3,000 students. Its sports programs -- including the wrestling team -- compete in NCAA Division II.
If the allegations are true, this would not be the first time a college wrestling program has faced allegations of hazing. In the fall of 2013, some wrestlers at York College -- an NCAA Division III program in Pennsylvania -- engaged in physically abusive rituals involving teammates at off-campus locations. The school suspended the entire mat program for one week to conduct an internal investigation. York administrators uncovered evidence of hazing, and disciplined a number of student-athletes, with some receiving suspensions, while others faced expulsion. In addition, York administrators put the wrestling program on a one-year probation.
UPDATE 10/8/17
Three Chadron State wrestlers have been expelled for their involvement in hazing rituals involving freshman wrestlers. A fourth wrestler was booted from the team but not expelled. Details -- and a brief video showing one hazing incident -- in update article posted at InterMat: http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/18710
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